At last, I have received my second academic hood and 4.0 GPA in the field that takes my passions to the next level! I have been a practicing dentist for 7 years and have lived a full life in those 7 years.
Each of those 7 years has a certain flavor, even a name, and, using my degree in clinical mental health counseling, I am overjoyed to be able to give back to the world what Christ has done for me in this time. Isaiah 43 says:
But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.2
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.3
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.4
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life.5
Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.6
I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the ends of the earth—7
everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.”
Thank you to our loving Abba Father for allowing me to pause on His promises over these 7 years; may my heart continue to pause on Your purpose in the 7th verse. Thank you also to everyone who has encouraged me in numerous ways through these seasons. Without you, I would not be able to fulfill my roles as a mother, professional, and advocate.
And to my children: to say you are my greatest treasure is the world’s greatest understatement. I am eager to see how He works in your lives over time. Many will try to take His promises and purpose from you. You do not have to let them.
Smile, you got this!
