Feast of St. James, Apostle
DO NOT DESPAIR
We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair. – 2 Corinthians 4:8
When our third child was born, my husband and I went through a time of “affliction.” She lost a lot of weight and, at first, we didn’t know what was wrong with her. We were “perplexed” and felt helpless because we didn’t know why she was sick.
Eventually, we discovered she had an infection that was not detected at birth. Once she was healed from it, she began gaining weight. As I write this, she will be celebrating her first birthday in a month — healthy, happy and a blessing to those around her.
Now, I look back on that time of affliction and perplexity with gratitude — because even during those challenging months, I knew God was with us. He didn’t allow us to be “driven to despair.” Instead, He held us up and encouraged us through the prayers, love and support of those around us (and even of people from all over the world!).
So if you are facing difficulties right now, allow me to encourage you — do not despair, God is always with you! Tina Santiago-Rodriguez (tina@trulyrichmom.com)
Reflection: Christ bore our burdens on the cross so that we might walk with a lighter step.
Lord, thank You for giving me the strength to do all things (Philippians 4:13), even triumph over my trials.
St. James, Apostle, pray for us.
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