Yes, a lot of hard things have happened to our immediate family in the past two months.

No, I will not list them here.

Trust me when I tell you, I do not want to relive or experience the trauma of the “summer of 2025” ever again.

Here is what I do know, all things in this life are temporary. As Paul wrote, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2Corinthians 4:18

I am not minimizing the struggle at all, but I also realize that time marches on and eventually you end up on the other side of the “valley of the shadow of death.” Psalm 23:4

I know and knew that Jesus kept walking with us through all of it. Did I feel overwhelmed? Yep. Was I nervous and uncertain at times? Yes. Did I give up? No. Because I knew my friend and Savior Jesus was there with me and my family through the uncertainty of everything. Not only that, but I have the love and support of my church family and church friends from around the country.

Am I living with “rose colored glasses” here? Nope. I am living in faith! I am also thankful that Jesus and fellow believers (like you) watched over me and my family.

I am hopeful the worst is over for now but even if it is not, I am not alone and neither are you. We have each other and we have Jesus who will be always be with us.

Remember what Jesus said to each and every one of us….

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b

I believe that. Do you?

God bless you,
Pr. Ben