Goodbye 2014, Hello 2015

As I reflect on the past year, I can see that it was a year full of changes both good and bad. 2014 was a crazy year for me, yet one full of blessings. In April, I met some amazing people who I know consider to be family and I’m blessed to have them in my life. I also got disowned by my parents because of my faith. April-July, I hit rock bottom in my depression. The loss of my family made me feel like an orphan & I became so numb that I engaged in self-destructive behaviors like becoming suicidal, drinking & driving, cutting myself, and even breaking my vow of celibacy to God. In August, I checked myself into intensive outpatient individual therapy and group therapy (which changed my life). I stopped cutting and changed my way of thinking and stopped having suicidal thoughts. I also started attending South Church in Hartford. In September, I found my true identity in Christ & finally knew what it meant to be born-again; I also rededicated my life to Christ and recommitted myself to celibacy. I celebrated my 23^rd birthday with my awesome friends and had an amazing birthday weekend.  In October, I lost my home, moved in with a friend, then moved out again, and moved into a spare bedroom my coworker was renting out. I also got into a relationship with one of my friends who taught me that it is possible for someone to accept me despite my flaws (I will never forget that). My brother also got into a relationship with a lovely young lady and I was so pleased to have met her and see my brother so happy. In November, I received the gift of speaking in tongues (scary at first but so exciting). I celebrated my 2^nd Thanksgiving & introduced the guy I was dating to my family and had a great time. I also met the guys from his band who are amazing and I’m so blessed to have met them because they welcomed me into their little family with opened arms. I went to a few Bad Habit shows and got to rock out which is totally my thing! Also, my little brother turned 21 and it was bittersweet to see that he’s turned into a handsome young man & not that little kid anymore. Also that month, my relationship with my guy ended. I was hurt for a while, but then felt the Lord telling me to let him go and I did & now I feel free and at peace which surprises even me. In December, I celebrated my 3^rd Christmas, my romantic feelings for my ex went away (prayer is powerful) & now I only see him as a brother in Christ, I exchanged Christmas gift with my lovely girlies (I’m so happy to be a part of this sisterhood in Christ), I met one of my best friend’s new boyfriend (the guy is awesome & a true man of God & he makes my friend happy & that’s what matters) and his friends who are pretty cool too. Also, God granted me the opportunity to see my parents for the first time in months, and to hug them & kiss them and hear them tell me they love me. I am humbled and grateful for that in so many ways, Thank you Jesus! Celebrated New Years Eve with some awesome people & spent a nice relaxed evening rather than partying (it was a nice change). I praise God for all the things that have happened, good & bad, this past year of 2014 because I’m a brand new person because of it (which I honestly didn’t think could happen). So here we are, 2015! (So many opportunities and possibilities). I sense God is going to do amazing, spectacular, and transformational things this year so be ready. This year, my goal is to keep falling in love with Jesus more and more, to get to know myself more in my identity in Christ, and to love others the way that I’m called to. That is all! I’m looking forward to see what journey God has in store for me and for all of us. Welcome 2015, I’m ready, let’s go!