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| Song: "With All My Heart (I Want To Love You Lord)" |
Today marks a significant milestone in my life—I graduated with my Master of Science in Nursing, with a focus on Leadership, at Grand Canyon University, in Phoenix, Arizona. As I reflect on this journey, I cannot help but recognize the grit and determination that carried me through the many challenges I faced along the way. Balancing full-time work, school, and life’s demands often felt overwhelming, yet through it all, my faith in Christ was an unwavering anchor.
In moments when I was tempted to lose heart, I leaned
heavily on my trust in the LORD (Proverbs 3:5-6). Each
time I felt burdened by the weight of expectations, I found solace in praying
and surrendering my worries to Him. It was in these quiet moments of prayer
that I experienced a profound sense of peace, reassuring me that I was not
alone in this pursuit. The dreams I held felt more attainable when I relied not
solely on my strength, but on His (Philippians 4:13).
Throughout my journey, I have been immensely grateful to
those who genuinely stood by me. I owe so much to my husband,
David, whose prayers, unwavering patience, and support fueled my determination—my
husband’s belief in me provided strength during long nights of studying after
hard days at work, and in battles of self-doubt. Likewise, my family and
mentors played instrumental roles, guiding me, pushing me, and uplifting me
every step of the way. Their encouragement reminded me that growth often comes
from the intersection of grit and grace.
While I was able to visit Facebook to stay updated on my
friends' activities, a prolonged sabbatical proved to be essential for my
well-being and focus.
This experience has taught me invaluable lessons about the power of resilience, humility, and sacrifice. I learned that true grit is not just about how hard you can push through; it is also about knowing when to trust, when to lean on your faith (Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10), and when to accept help from others. I discovered a deeper understanding of my calling to serve others—a conviction solidified in my heart by the grace I have received (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
As I celebrate this achievement, I acknowledge that it is
not merely a personal milestone but a testament to Christ’s faithfulness in my
life (Galatians 2:20;
Galatians 6:14; Philippians 1:27). I know
it will not be easy, but I hope to apply what I have learned in the nursing
profession and to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those I encounter.
Each person I meet represents an opportunity to serve and share the love that
has been so generously given to me.
I give all glory to God through Christ, my Lord and Personal Savior, whose strength has carried me through this journey. May my story be one that reflects His grace, love, and the transformative power of trusting Him through every challenge. To God be all the glory through Christ!
