Mapping the Wilderness: Reflecting on Faith, Resilience, and Gratitude

The wilderness of our lives can feel vast and daunting—a place both lonely and complex, yet never truly alone. It’s a landscape that demands to be mapped, a story waiting to be told. Each step stamps memories on our bones and souls, marking the journey we’ve traveled and pointing us ever closer to that center of light, our own inner compass.

I’ve come to see that this is what life is: traveling through the wilderness and telling the story. My nana reminded me of this truth just the other day. She shared a lesson from her Bible study on stepping out in faith, something along the lines of, “if you want to walk on water, you must get off the boat.” It’s a reminder that if you want to live fully, you’ve got to step out and embrace the unknown.

This past year has tested me in ways I could never have anticipated. There were times when faith felt like the only thing holding me up, times when I needed others to help carry the weight, to hug me through the hurt, and to remind me that I am worthy of the love I try to share with the world. And as challenging as it was, I made it through. I was held, cared for, and loved, and I was reminded, over and over, that faith is not something I can only speak of but something I must live in.

As I celebrate another year, I look forward to continuing to map this wilderness, to exploring who I am and who I can become. I am grateful to be held in God’s care, to be loved by my community, and to receive your kind birthday messages, each one sweet as honey.

Here’s to another year of mapping, growing, and embracing all the possibilities that lie ahead.

Call to Action: If you’re on a journey of your own and looking for a space that honors the wilderness within, come join us at The Clearing Community Center. Let’s support each other in faith, resilience, and community.