2025: Highs, Lows, and the Faithfulness of God

2025 was a year that filled my life with both highs and lows. In the span of just a couple of months, I lost Mawmaw and Emma. In that same year, I published my first book, underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and became a licensed minister to preach. It was a whirlwind—personally, spiritually, and nationally.

It also wasn’t just a significant year for me. It was a weighty year for the entire country. With Donald Trump becoming President of the United States again and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, our nation experienced upheaval, tension, and grief. History moved quickly, reminding us how fragile life is and how uncertain earthly systems remain.

Through it all, one truth stands firm: God has been faithful.

The Lows: Losing Mawmaw and Emma

Never would I have thought I would lose two grandmothers in one year—let alone within only a couple of months. Mawmaw and Emma were two of the most important and influential women not only in my life, but in the lives of many people in our community.

Both passed away from cancer. Emma after years of battling breast cancer, and Mawmaw after fighting pancreatic cancer.

By God’s grace, I was able to be by their bedside and witness their final moments here on earth. Those moments mark you forever. I believe with full confidence that when they closed their eyes here for the last time, they opened them for the first time in Heaven—seeing their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and being reunited with Dad, Poppie, and other loved ones who went before them.

I miss them deeply. But I do not grieve without hope. Jesus is coming again, and I know I will see them when He returns and brings His people home.

The Highs: Evidence of God’s Work

With Emma and Mawmaw being the deepest lows of the year, the highs were just as impactful—not because life was easy, but because God was clearly at work.

Publishing My First Book

On June 22, I published my very first book, The Wheelchair Pulpit: How a Wheelchair Gave My Life Purpose.

The book tells my story—from the day of my accident to the moment God called me into ministry. I never imagined becoming a published author, but I believe God called me to testify to what He has done in my life through the written word. The response from readers was humbling and encouraging. It was a reminder that God does not waste suffering; He redeems it for His glory and for the good of others.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Another significant milestone was finally being able to undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Getting there was a long and frustrating process. Doctor’s prescriptions, insurance hurdles, and constant delays tested my patience. But when it finally began, it made a real difference in the healing of my wound.

The schedule was demanding. For a couple of months, I was up at 6:00 a.m. every morning. It impacted my schoolwork and left me exhausted, often needing a nap just to make it through the day. Still, the progress in healing made the sacrifice worth it.

Becoming a Licensed Minister to Preach

In November, I reached another milestone I never planned for on my own: I became licensed as a minister to preach.

Alongside several other young men pursuing the same calling, I stood before the congregation and publicly acknowledged my motivation and call to preach. This moment was never part of my original life agenda. But the Lord orders our steps.

People often say God works in mysterious ways. I would say God works in His own way. It only seems mysterious to us because we are not all-knowing.

A Nation in Turmoil

It would be wrong not to acknowledge what took place in our nation this year. With Donald Trump serving as the 47th President of the United States, the country has seen major shifts in both domestic and global politics.

At the same time, we have witnessed acts of senseless violence—evidence of hearts hardened by sin. The assassination of Charlie Kirk was one of those moments. His death served as a sobering reminder that the Christian community is not immune to hatred and evil in this fallen world. Ultimately, only the power of Jesus Christ can confront and overcome such darkness.

Ministry Along the Way

Amid all these highs and lows, the Lord also opened doors for preaching opportunities at Waterfront Missions and with Pace High School’s First Priority group. These moments reaffirmed that God is actively at work in my life, shaping and preparing me for the calling He has placed before me.

Looking Toward 2026

When I reflect on 2025—both in my own life and in our nation—I see a year marked by loss, growth, healing, and calling. Above all, I see the steady faithfulness of God.

As I look ahead to 2026, I do not know everything the Lord has planned. But I do know this: He has been faithful, and He will continue to be faithful.

I am grateful, humbled, and expectant for what He has in store.