Author’s Note: This reflection was originally published on this site on October 15, 2016. The original version remains live and can be read here [https://www.modulatingtones.com/2016/10/day-1-modulating-tones.html]. It may also be found by searching Fully Persuaded or by accessing the Archives section. This edition has been thoughtfully revised for republication.
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The memory is still vivid in my mind. It was on that day my spirit grabbed hold of Romans 8:38–39.
My umbrella refused to surrender its purpose as the rain poured down and the wind whipped fiercely around me. Though its canopy was being turned inside out, the hand-held device stayed true to form, shielding me as I made my way up the avenue.
I was on my way to a church located in Orange, New Jersey, knowing that after boarding the train in Linden, I would still need to catch another bus after arriving at Newark Penn Station. “Oh, woe is me,” I cried, as my legs - wrapped in torn hosiery - carried me closer and closer to the station. My best friend - my mother - had recently passed away; my lesbian relationship of twelve years had painfully come to an end; and I barely had enough money to make it to the house of God.
“Boo hoo hoo,” I cried incessantly, my tears mingling with the rain as it streamed down my face. In that moment, I believed my pity was justified until my thoughts turned to Jesus Christ.
Suddenly, it dawned on me how blessed I truly was. I was pressing my way to church - despite everything - looking forward to praising the One who died so that I could live. That realization alone was a blessing. On that walk, I understood that my circumstances had not changed, but my perspective had because Jesus Christ had entered my life and God was with me even then.
Right there on the street, I began praising the Holy One and complained no more - at least not on that day - about how bad things appeared to be.
That was over thirty-five years ago, and oh my, what an enlightening journey it has been since then. I have not walked it perfectly, and there were seasons when I found myself outside of the will of God, but the Lord's faithfulness never failed me. Through the years, I have seen how God’s steady hand has shaped my life and the lives of others in ways I could never have imagined. I've experienced moments that made me laugh, cry, reflect deeply, and shout hallelujah.
Through it all, I have learned that being “fully persuaded” is not about the absence of hardship, but about trusting the unchanging love of God in every season. Until next time, remember: Jesus loves you.
Romans 8:38–39 (KJV)
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Don’t quit in ’26.
Not because the road will be easy,
but because God is faithful even when the journey is hard.
Yetta N.A.