Here I Am, Again

 As a youngster growing up in a vibrant, multigenerational faith community, Sundays felt like gatherings of extended family. My church family was shared with my dentist, my band director, my science teacher along with many active citizens and role models in our town. That close-knit environment helped inspire my own journey of faith.

I vividly remember the sixth grade especially the summer I spent at Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston, Texas. One night, we sang “Here I Am, Lord.” I was flooded with emotion and full-body goosebumps. I knew without a doubt that I was surrounded by the presence of God. That moment marked me and turned on my inner compass

Here I am, Again…lifted, forgiven, and wrapped in a mercy I did not earn but deeply need. Time and again, God meets me with grace, steadies me on my feet, and gently sets me back on the path.

A few years ago, during a career transition, I returned to teaching part-time while also serving as a full-time academic staff member at a community college. In that season of discernment, I got a tattoo on my inner left ankle with Hebrew in scribe that says “Here I am, Lord, send me.”
It was more than ink. It was a sacred remembrance of that early encounter of God’s Spirit and call to a declaration of readiness to follow again.

During this time also I also sought career coaching with a licensed clinical social worker. I had to decompress from the exhaustion of a 60–80 hour workweek that was unsustainable. The journey wasn't easy. There were sacrifices, but after many interviews and much soul-searching, I landed on my feet again…lighter, clearer, and far more grounded.

The greatest lesson I learned: Time and peace of mind are more valuable than a title or a salary.

My life is a testimony to the mercy of Divine order and if you’re reading this, I believe yours is too. We don’t walk by chance. Each of our steps is guided by a sacred chosen path, even when we can’t see it. Every twist and turn carries meaning.

So stop. Listen. Learn.
Block out the noise of the world. Reconnect with the impact of your presence in the World. Ask yourself:Where does my hope come from?

I’ve experienced miracles some loud, some quiet, but all beautiful in their time. And during this summer’s journey across six countries along the Adriatic coast, my trust in God has grown beyond borders. My faith has strengthened with each unknown path I’ve walked.

But this isn't just about me. It’s about Us. Our stories are meant to be shared. In them, we see the creation of God and maybe, just maybe, we offer someone else the courage to keep walking. The human experience is a Godly experience regardless of background, country of origin, or the faith one practices…