It feels just like yesterday when I was 5 years old and this year, I add on a zero, making it 50. How time has gone by in, what feels like, a split second. A quick flashback on my life, highlights many highs and lows and today I want to write a birthday tribute to celebrate God’s grace over and in my life.
I grew up in a loving home with parents, who loved each other. They ALWAYS put us as children first. If the kids, six of us, could not go with them, they did not go out at all. Growing up, I do not recall my parents ever fighting in front of us. Many times, they were behind closed doors, but I do not recall harsh words, screaming sessions or them breaking each other down. I might not have seen my parents holding hands or kissing each other, but I knew that they loved each other, for love was felt in the room and amongst us as children.
I recall my parents sacrificing so much, for us to have enough. I never had many clothes or toys but appreciated and adored everything I did have. My parents would save money or pay off monthly, gifts they wanted to bless us with over Christmas time. Oh, it was our favourite time of the year with music, a Christmas tree, new clothes, sweets and gifts. Hence, till today, I will make Christmas time a special time for my family to love, share and enjoy memorable times together. How grateful I am for my parents and today in my birthday month, I give a special tribute to them!
As teenager I made the decision to follow Jesus and my journey in and with Christ began. It was a rocky start at first, as there were many things I had to sort out over the years. There was an identity crisis, low self-esteem and judgement, all because of being sexually abused by my sister’s friend when I was 5 years old. Although I grew in Christ daily, healing did not manifest in my life overnight. It was a process. I tried to deal with so many things by myself, hiding my challenges from others that I eventually looked for avenues to vent. Off course satan knew this, and I eventually became a perfectionist on an unhealthy level. Now as we know, judgement very often goes hand in hand with perfectionism and hence, attached itself unwelcomingly into my life.
However, all these challenges did not break me. In fact, it built me into a strong young lady and eventually woman. My motto became Philippians 4:13 which says that I CAN do EVERYTING through CHRIST who gives me strength. I started working through all the challenges step by step, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Today, I am free (Romans 8:1) and so in love with Jesus. I owe to Him alone, my whole life, salvation, healing, blessings and future. How grateful I am to be called a daughter of the most High and to have Jesus as my Saviour and friend. Today in my birthday month, I give a special tribute to God my Father, Jesus Christ, my personal Saviour and best friend and the Holy Spirit who lives inside of me!
God granted met the opportunity to experience love, by giving me a loving and caring man, who loves me unconditionally. He became my husband and the father of our children. God granted me the gift of being a mother to 2 beautiful children, all grown up now. Today, I am also a grandmother and can see the product of God’s love in our lives, also multiplying into the lives of our children. Today, in my birthday month, I give a special tribute to my husband, our children and our grandchild!
I have always been an introvert and can probably be in my house daily, without having to go out. Yet, God intended for us to be His disciples and wants us to go and spread the gospel of Christ. We do not live and move in isolation, so God gave me friends, brothers and sisters in Christ. Each of them has a special place in my heart. Today, in my birthday month, I give a special tribute to each of them!
I know that all my favour comes from God and hence accepts that it is also coupled to our obedience to go! He sends us out into this world to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last (John 15:16). What a blessing to have a career and being able to help others being educated and developed. I have a job, wonderful colleagues and amazing opportunities to contribute to changing the world. Today, in my birthday month, I give a tribute to all those that have and are still playing a pivotal role in my journey to live out God’s will in the world of work!
My story might sound nice, as if I have not had any troubles, hardships and mountains to climb. Do not be fooled, for satan attacks me all the time. The difference is, I chose Jesus, and He goes through every challenge with me. I have made many mistakes, have had many ups and downs, laughter and tears; but what holds me together, is God’s unfailing and unconditional love for me. How else to celebrate my 50th birthday, than giving tribute to Him and all of you, who have made my life worth living!
Love in Christ
Princess K