A Season of Joy and Sorrow
December is a month of celebration—but it can also be heavy. For many, the holidays are a reminder of someone missing at the table, or memories that bring both joy and sorrow. I know this personally. In 2020, my family lost my cousin Liam, and it was the hardest thing I have ever walked through.
I am so thankful that I had my faith to turn to. I came to Christ in 2017, three years before Liam’s passing, and I cannot imagine how I would have navigated that grief without Him. Losing Liam shook me deeply, but even in the pain, God’s presence and His work through this tragedy have left me in awe. He can bring hope, purpose, and healing from even the hardest seasons.
Jesus, the Prince of Peace
Even Jesus wept. He grieved. He knew loss and sorrow firsthand. And yet, His peace reaches deep into our hearts, offering comfort and strength even in the hardest moments. Emotional wellness, mental clarity, and even physical health are supported when we rest in Him. Spiritual wellness anchors us when life shakes us.
My Journey to Spiritual Wellness
When I became a certified health and wellness coach, I learned about the Wellness Wheel, which evaluates different areas of life—physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. When I completed mine in 2017, spiritual wellness was the area most lacking.
I decided to start small: attending church on the first Sunday of every month. At the same time, an old friend, Kyle—who was also single—shared his faith with me in a way that caught my attention. The combination of seeing my life on the Wellness Wheel and Kyle’s encouragement stirred me to take my spiritual life seriously. God knew exactly how to get my attention. That small step of showing up to church consistently eventually led me to attend weekly and get confirmed.
What True Wellness Really Means
Wellness isn’t just about nutrition, exercise, or routines. It’s also about the parts of life that bring calm, purpose, and grounding. Spiritual wellness—trusting God, leaning on Him, and letting His peace guide us—supports everything else: emotional resilience, focus, and even how we care for our bodies.
This Christmas, I want to encourage anyone hurting, grieving, or feeling alone: His presence brings comfort and steadies the heart in every season. Even in sorrow, we are never truly alone.
Reflection for the Season
🎁 The greatest gift is His presence.
🌱 God can bring purpose from pain.
💛 He is near to the brokenhearted and wants to draw you close.
Reflection Question: How is God inviting you to experience His peace this season?
A Word to All Readers
I know that not everyone may feel the same way I do, and that’s okay. I’m not here to force beliefs or make anyone feel uncomfortable. My hope is simply to share what has given me hope, peace, and strength—to encourage anyone who is hurting, grieving, or seeking purpose this season.
Faith can be challenging or unfamiliar to some, and it’s okay if my story resonates differently with you. My prayer is that, in some way, this message offers encouragement, reflection, or even just a moment of peace.
