We just said goodbye to 2020, a year we envisioned to be a shining year owing to the 20/20 vision which was a perfect sight condition. But, lo and behold, the world was jolted by a global pandemic suffered by all of humanity as one, every human being vulnerable. Losses were experienced by many. Loved ones were lost. Businesses, jobs, finances, properties, lost. Each one running to God in a way never before seen, churches were born in homes, in the digital world, in the hearts of people. Bible Studies and prayer meetings held via video conferencing. For survival, we depended on God and God responded. He sustained us- provided food, protected, and gave joy amidst the uncertain seas. 
Now, today 2021, the first day, our hearts are full of hope. Each one clutching dearly to the hope that this year will bring restoration, rebuilding, refining. We, as humanity, were subjected to fire, like gold, tested by fire, we emerge stronger, our spirits refined having faced a challenge every other body faces. No one is stronger nor weaker, no one less vulnerable. Everybody is head to head with an enemy unseen. But God is there seeing what is unseen to humans. We trust that He shields.
Many say that 2020 is a good year for them. Business has blossomed, finances flow in, new ideas sprouted. And then, there are many who say 2020 was the worst year. Business closed. Finances scarce. Loved ones gone.
Myriad experiences rippling and stirring in multitude of degrees. Despite the many hurts, let us count the ways we can be grateful that our strength was tested as gold is tested by fire. We are gold. We are here. As we pray for the families who lost a beloved, may comfort and inner healing happen. Let us send them love energy.
May 2021 be plentiful for us. May we reap good harvest this year as we keep our eyes heavenwards, continuously asking God to give us merciful and compassionate hearts for every good thing shared starts that way.
Hope reigns. Mercy outpours.
Yours,
Joji
