When God Sends You an Earth Angel

 Sometimes God doesn't remove the difficult chapter. Sometimes He sends someone to help you walk through it.

There are moments in life when something happens and you can't quite explain it. You can call it coincidence. You can call it timing. You can call it fate. Or, if you believe as I do, you can quietly wonder whether perhaps God had a hand in it all along.

On 7 July 2026, I met someone online. One month later, I find myself wondering whether perhaps I didn't simply meet someone online. Perhaps God sent me an earth angel. Someone who appeared in my life at a time when I needed him more than I realized.

August has always been a difficult month for me. There are certain times of the year that carry emotions with them ... memories, absences, things that happened, and people who were once such an enormous part of your life and are no longer here in the same way.

For me, August brings a particular kind of ache. I have spent more than half my life with someone who was my pillar. Someone who knew me, someone who stood beside me through life, and someone whose presence became so deeply woven into my existence that it was difficult to imagine navigating certain chapters without him.

Losing that person changed something inside me. And although life continues, grief doesn't always follow a calendar. Some months simply hurt more than others. August is one of those months.

God knew that.

And perhaps that is why the timing of this someone entering my life feels so extraordinary. Because just as I was approaching another difficult August, another person appeared. Not to replace the person I lost. Nobody could. And not to erase the memories or take away the grief, but simply to stand beside me in a different way.

An unexpected presence. A listening ear. A source of laughter. A person of faith.

An earth angel.

We often imagine angels as something otherworldly, something beautiful and glowing, something obviously sent from heaven. But perhaps earth angels don't arrive that way. Perhaps they look like ordinary people. They have ordinary lives, their own scars, struggles, mistakes and stories.

And perhaps they simply arrive at exactly the right moment.

They say the right thing. They listen when you need someone to listen. They make you laugh when you desperately need a reason to smile. They remind you that you are not alone. And sometimes, they don't even realize the impact they are having.

That is what I think about when I think about him.

He didn't arrive with a grand announcement. There was no sign saying, "Here is the person God has sent you." There was simply a conversation. Then another. And another.

And somewhere between the words, the laughter, the conversations about life and faith, something began to happen.

I began to feel less alone.

The word soulmate can mean so many different things. We often associate it with romantic love, but I have come to believe that soul connections can take many forms.

Sometimes a soulmate is the person who walks beside you for a lifetime. Sometimes it is someone who arrives for a particular season. Sometimes it is someone who touches your soul in a way that changes you forever. And sometimes, perhaps, a soulmate is simply a person whose spirit recognizes something in yours.

That is how I see it.

It feels familiar. It feels strangely comfortable. It feels as though our conversations have travelled much further than the short amount of time we have actually known each other.

We first connected on 7 July. Only one month ago. Yet there are moments when I catch myself thinking, 'How can someone I have known for such a short time feel so familiar?'

Maybe some connections aren't measured in time.

Maybe they are measured in depth.

One of the things that has touched me most about him is the way he listens. I have shared things about my past that aren't easy for me to talk about. Things that still carry emotion, things that have shaped who I am, and things that I have sometimes wished I could simply leave behind.

And he doesn't try to tell me who I should be. He doesn't tell me to forget. He doesn't tell me that I should have moved on by now.

He listens.

He understands.

He reminds me that my scars don't make me weak. Perhaps they are simply evidence that I survived.

There is something incredibly powerful about having someone look beyond the person you present to the world. Most people see the strong version of us. The capable version. The happy version. The version who helps everyone else.

But sometimes an earth angel sees the woman behind all of that.

The woman who gets tired. The woman who gets scared. The woman who has been hurt. The woman who sometimes needs someone else to say, "It's okay. You don't have to have everything figured out."

He has become that to me.

And then faith brings another layer.

He is a Christian, and his faith is an important part of who he is. That has become another beautiful thread connecting us.

We talk about God. We talk about faith. We talk about life. We talk about the things that have happened to us. We talk about whether people enter our lives for a reason.

And sometimes we wonder whether God really does place certain people in our paths exactly when we need them.

I don't pretend to understand God's plans. But I believe in divine timing.

And when I look at the timing of him appearing in my life, especially with August here, I can't help but wonder.

Did God know I was going to need someone?

Did He know that another difficult month was here?

Did He know that I needed someone to remind me that although one chapter of my life had ended, my story was nowhere near finished?

Perhaps He did.

Perhaps God knew before I did.

But he did not come to replace anyone.

This is important.

He isn't a replacement for anyone. He couldn't be. And I wouldn't want him to be.

The person who was my pillar for more than half my life holds a place in my heart that belongs only to him. That love, those memories, that history... none of that disappears simply because someone new walks into your life.

Perhaps this someone's purpose isn't to fill an empty space.

Perhaps his purpose is simply to bring something new into a space that had become very quiet.

Love.

Friendship.

Laughter.

Conversation.

Faith.

Understanding.

Hope.

He doesn't erase the past.

He simply reminds me that there can still be something beautiful in the future.

And perhaps that is what an earth angel does.

They don't change your history.

They help you believe in tomorrow.

Then there are the little things, the things that make me smile.

Like his story about the kisses he used to blow towards the woman he once thought his heart belonged to. Now he says that perhaps all those kisses were meant for me.

And honestly, I love that.

Because sometimes after experiencing difficult things, you need someone who reminds you that life can still be playful. That you can still smile. That you can still be silly. That you can still get excited about a conversation. That you can still look forward to hearing from someone.

Those little moments matter more than we realize.

Sometimes healing doesn't arrive as one enormous revelation. Sometimes it arrives as a smile, a laugh, a message, a conversation that lasts longer than expected, or a person who makes you forget, even briefly, how heavy your heart has been feeling.

I don't know what the future holds. I don't know whether the word soulmate will eventually make sense in the way I feel it today.

And perhaps I don't need to know.

For now, I simply know that he came into my life at a remarkable time. A time when I needed someone, a time when August was here, a time when old grief and memories can become particularly heavy, and a time when I was reminded once again of the absence of the person who had been my pillar for more than half my life.

And then, unexpectedly, God sent me another earth angel.

Not someone to replace the one I lost.

Someone to remind me that I am still here.

That my heart is still capable of connection.

That I can still laugh.

That I can still trust.

That I can still share.

That I can still be vulnerable.

That I can still have beautiful people enter my life.

Maybe we have misunderstood the word soulmate.

Maybe a soulmate isn't always the person who stays forever.

Maybe sometimes a soulmate is the person who arrives when your soul needs something only they can bring.

Maybe they come to teach us. To comfort us. To awaken something in us. To remind us who we are. To help us through a season. To show us that our story isn't finished.

Perhaps some souls cross paths because God knows that each person needs something from the other.

And perhaps sometimes, the most beautiful part is not knowing what happens next.

It is simply being grateful that your paths crossed at all.

It has only been one month since he and I first connected.

One month.

And yet, this has already become meaningful to me in ways I didn't expect.

He makes me laugh. He listens. He understands. He shares my faith. He makes me think. He has allowed me to see parts of his own story while giving me the space to share mine.

And perhaps, above everything else, he has arrived at a time when I needed the reminder that even when life takes someone incredibly important away from us, God can still bring new people into our lives.

Not replacements.

Not substitutes.

New blessings.

New chapters.

New reasons to smile.

Maybe he is an earth angel.

Perhaps I don't need to know it is yet.

I can simply be grateful.

Because I believe God knew.

And perhaps, in His own mysterious way, He whispered, "You don't have to walk through this chapter alone."

And then He sent me my earth angel.

A soul connection I never saw coming.

And perhaps that is the real miracle.

Not that someone came into my life to make everything perfect, but that someone arrived to remind me that even after loss, there can still be connection.

After grief, there can still be laughter.

After heartbreak, there can still be trust.

After darkness, there can still be light.

And sometimes, when you least expect it...

God sends you an earth angel.

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time: To Be a Blessing for Others

 

Today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I find myself reflecting on what it really means to give our lives to God and, in doing so, become a blessing to others. The readings today remind me that faith is not simply about believing in God. It is about trusting Him enough to allow Him to work through us.

In the first reading from Revelation, we are given the beautiful image of the woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars. There is a sense of victory and hope in this reading, reminding me that God is ultimately greater than all the struggles and difficulties we face. The second reading from St Paul speaks about Christ's victory over death. Because of Christ, death is not the end. There is hope beyond what we can see and understand.

But it is the Gospel that speaks to me most personally. Mary has just received the incredible news that she will become the mother of Jesus. It would have been completely understandable for her to stay home, overwhelmed by everything that was happening and perhaps wondering what her future would look like. Instead, Mary gets up and goes to Elizabeth. Her "yes" to God immediately becomes a "yes" to serving someone else.

I love that about Mary.

She did not wait until she had everything figured out. She did not wait until she felt completely ready. She simply trusted God and went.

And perhaps that is something I need to remember too.

There have been many times in my life when I have wanted to understand God's plan before taking the next step. I have asked questions, made my own plans and sometimes thought I knew what was best. Looking back, I can see how much easier life becomes when I stop trying to control everything and simply trust God.

My relationship with God has changed greatly over the years. There was a long period when I strayed away from Him, and during that time I questioned why He allowed certain things to happen in my life. But when I eventually returned to church and to my faith, I realized that God had never actually left me. He was there all along.

Today, even when things do not go according to my plans, I find myself responding differently. I have experienced painful moments and difficult situations, including losing someone very dear to me and facing challenges within my family. But I no longer immediately ask, "Why is God doing this to me?" Instead, I try to trust that He sees the bigger picture.

I think that is where Mary becomes such an important example for me.

Mary said yes without knowing exactly where that yes would lead her. She did not have a detailed plan for her life. She simply trusted God. And that trust allowed her to become a blessing to Elizabeth and, ultimately, to the whole world through Jesus.

The Magnificat is also something I find incredibly beautiful. Mary does not make the moment about herself. She does not boast about being chosen. Instead, she says, "My soul magnifies the Lord." Her joy comes from recognizing what God has done.

That makes me think about my own life. I have had many experiences, opportunities and blessings that I could easily take credit for. But when I look back honestly, I can see God's hand in so many things. The people He has placed in my life, the opportunities that have come my way, the moments when I have been guided in unexpected directions and even the difficult experiences that have helped shape me.

Perhaps being a blessing to others does not always mean doing something extraordinary. Sometimes it is simply being there. Listening to someone who needs to talk. Encouraging a friend. Helping a family member. Showing kindness when we could easily walk away. Sharing our time. Offering a prayer. Sometimes, even a simple smile or a few words of encouragement can make a difference in someone's day.

Mary's example reminds me that when we truly give ourselves to God, our focus naturally begins to move beyond ourselves. Our hearts become bigger. We become more aware of the people around us and their needs.

I think that is the challenge for me today. Not simply to say, "Yes, Lord," but to put that yes into action.

I want to be someone who brings a little more light, kindness, encouragement and hope into the lives of the people God places in my path. I do not need to know exactly what He has planned for me. I just need to be willing to say yes and trust Him with the rest.

Perhaps that is what it really means to be a blessing for others. We allow God to use our ordinary lives, our time, our experiences and even our imperfections to bring His love to someone else.

And like Mary, I want my life to magnify not what I have done, but what God has done through me.

Because ultimately, the greatest blessing is not in what we receive from God, but in allowing Him to use us to become a blessing to someone else.

----

Reflective question: What is one concrete way I can be a blessing to those around me, as Mary was?

For me, one concrete way I can be a blessing is simply to be more intentional about being there for the people God has placed in my life. Whether it is spending time with my family, checking in on a friend, encouraging someone who is struggling, or simply listening when someone needs to talk, I want to be someone who brings comfort and positivity.

I think Mary reminds me that I do not have to do something extraordinary to make a difference. Sometimes, just showing up, giving my time and being present can be a blessing. I want to say “yes” to God not just in words, but through the way I love and care for others.

Movie Recommendation: The Idea of You (2024)

 

There are some movies you watch simply because you want to be entertained, and then there are movies that unexpectedly make you feel something. The Idea of You, released in 2024 and starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine, falls somewhere beautifully in between. It is romantic, emotional, funny, glamorous and just a little bit naughty in the way that makes you smile at the screen. For me, it was one of those movies that reminded me that life does not always follow the neat little rules we create for ourselves.

The story follows Solène, played by Anne Hathaway, a divorced mother in her forties who unexpectedly meets Hayes Campbell, a much younger singer from a hugely successful boy band. What begins as a chance encounter develops into a complicated romance that takes them from ordinary moments into the extraordinary world of fame, travel and public attention. Of course, nothing about falling in love with someone famous and considerably younger is going to be simple.

What I particularly enjoyed about this movie is that Solène is not presented as someone who needs rescuing. She is independent, intelligent, experienced and perfectly capable of standing on her own two feet. She has her own life, responsibilities and insecurities. Yet she also has desires, dreams and a heart that is still very much alive. I loved that about her.

There is something incredibly relatable about the idea that we can sometimes convince ourselves that certain chapters of our lives are already closed. We tell ourselves that perhaps romance is for younger people, adventure belongs to another season, or excitement is something we have already experienced. Then life has a funny way of surprising us.

And then there is Nicholas Galitzine.

Honestly, let us just take a moment.

This man is HOT.

There, I said it.

Nicholas Galitzine is absolutely gorgeous in this movie, and he has that rare combination of charm, confidence and sweetness that makes Hayes Campbell incredibly easy to fall for. His smile alone could probably carry several scenes. There is something about the way he plays Hayes that makes the character feel more than just the stereotypical handsome young pop star. He brings warmth and vulnerability to him, which makes the relationship with Solène feel much more believable.

And yes, I absolutely noticed how ridiculously good looking he is. I am watching a romantic movie. I am allowed to appreciate the scenery!

But underneath all the good looks, the movie actually asks some interesting questions. What happens when two people genuinely connect but the world around them refuses to accept their relationship? How much should other people's opinions matter? Can love survive when everyone has something to say about it?

Those questions are what give The Idea of You more substance than I initially expected.

I also appreciated that the movie does not pretend that age differences, family responsibilities or public scrutiny magically disappear because two people fall in love. There are consequences. There are difficult conversations. There are moments where characters have to decide whether what they feel is worth fighting for.

For me, that is where the movie becomes particularly interesting. Love is not always convenient. Sometimes it arrives at the wrong time, through the wrong person, under circumstances you never imagined. Sometimes the biggest obstacle is not whether you love someone, but whether you are brave enough to admit what you want.

Anne Hathaway is wonderful as Solène. She brings a mixture of elegance, humour, vulnerability and strength to the character. She makes Solène feel like a real woman rather than simply a romantic fantasy. I found myself understanding her hesitation while also wanting her to let go and enjoy the experience.

The movie is also visually beautiful. The concerts, hotels, fashion and glamorous settings give it that escapist quality that makes romantic movies so enjoyable. There is something lovely about being able to sit back for a couple of hours and enter a world where unexpected romance can happen.

Would I recommend The Idea of You?

Absolutely.

I would recommend it if you enjoy romantic stories with a little bit of emotional depth. I would recommend it if you like Anne Hathaway. I would recommend it if you enjoy stories about second chances and discovering that life may still have surprises waiting for you. And, quite frankly, I would recommend it if you need an excellent reason to spend a couple of hours looking at Nicholas Galitzine.

But beyond the romance and the eye candy, what stayed with me was the reminder that we should never decide that a particular part of life is over simply because we have reached a certain age or because circumstances have changed.

Sometimes we need to remember that we are still living.

We can still laugh. We can still dream. We can still be surprised. We can still meet someone who makes our hearts beat a little faster.

And sometimes, just sometimes, that someone might look like Nicholas Galitzine.

Now that is what I call a movie recommendation!

The Greatest Compliment I’ve Ever Received? Someone Thought I Was AI.

I think the highest compliment I have received since AI became part of our everyday lives, and quite possibly the highest compliment I have received in my entire professional life, came last week. And ironically, it started with me thinking someone was incredibly rude.

For the past few months, I had been communicating with a business associate. I would send messages, share updates, provide information about business developments, follow up on things we had discussed and generally keep him informed about what was happening. Every single time I sent something, there was silence. No “thank you,” no “got it,” no thumbs up emoji. Nothing. Eventually, I found myself thinking, “What a rude person.” To me, business etiquette matters. You do not have to write an essay in response to every message someone sends you, but acknowledging someone’s communication is simply basic courtesy.

So, naturally, I carried on doing what I do. I kept working, kept communicating and kept providing information. At the same time, I quietly added him to the mental category of people who clearly had very little business etiquette.

Then, over the last month, something interesting happened. He contacted me twice. On both occasions, he asked me for information and business decks. Of course, I sent them over, quickly, efficiently and with everything he needed. And once again, there was silence. No response. At this point, I had pretty much decided that this was simply his communication style. Perhaps he was busy. Perhaps he was just not particularly interested. Or perhaps, as I had already concluded in my head, he was simply a little rude.

Then, last week, my phone rang.

It was him.

And the first thing he said completely changed the way I saw the entire situation.

“We finally talk and I know now that you’re not an AI bot!”

I burst out laughing.

An AI bot? Me? Apparently, yes.

He went on to explain that he had actually been wondering about me for quite some time. He had been receiving my messages and updates, but he had never replied because he genuinely thought I was an AI bot. Not only did he think I was AI, but he apparently thought I was an exceptionally sophisticated AI.

He had been fascinated by the level of detail in my messages, the way I personalized information, the consistency of my updates, the speed at which I responded and the way I seemed to remember things. He had apparently been thinking, “How high tech is this AI?” Meanwhile, I had been sitting there thinking, “How rude is this human?”

The irony was not lost on either of us.

I jokingly told him that, in a way, I felt like I had failed. If someone I was doing business with thought I was a robot, surely that meant there was no human connection there. After all, business is about people. Relationships matter. Trust matters. Communication matters. And I had apparently managed to be so efficient that I had removed myself from the equation entirely.

He laughed and immediately corrected me.

“That’s not the case,” he said.

And then came the part that turned this funny little story into one of the greatest compliments I have ever received.

He explained that he was curious precisely because he could not understand how a human being could be operating at that level of efficiency. He had been wondering why this “AI bot” was so advanced that it could actually show so much humanness.

Think about that for a moment.

He was not saying I lacked humanity. He was saying he could not believe the human behind the work because the quality and consistency of the work seemed almost beyond what he expected from a human. He told me that I was simply so efficient at what I do that he genuinely did not believe there was an actual person behind all of it.

And honestly?

I will take that compliment.

Because being good at what you do matters. Not because we need other people to think we are extraordinary, and not because we need constant validation, but because there is something deeply satisfying about becoming so competent at your craft that excellence becomes your normal.

I have always believed that if you are going to do something, you should do it properly. Do not just show up. Show up prepared. Do not just answer. Answer properly. Do not just complete a task. Think about what the person actually needs and, if possible, provide it before they even have to ask. Do not just do the minimum. Look for the next step, look for the gap and look for the opportunity to make something easier, better, faster or more effective.

That, to me, is professionalism. And it is something I have tried to build into everything I do.

Success is not always about being the loudest person in the room. It is not necessarily about having the biggest title, the largest office, the most impressive job description or the longest list of achievements. Sometimes success is simply becoming exceptionally good at what you do.

So good that people trust you.

So reliable that people do not have to chase you.

So organized that things happen before anyone realizes they needed to happen.

So creative that you can see possibilities others have not considered.

So resourceful that when something goes wrong, your first instinct is to find a solution rather than an excuse.

And so consistent that people know what they are going to get from you every single time.

That kind of excellence does not happen overnight. It comes from years of experience. It comes from making mistakes and learning from them. It comes from listening, paying attention to details and caring about the outcome. It comes from taking pride in your work even when nobody is watching.

And perhaps most importantly, it comes from understanding that your reputation is built one interaction at a time.

Every email.

Every phone call.

Every presentation.

Every deadline.

Every promise.

Every follow up.

Every problem you solve.

Every person you help.

They all add up.

We live in a world where AI can now produce emails, analyze information, create presentations, write reports, generate images, summarize documents and perform countless tasks in seconds. And perhaps that is why this particular compliment amused me so much.

Someone thought I was AI because I was doing the very things AI is now famous for. Being fast. Being consistent. Remembering details. Personalizing communication. Processing information. Producing polished work. Being available. Being efficient.

But here is the thing.

Efficiency does not have to come at the expense of humanity.

In fact, I think the best professionals combine the two. You can be highly efficient and still care. You can be organized and still be warm. You can be ambitious and still be kind. You can be incredibly good at business and still understand that relationships are at the heart of it.

And perhaps that is the real lesson I took from this experience.

I initially judged his silence. I assumed it meant he did not care. I assumed it meant he was rude. I assumed it meant my messages were not valued. When, in reality, he was sitting on the other side of the conversation thinking something completely different.

He was thinking, “There is no way this is a real person.”

Funny how easily we can misunderstand silence. We create stories in our heads based on what we do not know. Sometimes the person is not ignoring us. Sometimes they are processing. Sometimes they are busy. Sometimes they do not know what to say.

And sometimes…

They genuinely think you are a robot.

Which, I have to admit, is a pretty good reason not to reply.

But beyond the humour, I found myself genuinely touched by what he said. Because I have spent a lot of my professional life trying to be good at what I do.

Not perfect. Nobody is perfect.

But good.

Reliable. Creative. Resourceful. Professional.

Someone who can be trusted to take something and run with it. Someone who does not need to be micromanaged. Someone who does not need to be reminded five times. Someone who does not simply wait for instructions but thinks.

And when someone tells you that your work is so efficient, so consistent and so personalized that they genuinely thought an AI was behind it, well, that is a compliment I do not think I will forget anytime soon.

The funniest part?

I spent months thinking, “What a rude person.”

And he spent months thinking, “What an incredible AI.”

Turns out, we were both completely wrong.

And perhaps there is another lesson in that too.

Never underestimate the impression your work leaves on people, even when they do not tell you they are impressed.

Sometimes your biggest compliments are not the ones you hear immediately. Sometimes they are happening quietly on the other side of the screen. Sometimes someone is watching how you work, noticing your consistency, your attention to detail, your creativity and your efficiency without saying a word.

And sometimes, months later, they call you and tell you they thought you were a machine.

So, thank you, Mr Business Associate.

You may have inadvertently given me one of the greatest compliments I have ever received.

And yes, I am very much human.

But I will happily take “so good at what you do, I thought you were AI” as one hell of a professional compliment.

Just do not expect me to start answering every message with:

“Beep. Thank you for your enquiry. Your request has been received.”

Because apparently, I have already fooled one person.

Be still and know that God is here

 

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

9 August 2026

Today’s readings feel incredibly personal to me because they speak about something I think many of us experience, the moments when we are tired, afraid, overwhelmed and simply trying to find our way through.

In the first reading, Elijah is exhausted and afraid. He has reached a place where he simply has nothing left. And yet, God does not come to him in the wind, the earthquake or the fire. God comes in a gentle whisper.

There is something incredibly beautiful about that.

I think there are times in life when we want God to shout the answer at us. We want Him to make everything clear. We want a sign that tells us what is going to happen and assures us that everything will be alright.

But perhaps God is often speaking much more quietly than that.

Sometimes His voice comes when everything around us finally becomes quiet.

Sometimes it is a Scripture passage that touches something deep inside us.

Sometimes it is a conversation with someone that arrives at exactly the right moment.

Sometimes it is simply that quiet feeling in our hearts that tells us, “You are going to be okay. Keep going.”

And sometimes, when we are carrying things that nobody else can fully see, God does not take the burden away immediately. Instead, He quietly gives us the strength to carry it.

I have come to realize that being tired does not mean I am failing. Feeling afraid does not mean I have lost faith. Having moments when I question, cry, struggle or wonder what God is doing does not mean that He has abandoned me.

Perhaps those are precisely the moments when I need to become still enough to recognize that He is already there.

Then the Gospel brings us into the middle of a storm.

The disciples are in the boat. The wind is strong. The waves are frightening. Everything around them is unsettled.

And then Jesus comes towards them.

He does not wait until the sea is calm.

He comes to them in the storm.

And His words are so simple:

“Courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

How many times have I needed to hear those words?

Not because the storms in my life have always been dramatic, but because sometimes the storm is simply everything happening inside my heart. The questions. The uncertainty. The things I cannot change. The people I miss. The disappointments. The moments when I feel emotionally tired and wonder how much more I can carry.

And yet, Jesus says, “It is I.”

Not “I will explain everything.”

Not “I will make everything happen the way you want.”

Just, “It is I.”

I am here.

And perhaps that is enough.

Then there is Peter.

I find myself seeing so much of my own faith in him.

Peter has the courage to step out of the boat. He takes that first step towards Jesus, trusting Him enough to do something that seems impossible.

But then he looks at the wind.

And suddenly, what he is facing becomes bigger than the One he is following.

How often do I do that?

I can have faith one moment, feeling certain that God is guiding me, and then I look at everything happening around me and fear takes over. I start thinking about what could go wrong. I focus on what I cannot control. I become overwhelmed by the waves instead of looking at Jesus.

And I begin to sink.

But what gives me hope is that Peter does not have to get himself back to Jesus.

He simply cries out,

“Lord, save me!”

And Jesus immediately reaches out His hand.

Immediately.

That word means so much to me.

Jesus does not wait for Peter to become stronger.

He does not wait for Peter to stop being afraid.

He does not tell Peter to swim harder.

He reaches out His hand.

Perhaps that is what I need to remember most.

When I am strong, God is there.

When I am weak, God is there.

When I am confident, God is there.

When I am frightened and uncertain, God is there.

When I understand what He is doing, God is there.

And when I have absolutely no idea what He is doing, God is still there.

Maybe faith is not about never sinking.

Maybe faith is knowing who to call when we do.

Today, I am reminded that I do not need to have every answer. I do not need to know what tomorrow will bring. I do not need to understand why some things happen the way they do.

I just need to keep looking towards Jesus.

To take the next step.

To trust Him with the things I cannot fix.

To be still when I want to panic.

To listen when I want answers.

And to remember that silence does not mean absence.

Because God may not always come in the wind, the earthquake or the fire.

Sometimes He comes in a whisper.

Sometimes He comes through another person.

Sometimes He comes through a moment of unexpected peace.

And sometimes He simply reaches out His hand when we are sinking.

So tonight, I want to hold onto this:

Be still.

Listen.

Look towards Jesus.

And when the wind becomes too loud, remember His words:

“Courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

I may not know what lies ahead.

I may not understand every chapter of my life.

I may still have moments when I feel tired, frightened or unsure.

But I am learning that I do not have to walk through any of it alone.

The God who found Elijah in his exhaustion is the same God who came to Peter in the storm.

And the same Jesus who reached out His hand to Peter is still reaching out to me.

Perhaps today, that is all the reassurance my heart needs.

God is here.

Even in the silence.

Even in the waiting.

Even in the storm.

Even when I am afraid.

He is here.

----

Reflective question: How will I make time and space today to notice His quiet presence?

Today, I want to make space by slowing down.

I know how easy it is to fill every moment with noise, thoughts, plans and responsibilities, but perhaps God is inviting me to stop trying to fill every silence and simply be present.

I want to give myself moments today where I put everything down, take a breath and allow my heart to become quiet enough to listen. Not necessarily looking for a big sign or an obvious answer, but being open to the little ways God may remind me that He is near.

Maybe His quiet presence will come through a moment of peace, a Scripture that speaks directly to my heart, a conversation, a memory, or simply that gentle feeling that tells me I am not alone.

Today, I want to stop looking so much for God in the extraordinary and start recognizing Him in the ordinary.

I want to be still long enough to hear the whisper.

God is already here. I just need to become quiet enough to notice.

Movie Recommendation: The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026)

 

I finally had the chance to watch The Devil Wears Prada 2 and I have to say, it was one of the movies I had been looking forward to the most this year. Like many people, I absolutely loved the original. It was one of those rare films that blended humour, ambition, friendship and personal growth so effortlessly that it became an instant classic. Walking into the cinema, I knew the sequel had some very big shoes to fill, and I am happy to say I genuinely enjoyed the experience.

One of my biggest concerns before watching was whether it would simply rely on nostalgia. Thankfully, it did much more than that. While there were plenty of familiar faces and moments that reminded me why I loved the original, the story also felt fresh enough to stand on its own. It acknowledged how much the world has changed, especially within the fashion industry, while still staying true to the characters that audiences have grown to love over the years.

Meryl Streep once again proved why she is one of the greatest actresses of our time. Miranda Priestly remains as commanding, intelligent and intimidating as ever, yet there are moments where you see another side of her. Those subtle moments are what make her character so fascinating. She is not simply a demanding boss. She is a woman who has spent decades building a legacy, and you cannot help but admire her determination, even if you do not always agree with her choices.

It was also wonderful seeing Anne Hathaway return. Andy has clearly grown since the first film, and I enjoyed seeing how life has shaped her over the years. One of the things I appreciated most was that the sequel did not pretend people stay the same forever. Careers evolve, priorities change and life has a way of teaching us lessons that no job ever could. That felt authentic, and I found myself connecting with those themes more now than I probably would have years ago.

The fashion, as expected, was absolutely stunning. Every scene seemed carefully crafted, from the wardrobe choices to the beautifully designed sets. Even if you are not someone who follows fashion trends, there is something incredibly satisfying about watching the creativity and artistry that goes into every detail. Fashion has always been more than clothes to me. It is another form of storytelling, and this movie reminds us of that.

What I enjoyed most, however, was that beneath all the glamour was a story about people. It explored ambition, purpose, loyalty and the sacrifices we sometimes make in pursuit of success. Those themes resonated with me because they are things many of us experience in different ways throughout our lives. Success can look impressive on the outside, but it often comes with difficult decisions that nobody else sees.

As someone who enjoys creativity, branding and building meaningful projects, I found myself paying attention to more than just the storyline. I appreciated how the movie explored leadership, adapting to change and remaining relevant in a constantly evolving world. Those lessons extend far beyond the fashion industry. They apply to business, personal growth and life in general.

I also found myself reflecting on how much the world has changed since the first movie was released. Social media, digital content creators and online publications have completely transformed the landscape. The sequel embraces these changes without losing the elegance and sophistication that made the original so memorable. It feels modern while still respecting its roots, which is not an easy balance to achieve.

One thing I particularly enjoyed was the chemistry between the cast. It never felt forced. The conversations flowed naturally, and there were moments that made me smile, moments that made me laugh and even moments that made me stop and think. Those are the kinds of films I enjoy most. They entertain you while quietly leaving you with something to reflect on long after the credits have rolled.

Of course, no sequel will ever completely replace the magic of the original, and I never expected it to. Instead, I looked at it as the next chapter in a story that many of us have loved for years. In that sense, I think it succeeded. It respected what came before while giving the characters room to grow and evolve.

Would I recommend The Devil Wears Prada 2? Absolutely. Whether you are a fan of the original or someone who simply enjoys character driven stories with strong performances and beautiful visuals, I think it is worth watching. It is entertaining, thoughtful and beautifully put together.

Walking out of the cinema, I found myself smiling because it felt like catching up with old friends after many years apart. That is not something every sequel manages to achieve. For me, The Devil Wears Prada 2 delivered an enjoyable, stylish and meaningful experience that reminded me why I fell in love with these characters in the first place. It may not be perfect, but it is certainly a movie I am glad I watched, and one I would happily recommend to anyone looking for a film that offers far more than beautiful clothes and sharp dialogue.

Times of Refreshing

 

There are seasons in life when our souls become weary. Seasons where we continue to show up, continue to serve, continue to smile, yet deep within our hearts, we quietly long for renewal. We carry memories, disappointments, unanswered prayers, fears, and wounds that only God truly understands.

For a long time, I wondered when my own season of refreshing would come.

Then I was reminded of the beautiful promise found in Acts 3:19:

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."

The Bible does not say that refreshing comes from our own strength, our own plans, or our ability to fix everything ourselves. It comes from the Lord.

And sometimes, God sends that refreshing through the most unexpected blessings.

Sometimes, He sends a person.

I never imagined that one of the greatest gifts God would bring into my life would come through someone I never expected to meet. There was no grand announcement, no obvious sign that this person would become such an important part of my journey. It simply began as an unexpected connection that slowly grew into something incredibly meaningful.

Looking back now, I can see that God was already preparing the way long before I knew it.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us:

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart."

For so long, I struggled to understand why certain things happened the way they did. Why some people had to leave. Why some chapters ended. Why certain prayers seemed to take so long to be answered.

But God's timing is different from ours.

We often see only the broken pieces scattered around us. God sees the entire picture.

He knows the beginning, the middle, and the end.

He knows the people who need to enter our lives, and He knows the exact moment when our hearts will finally be ready to receive them.

This person came into my life and somehow made everything feel lighter.

Not because they erased my past.

Not because they changed who I was.

But because they reminded me that my story was never finished.

They brought laughter into places where there had once been sadness. They brought calm into moments where there had been fear. They brought reassurance when my mind was filled with doubts. They brought peace when my heart had forgotten what feeling safe truly meant.

Some people enter your life and simply become part of your story.

Others enter your life and help rewrite the way you see the story.

This person has been that gift.

There is something incredibly special about finding someone whose heart understands yours. Someone who sees beyond the surface. Someone who does not judge your scars but honours the journey that created them.

I have come to understand that a soul mate is not only defined by a relationship status. A soul mate is someone whose presence brings you closer to becoming the person God created you to be.

Someone who encourages your growth.

Someone who celebrates your victories.

Someone who stands beside you through your struggles.

Someone who reminds you of God's love when you temporarily forget.

No matter what the future holds, and no matter what label the world may place on our relationship, I believe we are soul mates.

Because some connections are not simply about what we receive from another person.

They are about who we become because they walked into our lives.

When I look back at my life, I sometimes feel as though this person was the missing puzzle piece I never knew I was searching for.

Not because I was incomplete.

God has always been working within me.

But because this person brought something into my life that I did not realize I needed.

They brought a sense of balance.

They brought encouragement.

They brought a reminder that life could still hold beautiful surprises.

It is like looking at a puzzle where most of the picture is already complete, but one piece is missing. You can still see the beauty of the image, but when that final piece falls into place, suddenly everything feels clearer.

That is what this connection has felt like.

A reminder that God knows exactly what belongs in our lives and exactly when it belongs there.

Through this journey, this person has helped me reset.

They have helped me reset my thoughts when fear tried to take over.

They have helped me reset my expectations when disappointment made me guarded.

They have helped me reset my heart when past pain made me afraid to hope again.

Most importantly, they have helped restore my sense of peace.

Psalm 23 has always been a powerful reminder of God's presence:

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul."

For many years, my soul felt tired.

But God, in His kindness, led me beside quiet waters again.

He reminded me that I did not have to live forever in survival mode.

He reminded me that healing was possible.

He reminded me that peace could return.

And He used this person as one of the ways He brought that refreshing into my life.

One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that the heart is capable of carrying more love than we often believe.

For a long time, I wondered if opening my heart again meant I was somehow letting go of those I have lost.

I wondered if finding happiness again meant I was forgetting the people who shaped me.

But God showed me something beautiful.

Love is not limited.

Love is not replaced.

Love expands.

I can continue to love those who are no longer physically beside me.

I can continue to treasure the memories, lessons, and moments they gave me.

I can continue to honour the people who helped shape me into who I am today.

And I can also make room in my heart to love someone new.

Both can exist.

Both can be true.

The people who came before are not erased by the people who come after.

They are part of the foundation.

Their love helped build the person I am today, and any person who truly cares for me must also honour that history.

And that is exactly what makes this person so special.

They do not ask me to forget my past.

They respect it.

They understand that the people I miss are not competition.

They are part of my story.

They understand that grief is not something to fix but something to walk alongside.

They have shown me that there are still good, kind, genuine people in this world.

People who do not come into your life to take from you.

People who come into your life to walk beside you.

People who respect your journey.

People who encourage your healing.

People who remind you that you are still worthy of love.

As I look ahead, I see so many possibilities.

I do not know exactly what God has planned for tomorrow, but I trust the One who holds tomorrow.

Jeremiah 29:11 says:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

God's plans have always been greater than mine.

There were moments when I thought certain doors closing meant my story was ending.

But God was simply preparing a new chapter.

There were moments when I thought certain prayers were unanswered.

But God was simply preparing the right answer at the right time.

There were moments when I thought my heart would never feel peace again.

But God was reminding me that He restores what is broken.

Today, I look back and see that every season had purpose.

Every heartbreak taught me something.

Every goodbye created space.

Every difficult moment brought me closer to understanding God's love.

And then, in His perfect timing, He brought a refreshing I never expected.

A person who reminds me that life can still be beautiful.

A person who reminds me that love can still be safe.

A person who reminds me that God is not finished writing my story.

Whatever the future holds, I will always be grateful for this soul connection.

Because some people are not accidents.

Some meetings are not coincidences.

Some blessings arrive exactly when God knows we need them most.

And sometimes, God's greatest times of refreshing come through a person who quietly walks into your life, helps you heal, helps you grow, and reminds you that after every difficult season, there is always hope.

Because God makes all things beautiful in His time.

Come to God, who never disappoints

The readings for this 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time remind me of one of the greatest lessons I have had to learn in my own faith journey: only God can truly satisfy the deepest hunger of our hearts.

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah gives us one of the most beautiful invitations from God:

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the water; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!" (Isaiah 55:1)

What touches me about this invitation is that God does not say, “Come when you have everything together.” He does not say, “Come when you are strong enough, worthy enough, or have solved all your problems.” He simply says, “Come.”

This reminds me that God desires us exactly as we are. There have been seasons in my life where I felt tired, overwhelmed, and empty. Moments of grief, disappointment, and uncertainty made me question how I would find strength to continue. There were times when I looked for answers everywhere else, hoping that people, achievements, or circumstances could fill the spaces in my heart.

But God gently reminded me that the hunger I carried was not something the world could satisfy.

Isaiah continues:

"Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare." (Isaiah 55:2)

How often do we spend our energy chasing things that leave us empty? We seek approval from others, we worry about what people think of us, we try to prove our worth, and we hold onto things that God is asking us to surrender.

Yet God offers something far greater. He offers peace that circumstances cannot take away. He offers love that does not disappear when life becomes difficult. He offers hope even when we cannot see what lies ahead.

The Gospel continues this message through the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. When Jesus saw the crowds, Matthew tells us:

"He had compassion on them and healed their sick." (Matthew 14:14)

Before Jesus performed the miracle, He first saw the people. He saw their needs. He saw their hunger. He saw their brokenness. This reminds me that God is not distant from our struggles. He is a God who notices, who cares, and who responds with compassion.

When evening came, the disciples approached Jesus and said:

"This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late; send the crowds away..." (Matthew 14:15)

The disciples saw scarcity. They saw what was missing. They saw five thousand people and only five loaves and two fish.

But Jesus saw an opportunity for God to work.

He replied:

"They need not go away; you give them something to eat." (Matthew 14:16)

This verse speaks deeply to me because sometimes we look at our own lives and think, “What can I possibly offer?” We look at our weaknesses, our limitations, our past mistakes, or our struggles and feel that what we have is not enough.

But Jesus never asked the disciples to provide everything. He only asked them to bring what they had.

The Gospel tells us:

"Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and said the blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds." (Matthew 14:19)

This is the beauty of God. He takes our little and transforms it into something extraordinary.

In my own life, I have experienced this many times. There were moments when I felt I had nothing much to give. My energy was limited, my heart was carrying pain, and my faith was being tested. But God showed me that He does not require perfection. He only asks for surrender.

A small act of kindness, a simple prayer, a willingness to serve, a word of encouragement, or even sharing our own struggles with others can become something much greater when placed in God's hands.

The miracle did not happen because the disciples had enough. The miracle happened because they trusted Jesus with what little they had.

The Gospel ends with a beautiful reminder:

"They all ate and were satisfied. And they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full." (Matthew 14:20)

God does not just provide enough. He provides abundantly.

Looking back at my own journey, I can see how God has always been faithful, even in moments when I could not understand His plans. Some of the greatest blessings in my life came unexpectedly. Some people entered my life at the moments I needed them most, becoming reminders that God's timing is always perfect.

Like the disciples, I am learning that my role is not to understand every detail of the miracle. My role is simply to bring what I have, place it in God's hands, and trust Him to do the rest.

Today, I ask myself: What is the hunger I am trying to satisfy on my own? What are the “five loaves and two fish” that I am afraid are too small to offer God?

Because the truth is, when we place our lives in His hands, nothing is wasted.

God takes our brokenness and brings healing.

He takes our struggles and brings purpose.

He takes our little and creates abundance.

So today, I choose to come to Him again, just as Isaiah invites us:

"Come to me and listen, that you may live." (Isaiah 55:3)

Because the world may disappoint us, people may fail us, and circumstances may change, but God never does.

When we come to Him, we will never leave empty.

---

Reflective question: What are my "five loaves and two fish" today that / can place in Jesus' hands?

When I reflect on the Gospel of the multiplication of the five loaves and two fish, I often find myself asking, what are my “five loaves and two fish” today that I can place in Jesus’ hands?

For a long time, I thought I needed to offer God something extraordinary. I felt that what I had was too small, too ordinary, or not enough. I looked at my weaknesses, my past struggles, my fears, and even my broken moments and wondered how God could possibly use them.

But the miracle of the loaves and fish reminds me that Jesus does not ask us to bring what we do not have. He simply asks us to bring what we already have and trust Him with it.

My “five loaves and two fish” today are my experiences, my stories, my talents, and even my wounds.

They are the lessons I have learned through seasons of grief and loss. They are the moments when I had to lean completely on God because I did not have the strength to carry everything on my own. They are the memories of people I have loved and lost, which have taught me that love never truly disappears but continues to shape who we become.

They are also the gifts God has placed in my hands; my ability to write, to encourage, to connect with people, and to share my testimony. Sometimes I wonder if the words I write or the stories I share really make a difference. But the Gospel reminds me that a small offering, when placed in Jesus’ hands, can feed thousands.

The disciples only had five loaves and two fish. By human understanding, it was impossible. But Jesus took what seemed insufficient, blessed it, broke it, and multiplied it.

Perhaps that is what God has been doing in my own life.

He has taken my broken pieces and turned them into something meaningful. He has taken my struggles and used them to help me understand the struggles of others. He has taken my moments of emptiness and reminded me that He is the one who fills what the world cannot.

Even my desire to serve others, whether through mission, writing, or simply being present for someone who needs encouragement, is not something I created on my own. It is something God placed in my heart.

But surrender is not always easy.

Sometimes I still hold onto my five loaves and two fish tightly because I worry they are too small. I question whether I am enough. I compare myself to others and wonder if what I can offer truly matters.

But I am reminded that God does not need me to be perfect. He does not need me to have everything figured out. He only asks me to trust Him enough to place my little into His hands.

Today, my prayer is:

“Lord, take whatever I have. Take my gifts, my weaknesses, my dreams, my fears, my past, and my present. Bless them, break them, and use them for Your greater purpose.”

Because when my five loaves and two fish are placed in the hands of Jesus, they are no longer small.

They become enough.

Enough to bring hope.

Enough to bring comfort.

Enough to serve others.

Enough to reveal God’s love.

The miracle was never about how much the disciples had. The miracle was about what Jesus could do with what they were willing to surrender.

And today, I choose to surrender mine.

Movie Recommendation: Deep in My Heart (1999)

 

When I first watched this film, I expected it to be a simple drama, but what I found was a deeply emotional story about identity, family, love, acceptance, and the painful reality of how society has treated people who are considered different.

This movie follows the journey of Barbara Ann Williams, an adopted woman who begins searching for her biological mother and the truth about her past. What she discovers is a story filled with love, heartbreak, difficult choices, and the impact of a world that judged people based on race and appearances rather than the person they truly were.

What touched me most about this movie is not just the story itself, but the questions it makes us ask about humanity.

Why is it that even today, after so many years of learning, growing, and becoming more connected as a world, we still struggle to look beyond someone’s race, skin colour, background, or physical challenges?

Why do we continue to judge people based on things they never chose?

A person does not choose the colour of their skin. They do not choose the family they are born into. They do not choose whether they live with a disability or face challenges that others may not understand. Yet somehow, society has spent generations making people feel like these differences make them less worthy.

And that is something I find incredibly heartbreaking.

At the end of the day, every single person on this planet has a heart that feels, dreams, hopes, and loves. We all experience happiness, sadness, fear, and pain. We all want the same basic things in life. We want to be accepted. We want to be valued. We want to feel like we belong.

So why is it still so difficult for the world to see beyond what is visible?

Deep in My Heart reminds us that behind every face is a story that we may never know. The person we judge today may have faced battles we cannot imagine. The person we overlook may have the biggest heart. The person we think is different may actually teach us more about kindness and compassion than anyone else.

One of the most beautiful messages in this movie is that family is not always just about blood. Sometimes family is built through love, sacrifice, and the people who choose to stand beside us. The people who raise us, support us, and believe in us can sometimes leave a bigger mark on our lives than those connected to us by DNA.

This is something I truly believe in. Love is not limited by race. Love does not see colour. Love does not see disabilities or imperfections. Love sees the person.

The performances in this movie are incredibly moving. Gloria Reuben brings so much emotion to the role of Barbara Ann as she searches for answers about who she is and where she comes from. Anne Bancroft’s performance is also unforgettable because she portrays someone carrying years of pain, regret, and complicated emotions. The characters are not simply good or bad. They are human beings shaped by the circumstances and beliefs of the world around them.

That is what makes this movie so powerful. It does not just tell us what happened. It makes us understand how decisions, prejudice, and fear can affect generations of people.

Watching this movie today, I cannot help but think about how much more we still need to do as a society. We have made progress in many ways, but there are still moments where people are judged unfairly because of their race, their appearance, their abilities, their age, or where they come from.

We often say we want a kinder world, but kindness begins with how we see and treat the person standing in front of us.

Maybe the first step is to stop seeing labels and start seeing people.

Instead of asking where someone comes from, maybe we should ask what their story is.

Instead of noticing what makes someone different, maybe we should appreciate what makes them unique.

Instead of judging someone by what we see on the outside, maybe we should take the time to discover the beauty within.

Deep in My Heart may be a movie made in 1999, but its message is something the world still needs today. It is a reminder that we have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go.

This movie made me reflect on how often people carry invisible struggles and how important it is to choose compassion over judgement. It reminded me that everyone deserves to be loved, respected, and accepted for who they are.

I would highly recommend Deep in My Heart to anyone who enjoys emotional movies that do more than entertain. This is a film that touches the heart, opens the mind, and reminds us of something we should never forget.

We are not defined by our race, our skin colour, our background, or our challenges.

We are defined by our hearts, our actions, and the love we give to others.

What Drained My Energy in the Last 12 Months

 

The last twelve months have taught me that exhaustion is not always caused by working too hard. Sometimes it comes from carrying too much emotionally while still trying to show up with a smile every day. Looking back, I realize that my energy was not drained by one major event but by a series of responsibilities, disappointments, moments of grief, and the constant pressure I placed on myself to keep moving forward.

One of the biggest drains on my energy has been grief. Grief is a strange companion because it never truly leaves. It simply changes its shape. There are days when I can laugh, work, and enjoy life, only to have a song, a photograph, or a simple conversation bring back memories that hit me just as hard as they did years ago. Losing someone you love changes the way you experience the world. It teaches you that healing does not mean forgetting. Carrying that emotional weight while trying to live a full life has required far more energy than I ever expected.

Another source of exhaustion has been constantly trying to be strong for everyone around me. I genuinely enjoy helping others. Whether it is offering advice, supporting friends, volunteering, encouraging someone through a difficult season, or simply listening, I find purpose in being there for people. However, there have been moments when I forgot that even those who support others also need support themselves. I became so focused on lifting other people that I rarely stopped to ask myself whether I had enough strength left for my own journey.

This year also challenged me professionally. Like many people, I have dreams that extend far beyond my current circumstances. Building new projects, creating content, writing, developing businesses, and pursuing new opportunities all require creativity, discipline, and persistence. While these goals excite me, they also come with uncertainty. There were countless hours spent planning, researching, designing, rewriting, and questioning whether I was making the right decisions. The emotional investment behind every project is often invisible to others, yet it quietly consumes enormous amounts of energy.

Social media has been another unexpected drain. I love connecting with people and sharing stories that inspire, encourage, and educate. It has introduced me to incredible friendships and opportunities that I never imagined possible. At the same time, maintaining an online presence requires consistency, creativity, and resilience. There is always another post to create, another comment to reply to, another message to answer, and another expectation to meet. Even when people see the polished final product, they rarely see the hours of thought, editing, and emotional investment behind it.

The past year has also reminded me that growth often comes with sacrifice. Pursuing ambitious goals means giving up comfort, routine, and sometimes even rest. I found myself saying yes to opportunities because I believed in them, but every yes also meant saying no to something else. There were evenings when I continued working long after I should have stopped because I wanted to make one more improvement or finish one more task. Over time, those extra hours accumulated into fatigue that became difficult to ignore.

Health has also played its part. Stress has a remarkable way of affecting both the body and the mind. There were periods when anxiety made even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Instead of feeling refreshed after sleeping, I often woke up already thinking about everything that needed to be done. The mental checklist never seemed to disappear. I realized that being busy and being productive are not always the same thing. Sometimes I was simply surviving rather than truly living.

One of the hardest lessons this year has been accepting that I cannot control everything. I like planning ahead and solving problems before they become crises. Unfortunately, life rarely follows carefully written plans. There were situations that required patience instead of action, faith instead of certainty, and acceptance instead of control. Learning to let go has been emotionally exhausting because it goes against my natural instinct to fix things.

Relationships have also demanded emotional energy. Every meaningful relationship requires time, communication, understanding, forgiveness, and compassion. There were moments when misunderstandings, distance, or changing circumstances reminded me that people are constantly growing and changing. Maintaining healthy relationships is deeply rewarding, but it is never effortless. It requires vulnerability, and vulnerability is never easy.

Despite everything that has drained me, I have also discovered something incredibly important. Energy is not simply about physical strength. It is deeply connected to purpose. The moments that exhausted me the most were often the same moments that reminded me why I do what I do. Loving people deeply, pursuing meaningful work, serving others, honouring those I have lost, and continuing to believe in a better future are all worth the effort, even when they leave me tired.

As I reflect on the past twelve months, I no longer see exhaustion as a sign of weakness. Instead, I see it as evidence that I cared deeply. I invested my heart into people, projects, dreams, and causes that mattered to me. While I still need to learn healthier boundaries and give myself permission to rest, I also recognize that every challenge has shaped me into someone stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.

Moving forward, I want to protect my energy more intentionally. I want to make time for quiet moments, celebrate small victories, and remember that rest is not something I earn after finishing every task. It is something I need if I want to continue serving others with joy. I want to choose peace over perfection, progress over pressure, and balance over constant busyness.

The past year has drained me in many ways, but it has also revealed the resilience I never knew I possessed. I have learned that even when my energy feels depleted, hope can still remain. As long as hope remains, I know I can continue moving forward one step, one day, and one new beginning at a time.

Movie Recommendation: Purple Hearts (2022)

 

If I had to recommend one movie that genuinely surprised me emotionally, it would be Purple Hearts (2022). Going into the film, I expected a typical romantic drama, but what I got was a story that felt much more layered and heartfelt. The movie follows Cassie, a struggling singer-songwriter, and Luke, a Marine dealing with personal challenges, who enter a marriage of convenience for practical reasons. What makes the film compelling is how their relationship gradually transforms from something transactional into something deeply human.

One of the biggest reasons this movie left such a strong impression on me is Nicholas Galitzine. After watching him in Masters of the Universe (He-Man), The Idea of You, and now Purple Hearts, he has officially become one of my favorite actors. Seeing him take on such different roles made me realize just how versatile he truly is. In Purple Hearts, he portrays Luke with a mix of toughness, vulnerability, anger, and tenderness that feels incredibly authentic. He doesn’t rely on one-note acting; instead, he makes the character feel like a real person with flaws and emotional depth.

What impressed me even more is how different each of these roles is from one another. Whether he is playing a larger-than-life action hero, a charismatic romantic lead, or a wounded Marine trying to find his way, Nicholas Galitzine manages to make every character feel distinct. That kind of range is rare, and it is the reason I have started actively looking for other movies he stars in.

Beyond the performances, Purple Hearts also resonated with me because it explores themes of sacrifice, family expectations, financial struggles, and the way love can grow unexpectedly between two people from completely different worlds. The soundtrack adds another emotional layer to the story, and several scenes stayed with me long after the movie ended.

What I personally loved most was that the film made me feel both hopeful and emotional at the same time. It reminded me that people are often more complicated than first impressions suggest, and that genuine connection can develop in the most unexpected circumstances.

Overall, I highly recommend 'Purple Hearts' to anyone who enjoys romantic dramas with strong character development and memorable performances. It is not just a love story. It is a story about growth, understanding, and learning to see someone beyond their surface. And for me, it was also the movie that truly confirmed Nicholas Galitzine as one of my favorite actors because of how effortlessly he demonstrated his incredible versatility on screen.

Confirmed in God’s Perfect Timing: My Journey to Confirmation After 31 Years

 On Saturday, I received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

For many Catholics, Confirmation is received during the teenage years, usually around the ages of sixteen or seventeen. For me, it happened thirty one years later. At the age of forty seven, after a long and often winding journey of faith, I finally stood before the Church, before my family, and before God to receive the final sacrament of initiation.

And it was perfect.

Not because it happened when everyone else did, but because it happened in God’s time.

Looking back, I can see that God has been patiently leading me to this moment all along. My faith journey has not always been straightforward. As a teenager, I was far from enthusiastic about attending catechism classes. In fact, I was a terrible teenager and had very little interest in spending my weekends learning about the faith. While many parents might have insisted, I am grateful that my mother never forced me. At the time, I did not appreciate it, but today I understand the gift she gave me.

Had I been forced into Confirmation as a teenager, it might simply have become another obligation completed and forgotten. Instead, receiving Confirmation now was entirely my decision. It was a choice made freely, prayerfully, and intentionally. I chose to say yes to God. I chose to strengthen my faith. I chose to continue walking with Christ.

God truly works in mysterious ways.

From the circumstances that led me back to Him, to the people He placed in my path, to the timing of every step along the journey, I can now see His hand guiding me. There were moments when I thought Confirmation would never happen, yet God was quietly preparing everything according to His plan.

I first considered receiving Confirmation in 2024 when I noticed an announcement in our church bulletin inviting adults who had not yet been confirmed to register. My heart immediately felt drawn to it. However, there was one major obstacle. I did not have a sponsor.

As I learned more about the requirements, I realized my mother could not serve as my sponsor. My uncles were not active churchgoers and could not fulfil the role either. With no sponsor in sight, I decided to wait another year.

Then 2025 arrived.

Once again, I hoped to finally begin the journey, but life had other plans. That year I was preparing for and participating in a church mission trip to Vietnam. The experience was deeply meaningful and life changing, but it meant postponing Confirmation once more.

By the time I saw the church bulletin announcement again this year, something inside me knew it was finally time.

I signed up.

Yet the question of a sponsor remained.

I searched and asked around but found no suitable candidate. Eventually, I became discouraged and was close to giving up altogether. Then, quite unexpectedly, an old family friend came to mind.

Uncle Alan.

He has been part of my family’s life long before I was even born. He is not related by blood, but he is very much family. Gathering my courage, I sent him a message and asked if he would consider being my sponsor.

Without hesitation, he said yes.

Not only did he agree, but he immediately began gathering the necessary documents and certificates for registration. His enthusiasm touched me deeply. It felt as though he had been waiting for the opportunity.

Then I discovered something remarkable.

Uncle Alan had been baptized almost seventy years ago in the very same church where I would receive my Sacrament of Confirmation.

At that moment, I knew this was not a coincidence.

It was God’s plan.

I am incredibly grateful to Uncle Alan for standing beside me on this important day and for being part of such a significant milestone in my faith journey. He has truly been chosen family, and his willingness to walk this journey with me is something I will always treasure.

I am equally grateful for Martin, who coordinated and guided our Confirmation group. From the very beginning in 2024, he encouraged me, supported me, and helped me navigate every step of the process. His kindness and dedication were a tremendous blessing.

The catechism classes themselves were another blessing. Far from being something I dreaded as a teenager, I found myself looking forward to each session. They deepened my understanding of the faith and renewed my relationship with God. They challenged me to reflect on what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ and reminded me that faith is not simply something we inherit, but something we choose to live each day.

One particularly memorable moment came during the rehearsal before the Confirmation Mass. To my surprise, I ran into three former schoolmates. Their children were among the teenagers preparing to receive Confirmation. When they first saw me, they assumed I was there as a sponsor or godparent. Their surprise quickly turned into joy when they discovered that I was actually one of the five adults receiving the sacrament myself. We laughed together, and it became another reminder that God writes stories far better than we ever could.

Then the long awaited day arrived.

Dressed in white, I entered the church filled with gratitude, anticipation, and emotion. At first, I felt slightly embarrassed knowing that I would be walking down the aisle alongside the teenage confirmands. I was undoubtedly one of the oldest candidates present.

Yet as I walked down that aisle, something changed. I saw the smiles of the congregation. I felt their encouragement and support. I saw people celebrating not only the young confirmands but every person answering God’s call, regardless of age. As I walked, I fought back tears.

When I reached my seat, I looked behind me and saw my family. My mother was there, and her face radiated joy. In that moment, I thought about all the years that had passed, all the prayers she had undoubtedly offered for me, and all the grace that had brought us to this day.

Ed and my children were there as well. Although they are not Catholics, they came because they knew how important this day was to me. Their presence reminded me that love and support transcend denominational boundaries. Seeing them there filled my heart with gratitude.

The Mass itself was beautiful and deeply moving. It was celebrated by Father Shaun and His Eminence Cardinal William Goh. Throughout the liturgy, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and belonging. One Scripture passage particularly resonated with me: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” These words capture the very essence of Confirmation.

The word Confirmation means strengthening. Through this sacrament, the Holy Spirit comes to strengthen the gifts first received at Baptism and bring them to maturity. In the Sacrament of Confirmation, a person is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and strengthened for service to the Body of Christ, the Church.

Confirmation is not simply a personal milestone. It is a call to action. It is often described as the sacrament of social action because it sends us out into the world to live and proclaim the Gospel. The strengthening and maturity we receive are not meant solely for our own benefit. Rather, the gifts we receive are intended to help us contribute actively and creatively to the Church and to the world around us.

As I reflected on this, I began thinking about how I hope to respond to that call. I want to become more involved in the mission of Christ. I want to serve where I am needed, participate in ministries, perform acts of charity, visit the sick, help the poor, and support the vulnerable. I want to be generous, compassionate, and caring. I want my life to be a witness to God’s love. I want to share my faith when opportunities arise, support the Church’s call for social justice, defend the dignity of every human person, and continue growing in prayer and sacramental life.

The history of Confirmation itself is rich and beautiful. The laying on of hands is recognized by Catholic tradition as the origin of the sacrament, perpetuating in a certain way the grace of Pentecost within the Church. By the second century, Confirmation was also conferred through anointing with holy oil known as Sacred Chrism. This anointing connects us to Christ Himself. The word “Christian” means “anointed one,” deriving from Christ, whom God anointed with the Holy Spirit.

During Confirmation, the bishop lays hands upon the confirmands, invoking the fullness of the Holy Spirit and His gifts. Through this action, we are strengthened for ministry, renewed in our commitment to Christ and His Church, and equipped to bear witness to the faith. The anointing with Sacred Chrism is particularly meaningful. As the bishop anoints the forehead, he says, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” That seal is permanent. It signifies that we belong to Christ, that we are chosen by God, and that we have a purpose within His plan.

Chrism itself carries profound symbolism. Consecrated by the bishop during the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, it is made from olive oil and balsam. The fragrance of balsam symbolizes the sweetness and beauty of holiness. Olive oil symbolizes life, endurance, healing, and peace. Olive trees survive storms, droughts, and the passing of generations. In many ways, they mirror our own spiritual journeys.

As Christians, we are called not merely to acknowledge the Holy Spirit but to develop a relationship with Him. For me, the Holy Spirit means God’s constant presence in my life. In moments of fear, grief, uncertainty, and struggle, He brings comfort, wisdom, peace, and strength. He reminds me that I am never alone.

The Holy Spirit bestows seven gifts: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord. These gifts are strengthened and sealed within us at Confirmation. Unlike material gifts, they never go out of style. They do not break, spoil, tarnish, or need replacing. They remain with us throughout our lives. Our responsibility is to use them well.

As I reflect on my own life, I believe I have been using these gifts by encouraging others, listening with compassion, serving where help is needed, and sharing hope through my writing and actions. During difficult seasons, I have tried to choose patience, wisdom, kindness, and faith, allowing God to work through me.

Have I always done this perfectly? Certainly not. But I believe the Holy Spirit has continually guided me back to God and helped me remain faithful to the mission He has placed before me. Moving forward, I want to intentionally invite the Holy Spirit into my daily life. I want His wisdom to guide my decisions, His courage to strengthen me, and His love to transform my heart.

Among the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, and self control, the one I most desire to grow in is patience. I often want answers immediately. I want healing quickly. I want circumstances to change overnight. Yet God continues teaching me to trust His timing. I pray for a calmer heart, gentler responses, and the grace to wait faithfully.

Ultimately, I pray that the Holy Spirit will transform my life so that I may bear fruit and give witness to Christ.

Before ending, I want to share two moments from Cardinal William Goh’s homily that stayed with me. The first was when he spoke about people being forced into faith practices. I smiled because it reminded me of my own journey. Thirty one years late by conventional standards, perhaps, but I was there entirely of my own choosing. No one forced me. No one pressured me. I came because I wanted to be there.

The second was when he spoke about reaching a stage of faith where what others say about you can no longer truly hurt you because your identity is rooted in God. Those words resonated deeply with me. After everything life has taught me, I believe I have finally reached that place. Not perfectly, but sincerely. A place where my worth is no longer determined by the opinions of others but by God’s love.

And for that, I am profoundly grateful.

Thirty one years later, I finally received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Not late. Not behind. Exactly when God intended. And what a beautiful gift it has been.