That Could Have Been Me (or you), Sis

Sometimes another person's story has a way of making us look differently at our own. The unexpected passing of a former classmate reminded me not only of the grace that has carried me this far, but of how deeply I still need that grace today...and that every day we're given is another opportunity to choose life.

I recently learned that a classmate from high school passed away from a drug overdose. We weren't close, but I remembered her. And one evening, while washing dishes, I unexpectedly broke down crying at the realization that it could have been me.

Not because our lives looked the same, but because life is full of moments where one decision, one relationship, one circumstance, or one difficult season can change everything.

What was "just a fun party" could have easily led to an addiction. What was "just a ride with my boyfriend" could have easily become a road to jail. Not to mention those "only for a night" moments that could have resulted in lifelong consequences.

Let's be real, ladies. We have all made choices, entertained relationships, ignored warnings, or made small compromises that could have taken us somewhere we never intended to go.

Even today (saved, serving in ministry, going to church, and sincerely loving God), I’m reminded that none of us is beyond our need for His grace. We are all one devastating heartbreak, one piece of bad news, one difficult season, or even one really bad day away from being tempted to make a choice that could send our lives in a direction we never intended.

And for many of us, they did.

Maybe your story isn't addiction. Maybe it's a relationship you stayed in too long, a season when you lost yourself, a decision you wish you could undo, or simply a version of yourself you barely recognize anymore. Yet, by the grace of God, here we are.

Still breathing. Still growing. Still being given another opportunity to choose differently. Still being invited to walk more closely with Him.

There is something humbling about realizing that the life we have today isn't simply evidence that we've always made the right choices. Sometimes it's evidence of God's mercy meeting us in the middle of the wrong ones.

I know many of us are walking through difficult seasons right now. Some are carrying grief. Others are mentally exhausted, spiritually fatigued, anxious, or wondering if God still loves them. Whatever this season looks like for you, hold on to the truth that God is not finished with your story:

• "...He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion..."

  — Philippians 1:6

  
  

• "...and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield..."

  — Psalm 91:4

  
  

• We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

  — 2 Corinthians 4:8–9

Every day we're given is another opportunity to surrender, to make a different choice, to draw closer to God, and to become the woman He is calling us to be.

By God's grace, we're still here. Let's choose life.

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A Conversation for This Season

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KycWsNY55Wc

If you've been feeling spiritually tired, emotionally overwhelmed, or wondering where faith and mental health intersect, I invite you to listen to this episode of The Jasmine Love Podcast. In this conversation, licensed professional counselor Charmaine Dockett and I unpack what the Church sometimes misses when it comes to spiritual fatigue, emotional well-being, and the importance of caring for both our spirit and our mental.