2018 is gone.  I know some of you are saying thank goodness! 2018 is a year "I want to forget and put far behind me", right?!?!  Trust me, I know how you feel.   2018  had many twists and turns, unexpected events, hardship, heartache and tears, if you are still breathing and reading this post, your right into 2019. So, what are you going to do?  Are you determined to change the picture and find opportunity inside of hardship?

On June 1st 2018 the life of my family changed forever when my son Michael, was arrested.  If you have been following the news, Michael was the Uber Driver who shot and killed his passenger in the early hours of June 1st.  His story made national and international news.  I even got a call from my nephew stationed in Japan as the story made headlines there. The feelings of shock, grief, pain and confusion raced through my brain as I tried to process what was happening.  Prior to June 1st, our

involvement with the court was the occasional traffic ticket or Jury duty.  It was frightening to find our family embroiled in a capital criminal court case.  For those who know Michael,  he is not the type of guy who would hurt anyone.  He is a husband and father of two, artist, musician,  counselor in a group home, college student and worked Uber as his side hustle to earn money at night so he could be with his boys during the day. Now he is fighting for is life. Fighting in a criminal justice system that is stacked against him.  The systems position is that He is guilty until proven innocent.  A system designed to drive the accused insane.  I have discovered that if you are brown, black, poor uneducated and without a family to advocate for you, you are lost.  The system will eat you up.   It is easy to lose hope and give up.  

This event while tragic because sadly someone lost their life, has had some wonderful outgrowth. Our Faith in God is stronger than it has ever been.  I have discovered where God was and is there  all along through this journey we are on.  The outpouring of love, finances, prayers and support from family, friends and the community has been tremendous. We are closer now as a family.  Closer than we have ever been.  Relationships are being healed. We are starting to appreciate the simple things that we used to take for granted.  We say "I Love You" more.

Ok so where is the Opportunity in all of this you might ask?  The opportunity is in where God has shown himself a strong tower, a provider, a healer.  We as a family have had the opportunity to share our story with people all over the world for their healing and restoration.  My son has had the opportunity to be still and quiet.  God has ministered to Him in a way I haven't heard before.  A wellspring of creativity has exploded from inside as he is using his gift as a visual artist to create amazing artwork.  He is writing a series of children's books.  He has become an evangelist, leading young men to Christ. Each member of our family is taking the opportunity to get healing in specific areas of their life where they weren't willing to do it before.  I am so grateful.

Opportunity is everywhere, even in hardship.  God has given us the ability to see Him in our situation.  He will, if we let Him, guide us to a place of peace, understanding, growth, transformation and yes, opportunity.  I urge you to take a look at where you are now.  It is a hard place?  Are circumstances tough?  Search for the opportunity to change the outcome, change your heart, change your mind and allow God to be your waymaker.

Jeremiah 29:11  "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord " plans to prosper you and not harm you, to give you a hope and a future"  NIV

Until next time,

 Blessings and Peace,