2020, The Year of Chaos. The most difficult year we weren’t expecting. It changed the lives of many people, or rather many changed during this year. In short, Roman and I probably feel pretty neutral about how the year went for us personally. When asked about our hardships in 2020, honestly it didn’t feel like we had any. We were both considered essential workers, so our income remained the same. However, we did experience COVID, and it wasn’t fun. My heart goes out to those who are suffering and now have long term damage because of it. If that’s you, just know that I’m praying for you.

Thankfully, God answered two big prayers in my life – friends who live close to Roman and I, and that I would be able to quit my job in 2020. He provided friends and a new job for me by the end of 2020 and I’m happy to say that I’m working in a church again and I’m so blessed and so thankful to be doing so. It’s where my heart thrives. 

Americans took on a difficult year, one that hit us hard emotionally. Unfortunately, the healing process has yet to begin. I’ve decided it starts with me. We’re all human and all broken in our own ways. If you’re a Christian, then you know how the healing begins. It starts with our relationship with Christ, then our words and actions. “Seek first the kingdom, and all these things will come after.” (Matthew 6:33) 

Many of us experienced heartache and loss in 2020, and if you did not, then I just simply ask you to be kind to those who did. I know people who were never able to say “goodbye” to a family member. Many others have suffered loss financially. Businesses shut down and our economy plummeted. We must face the fact that the loss did take place. But we also must decide what to do with that loss. How are we going to react to it? 

This is a new year with new hopes and dreams. Many fears loom around binding us from taking that step forward. These new desires look different to each of us. We’re not sure how to take that first step. Maybe that first step is finding a good Godly counselor, or confiding in someone we trust. Maybe it looks like writing down a plan to start a new business venture. Or just maybe that step looks like just writing that blog although you feel like others are going to overlook it because you just don’t think that others care for you or what you have to say. (Hah, that last one is for me.)

Although 2020 was a year of chaos, and a year that we weren’t expecting, it’s time to take a breath and shut fear up. It’s time to take that step and fall if you must. It’s time to move forward although you may not know the outcome. It’s time to let things go and make the decision that weighs heavier than the heart. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

We as a people have to stop trusting our hearts and decide for ourselves that our emotions are there to serve a purpose but are not there to control us. Our emotions are easily manipulated that they induce insecurities by the fears that creep into our life or bring happiness in moments that bring us pleasure. Due to this, we must be a people who are aware of our surroundings.

I pray that if you experienced loss in 2020, that you will experience a 10-fold blessing in 2021. I pray that if you are timid, that boldness will arise in you. I pray that if you are struggling financially, that God will provide an outlet to provide for you. I pray that if you are dealing with anxiety, depression and loneliness that God will heal you in a way that will be a testimony that will change lives. Just know that God has not forgotten you. 

Sincerely, 

*image was taken by Kara Brooke Photo. Please follow @karabrookephoto on instagram for more stunning imagery!