This post reflects a word I received from God during a moment of deep prayer—a moment when life felt like it was falling apart. I lost the love of my life, my best friend, and along with him, so many dreams I had cherished. Even now, there are times when my life goals feel out of reach. Looking around, I realized there was no one to blame for my circumstances but myself.  As a widow and the sole parent, I became fully responsible for every aspect of our lives. The weight of my choices, mistakes, and failures pressed heavily on my shoulders. Fear—both of the known and the unknown—left me paralyzed. The person I once was faded away in 2021, and since then, I’ve been on a journey to rediscover and redefine who I am today. I often ask myself: Who do I want to become in this new reality? How do I begin to rebuild, piece together broken dreams, and redesign my entire existence all at once? I’ve had to face the hard truth—I have a role to play in this new life, even though it’s one I never expected nor wanted.

Today, I was surprised by the voice of the Holy Spirit. He called my name.  It was beautiful to recognize the voice of my Shepherd.  Calling me to a place of calmness, God invited me to engage in conversation with Him, reminding me, once more, that He is my God and desires my friendship. How wonderful it is to hear the sweet sound of the Holy Spirit and not question where it comes from and why He would call my name. 

Time is always in movement. The clock is clicking; it never stops—tic, tack, tic, tack, tic…. The only uncertainty regarding time is what you do with it. You are the variable. Your dreams, your choices, your fears, your personality, your character, your strength, your ability to think, reflect, and to change are what might define your future. Destiny, what is it? I dreamed of touching lives. I dreamed of inspiring people to believe in themselves and strike for the outstanding. I dreamed of accomplishing great things—whatever great things might be. I dreamed of writing. I dreamed of teaching. I dreamed of being the best I can possibly be, in whatever I do. I dreamed of abundance when there was nothing to eat. I dreamed of piece when the night was scary, while I watched my father’s dead body rest in his final bed. I dreamed of relationships when I was alone among hundreds. I dreamed of comfort when I was facing my father’s rare smile, as he was lying lifeless just a few days before Christmas. I dreamed of being strong when I was forced to grow up and become my mother’s mother—the emotional matriarch of the family. I dreamed of breaking free from the limitations of my environment. I dreamed of going to places I never visited before—physically, emotionally, and intellectually. I dreamed of life when I was facing death by cancer (twice). I dreamed of being a mother when I was told I should abort my baby to survive. I dreamed of a healthy body, while going through 19 surgeries. I dreamed. I overcame.