Today, allow me to ask you a question: when was the last time you lost something very important and then found it?
This week, I’m thanking God for his amazing grace.
Last week, after over 2 years, I received a text from one of my siblings saying that my oldest sister, who is 75, was alive and well.
In our case, as a family, we relied on information from my oldest sister’s children to help us find her after we intentionally left it up to the universe.
I believe all the prayers worked because each of us was mentally drained, not knowing her status.
I waited a day after hearing the good news that one of my sisters had spoken with her, needing confirmation for myself.
As I wrote in my gratitude journal this past Wednesday, on February 11, 2026, I was grateful that my sister was alive and well.
I found out after speaking to her that she admitted she was in a dark place in her life, disconnected from everyone, and is now doing better.
If you only knew the joy and jubilation I felt during those 30 minutes talking with her, I can’t begin to describe it.
It was also a testament to keeping the faith that we would find her.
I’m humbled to have a greater understanding of resilience and to have earned 51 of 60 credits for Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
In those moments, I heard about her breakthrough. As I listened without passing judgment, it was clear that she wanted to live.
Life has a way of giving you another opportunity if you’re willing to take it.
In my case, I was given another opportunity to connect with her and show her that we, as a family, love her.
I’m sure my other siblings are elated as well, and everyone plans to reach out to her in person.
My goal is to visit in October or November this year, based on my calendar, and to stay connected until then.
Although I asked, “When was the last time you lost something very important and then you found it may not seem important?” What is important to me is life.
We sometimes take life for granted until it’s taken from us.
We hear the words “I love you”; however, we don’t take the time to tell others we love them until we’re at their funeral or when it’s too late.
I believe my siblings and I agree we need to stay in touch more often.
Too often, it takes a funeral or a tragic event to bring a family together.
As I carry this life lesson into another chapter, I’m humbled to have had the opportunity to tell my sister I loved her last week.
Therefore, today, take a moment in your life to tell someone you have not spoken to in a while that you love them as well.
I believe this quote by Anais Nin describes our conversation from last week. “I postpone death by living, by suffering, by error, by risking, by giving, by losing.”
I woke up yesterday morning, hearing the words “We are more than we hold” spoken very clearly to my unconscious mind.
I was so clear about it that I had to write it down to ensure I didn’t forget.
We are more than we hold because of God’s grace. Sometimes we believe we can’t hold it all together, but I’ve found out we can.
Ironically, when I Googled it, the phrase “encourages us to recognize our capacity for growth and resilience beyond our current limitations.”
It validated my thoughts for today.
Today is Presidents’ Day, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention it.
In the article “Reimagining Presidents Day,” Seth Levi and Jalaya Liles Dunn state that “Presidents Day offers an opportunity to consider how U.S. presidents have used power — for good or harm — and what that means for us.”
In his 1981 Farewell Address to the Nation, President Jimmy Carter leaves us with his lived understanding of the power of the presidency and the people: “We are asking our political system to do things of which the founding fathers never dreamed. … We are all Americans together, and we must not forget that the common good is our common interest and our individual responsibility. Because of the fragmented pressures of … special interests, it’s very important that the office of the president be a strong one, and that its constitutional authority be preserved. The president is the only elected official charged with the primary responsibility of representing all the people.”
This week, take a moment in your life to tell someone you have not spoken to in a while that you love them as well. As you celebrate Presidents Day today, know that all is not lost, because “We are more than we hold.
This is a message of Blessings for you and all of your siblings Brother of Mine as your message was on point as a humble servant and love for your family. May God continue to Bless You!!!!
Jeff,
Greetings my Brother. Your words humble me. I pray that we all have learned something. I receive your prayers.
McKinley
We are thankful that your Sister is well and the connection with you both seems good and we pray that it grows stronger, better, and lovingly. As the middle child, in our family, we have been fortunate to enjoy a supportive, loving, protective relationship with our siblings. People know that we shall “go to the mat” for our siblings, at the drop of a coin and they me. Our parents, especially our Mother who grew up as the only daughter with six brothers, taught us to love each other, protect each other, and do all we could, for each other. Our Father, an only child, loved the idea that we would not be alone, in this world, when He was gone. Our siblings have provided us with support, love, protection, companionship, finances, and any and all things we have ever required. When one is ill, the entire gang shows up to sit(sleep) by their hospital bed, provide whatever they require, and continue thankful, for the opportunity to “show our love.” It is a blessing, we pray we don’t take for granted, that we are loved unconditionally and even on our worse days, crazy beyond reason times, almost behind bars days, they are by our side “come hell or high water”. We thank God for our parents who taught us to love each other by precept and example. Praying that your Sister is well and all will be well with your family; God can do everything, BUT FAIL.
Blessings for God’s best gifts, always.
Judge Pettway,
Thank you for your kind words.
My father grew up as an only child, and my mother had no sisters but two brothers. I’m grateful for the lesson they imparted on me as both are no longer here on this earth. Ironically, we have been saying out loud we must spend more time with each other; however, life sometimes gets in the way.
This week was a reminder that prayer does work.
I’m forever grateful for you calming voice.
McKinley