Week 371

Positive post Sunday, April 7, 2024…. Week 371.  Have you ever received an unexpected gift that meant more to you than the person who gave it to you could ever image?  Well that happened to me! On Holy Saturday, after we attended the Easter vigil Mass, my Granddaughter Kendall walked down the stairs with a big smile on her face and her hands behind her back.  I could see that she had something she was very excited to share with me. 

Before doing so, she wanted to share the background and context.  A few alumni of her college, California Baptist University, came to speak with her class earlier that week.  Their names were Grace and Ivan Utomo, and they came to share their book titled, “Walking with Grace, Embracing God’s Goodness in Trauma”.  More importantly, they shared how they “walked with God” through every step of Grace’s 7-year journey of rehabilitation following a horrific accident where she was hit by a car at 40 miles per hour while walking across a street.  I encourage you to read this amazing story of how these 2 newlyweds strengthened their faith while many would have lost their faith during the extensive trauma they endured.

When seeing this book and listening to their story of perseverance following Grace’s horrific accident, Kendall told me that she immediately thought of me and my journey to recovery following my bike accident where I was hit from behind by a car at 30 miles per hour on October 2, 2020.  After their talk, Kendall shared my experience with Grace and Ivan, acknowledging how blessed we all are to have unbreakable faith and trust in God as we walked with Him during our journeys through trauma and rehabilitation.  God is good!

After sharing her experience and discussion with Grace and Ivan, with an energetic grin on her face, Kendall revealed what she was holding behind her back.  She bought me a copy of their book which Grace and Ivan signed with inspirational and spiritual messages.  Words can’t explain how grateful I felt when Kendall handed me that book, especially since I was and continue to recover from my recent heart surgery.  What an unexpected, and deeply thoughtful gift.  Thank you for this amazing Easter blessing Kendall!  I’ve read the book and I’m deeply moved and inspired by the love and faith of this newlywed couple.  God is clearly at work in their lives.  My prayers are with them and their families as they continue to live out the plan God has for them.

How has the trauma you have experienced in your life strengthened your faith and relationship with God?

How have you embraced the goodness of God and the plan He has for you, especially during the challenges you face in your life?