What did you say was impossible?!

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

I don't know about you...but, in elementary school, it always seemed like we had a performance to prepare for. Personally, I loved it - learning new songs and performing for my family. Maybe, that was why I enjoyed chorus in middle and high school so much.

Unfortunately, my 9-year-old sister Alana started school in the COVID-era, so large crowds were discouraged...but tonight, she performed at her first ever Winter Concert and I was excited to support her.

The concert started a few minutes early, so I missed her grade's first number, but I walked in just in time for their second song: "Jingle Bells" (Of course, a Christmas staple!).

The church sanctuary was packed - not because anyone expected a groundbreaking show, but because we all loved the little people that were a part of it. I stood in the back to catch photos and videos of my baby sis - who is not such a baby anymore!

I watched, filled with pride. It's been a joy to watch my Lana Bug grow throughout the years - One moment, I'm getting her bottles ready and watching her take her first steps. The next, she's a sweet, smart, sassy, stylish (peep the beret, sweater, and skirt ensemble!) 3rd grader. Time has truly flown by, but I thank God nearly everyday for the blessing of being a part of her life and upbringing. She is a special girl and I can't wait to see all the He has in store for her!

Let's shift gears a bit:

So, this afternoon, my Mom and I were talking on the phone for nearly 3 hours off-and-on. Although, a piece of me wished our talk didn't distract me from my work, it's always great to "chop it up" with her about any and everything.

At one point in our conversation, we began to recount ways that God had done the impossible for us - specifically when it comes to housing.

My mom had me when she was 18 years old. With her being a year out of high school, of course, she didn't quite have life planned out. Gratefully, my grandmother was supportive. When I came along, I shared a bedroom with my mother (and years later, my sister) for the first 8 years of my life.

Of course, my mom wanted to get us out of that bedroom, but it was very challenging to find housing that she could afford. She'd gotten on the waitlist for Section 8 housing but, when she finally met with a social worker, all that was available was project housing.

My mom was adamant - she did not want to raise her children in the projects. Yes, I understand, it's the only option some people have, but projects often have higher instances of crimes, drugs, and other negative influences. My mom wanted better for us, even if it meant we had to continue to stay altogether in the bedroom.

She told the social worker this and they apparently shot back, "I guess your living situation isn't that bad.." She was placed at the bottom of the waitlist again.

That moment seemed to have motivated my mom even more. My Mom continued to pray and search daily for places. This was pre-internet days, so I remember her and I looking through Apartment Guide books on our bus rides home.

Just when the search felt hopeless, she stumbled across a listing on Willow Rd. She told me that she only knew about farmland in that area, she didn't know anything about apartments on Willow Rd.

She got my Grandma to drive her by the area. Turns out that they had begun building a new complex "Willow Ridge" and, at the time, only the clubhouse had been built. My mom inquired about the apartments and it turns out that they were income-based - meaning that, if approved, my mom would pay a very reasonable amount in rent.

Not sure all of what she had to go through (I was only 7 or 8 at the time!), but apparently it was quite a few hoops, over the course of at least a couple of months.

When it was said and done, my mom got approved for a 1300 square foot 3-bedroom apartment...for only $432/month! (That is insane to even think about, considering I paid $825/month for my first 1-bedroom apartment)

With faith and persistence, God truly worked a miracle for my mom, my sister, and I. We went from sharing a bedroom to 3 spacious rooms for each of us! Recounting this reminded me of how faithful that God has been to my family and I throughout the years. Although we've certainly faced tough times, He's always been a promise keeper and a waymaker. To this very minute, He shows me that with Him ALL things are truly possible.

I'm sure you have your own testimonies that you can recount - Remember them and have faith!