Often I make plans to do certain things that I want or need to do. Planning gives me a snapshot of my happenings and allows me to account for my time and if needed, fit in other appointments. I like to have an idea of what my day, week, and month will entail. Family and friends who know me well always say “Brandy’s on top of it”. Really, getting things done in a timely manner is very important to me.
The downside to planning is the unexpected occurrences which are beyond my control that seem to knock me off course. It is during those times that I am reminded that God is in control and not I. What he has written will come to fruition despite any plans I might make for myself. There have been times when I thought I was doing things for my reasons when in reality God had the perfect plan in action.
Example: When Briana graduated high school in 2011, I decided to move back to Milwaukee. I thought it was perfect timing because Nikki and I couldn’t stand to be apart any longer. I landed a job before I arrived and the transition was seamless. What was so perfect about this decision is I was able to be near my grandma and mom before their untimely passing. Again, my relocation was God’s plan and he provided for me in every way so that I could be with the love of my life and also spend precious moments with my family.
In our September blog Nikki posted the quote, “You must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change.” She eloquently told the story of our journey from Milwaukee to Los Angeles. Well that was a month ago. Since then, I completed my course and now have a 3 month break. I planned to get my grind on and live this Cali life to the fullest!
As God would have it, he showed me his plan once again. On Tuesday, October 1st; (2 days after the end of my class), Nikki was diagnosed with breast cancer. As you can imagine, my heart was broken, I was angry, and I had so many other emotions brewing inside that my thinking was clouded. I felt breathless… but soon I began to remember just how faithful God had been to us and surely he did not bring us this far to neither leave nor forsake us. His many blessings entailed providing a job for me which enabled Nikki to work full-time from home. Allowed for us to be legally married. We have two amazingly wonderful friends whom have adopted us as family and treated us nothing less than loved ones. God’s timing is perfect… I am fully available to support my sweet Nikki as our journey begins toward healing. I am so grateful for life experiences. Though I’d rather for this not to be happening, I am thankful for God’s mercy and his grace in every situation. While my tears soak my pillow and my quietness stills my spirit, I believe with every ounce of life in me that my God will give me the strength to be exactly what Nikki needs me to be. He did not say it would be easy but he did say he will give us strength.
So as I go about my life planning for my tomorrows, humbly I understand God’s plan reigns supreme.
You are so right that God didn't bring you this far to leave you. No way. I am SO proud of you two for rolling with the punches and jumping over hurdles with grace and determination. You two are my heroes!!! Love you both!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written B...Faith, Love, Strength! I Believe :)
ReplyDeleteI'm "cryning"...that is crying and whining..I felt like I had been punched in the nose..When I heard, that terrible shocking pain you just have to shake your head, and walk off. Life has a way of doing that, but he (God)gives us who and what we need ,B. I'm glad she has you. the provisions are provided, if I could lend you both part of my strength each day my friend , I surely would, but only my prayers will reach where I can not. CLAIMING VICTORY!
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