Year 2016 in Review - Crazy, Radical Faith



2016... In world news, it will go down in history and not with fond memories. World politics, global epidemics, atrocities that are mind-boggling, and so much more. And yet, for me, it's a year I'll never forget because I saw God's hand in my life in the most unexpected and pleasant ways.

In 2015, I sought the Kingdom. Building on that, I declared 2016 the Year of Crazy, Radical Faith. I knew going into the year that there would be a lot of changes and they could be very overwhelming. These would affect my family, my finances, and my health to name the more important ones. So like a good soldier, I prepared for battle. I began to seek after God to build my faith, knowing that He would keep me no matter what.

One of the reminders throughout the year was that faith is a muscle. It needs resistance to be able gain strength. It meant believing in the good and better outcomes when circumstances suggest otherwise. When many of the tests came, I had to learn how to keep moving forward and not allow them to overtake me in any way. The result - an awesome testimony!

The blessings I received over the year were nothing short of a miracle (collectively and individually). There were times I wondered how I would have made it through, and something would happen to prove once more that God honours our small steps of faith. I admit to lacking in faith the size of a mustard seed, but in all this, God showed me that faith is a journey and He will help us when we rely on Him more and more.

In reflecting on my own growth, it was definitely trending upwards compared with previous years. When I previously would have panicked, I was calm. When I should have been crying, I was smiling and believing in a better tomorrow. I didn't have it all together all the time though - I had my moments. But I opted to keep moving forward.

What were some of these blessings? Too many to mention them all. I will highlight:

  • my mom being safely back in Jamaica
  • my finances being under control despite an increase in monthly expenditure, largely because of unexpected gifts
  • realising my dream of attending a UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Morocco
  • travelling 1st class without having to pay for it
A bit more on these:
My mom being back in Jamaica is an opportunity for us to connect in a way we could never do being in 2 different countries.

The best way to describe what happened with my finances is what I call Divine Mathematics (DM). I started the year with credit card debt that was six digits. Despite an increase in expenses and no increase in my emoluments, I am ending the year in WAY less debt than I started with. I received monies from NHT, my family and even my credit card company which I hadn't planned for or expected. I even received discounts while helping my mom to resettle including with a stove and utilities. I was able to travel for vacation paying only fees and taxes. In other words, my spending increased, my emoluments did not, but I have more assets and experiences and I owe less.

When I did my masters, climate change was my specialisation. I therefore learnt about the international negotiating process, what it is, etc. Suffice it to say, attending the UNFCCC sessions was something I have wanted to observe 1st hand for quite some time...and I did...in Morocco! That was an adventure to say the least and I feel almost undeserving of being given the opportunity, yet so grateful. (I will post on this soon).

And finally, I had the privilege of representing my organisation in Honduras (a country I was visiting for the first time in 2016), and because I opted to show kindness, I received a first class ticket back to Miami. Talk about travelling in style!

Just a few more of my gifts: a plate set for entertaining and which I had wanted (just in case I had friends or family over) but didn't express to anyone; a cute handbag that means I can travel lighter when I go out; a mousepad so I can stop using paper; a fabulous dress to ring in the New Year, etc, etc etc.

Big, small and in-between were the breadth of my blessings. I believe that if I hadn't the right approach and attitude (even when I fell short), the year would have turned out differently,,,and not with fond memories.

In summary, 2016 - the Year of Crazy, Radical Faith - was a year I won't soon forget. I will try to use all I gained as I transition to the Year of the Incredible! I'm already preparing for my mind to be blown!

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Stay tuned...

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