Thankful in the Valley
If we were to take a poll, everyone would agree that 2020 was a life altering year. However, I must say 2022 has dealt me with one gut-wrenching blow after the other. Without exaggeration, I can say that every single area of my life has been challenged this year…The challenges didn’t delay but began in January just as I set apart my year with prayer and fasting. (Isn’t it interesting how Satan works when it comes to God’s children) There was division in my marriage, my adolescent children where rebellious beyond recognition, my toddler received a rare medical diagnosis, my mother suffered a massive stroke taking away her independence. Then, changes at work were causing physical and emotional burnout….
Despite all that I have mentioned, when I think of thanksgiving and gratitude, I get so overwhelmed emotional…I truly don’t know where to begin because God has been so good and so faithful!
I was introduced to The Grace Movement (TGM) in 2020, but God used the group to meet me in a special way in 2022. I would go as far as to say God directed each series specifically for me, I know it sounds selfish to say, but I believe God loves me that much. Every challenge I faced, the TGM series, was tailored to direct, encourage, and deepen my relationship with God.
But in everything, I want to highlight my mother’s stroke . The day she fell sick, I was in such a panic to get to the hospital, which is about three hours from me. l shared the news with one of my closest sisters in Christ, and by the time I arrived at the hospital, she had connnected me with Dr. Sam, who I forgot, used to live in the area. He immediately came to the hospital and prayed with us. He connected me with his sister, who is a nurse in the area, and she provided guidance on rehabilitation facilities and insurance plans to make sure my mom would receive the best care. This is real-time evidence of the hands and feet of Christ in full action. Dr. Sam and Liz Antwi and the TGM family are a godsend. They never stopped checking on me and my family.
Today, my mom is home. She still needs 24-hour care, but she can walk and speak. Praise God! Every opportunity she get’s, she praises God for giving her another chance.. This is huge because she wasn’t always a believer and follower of Christ.
I can't say life is perfect. There are major areas of my family I'm still praying towards. But I can say this for sure, I have peace. My heart is in a good place in God! I am thankful for community. I thank God for the people who love me and pray for me.
God knew what I needed to get through this year, and every single topic we addressed in the year gave me the knowledge and ammunition I needed to get through those difficult moments.
My brothers and sisters in Christ never lose heart. We serve a Mega God who is intentionally orchestrating our paths. It may not always be pretty, but everything will happen in His perfect will.
God sees you. He hears you. He’s with you.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
(James 1:2-4)
Nanna Osei-Tutu Ebanks,
21 Days of Thanksgiving Day 20
The Grace Movement
