For Such a Time As This

There have been moments in my life when the enemy tried to take me out—more than once. Recently, the Holy Spirit reminded me just how many times I came *this close* to not being here. Looking back, I see God’s hand on my life every step of the way.

These are just a few moments where, if one thing had gone differently, my story would have ended—but God said *not yet*.

 **As a baby**, my parents and I escaped the Westlake Hotel fire in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo above) We were on the top floor. We made it out alive, though everything we owned was lost. My life was spared.

**As a child**, I nearly drowned at a Vacation Bible School pool party. In the chaos, another child who coukdnt swim was pushed in, panicked and pulled me under. Something in my spirit told me to grab the pool ledge—and because of that, *two lives were saved that day.*

 **In my early 20s**, I survived a violent, abusive relationship. One night, after being beaten and choked unconscious, I woke up alone—bruised, swollen, and in pain. He likely thought I was dead. But I wasn’t. I was still here.

These are only three of many moments—but they all tell the same story: God preserved my life for a purpose.

And now I see it clearly.

God sent me to Kenya. To Kipsongo—*a place whose name means “hopelessness.”* Over the past few years, I’ve watched women rise from a defeated poverty mindset into **faith, strength, belief, and expectation**. They now dare to dream, to plan, and to believe they can achieve more—despite extreme poverty. 

What the enemy meant for my destruction, God used for His glory.

I’m still here.

And I’m walking in purpose.