It’s been a glorious decade since I dedicated my life wholeheartedly to serving the Lord. Each passing year, His grace has been my guiding light, illuminating my path with divine love and wisdom. My life continues to be a testament to His grace, and I always find joy and fulfillment in serving Him faithfully.
Since then, we have struggled financially, but my parents endeavored tirelessly to see me finish my schooling. Despite the distance it would create, my mother made the difficult decision to work abroad, all for the sake of ensuring our education, especially mine. However, amidst this sacrifice, I couldn’t help but feel the void in my heart caused by her absence.
Yet, through it all, her love and sacrifice became a beacon of inspiration for me. It taught me resilience, determination, and the value of sacrifice. I realized that her physical absence didn’t diminish her love; it only magnified it, for she was sacrificing her presence for our future.
There came a time when my parents began to argue with each other for various difficult reasons. Misunderstandings arose, and it seemed as though I lost interest in hearing their constant bickering. Even my elder brother couldn’t bear the strain of the situation any longer.
In response, I continually prayed and hoped for reconciliation within our family. I beseeched God to grant me strength so I could support my siblings through these turbulent times. Despite the turmoil, my dedication to serving the Lord remained unwavering. I became increasingly involved in various ministries, eventually being selected as a Youth Coordinator in our parish. Through the grace of the Lord, I also found solace and support in the Missionary Families of Christ (MFC) Community. Their presence greatly aided me in persevering through tears, anxiety, and a sense of loss that weighed heavily upon me.
In the midst of these challenges, my involvement in these activities provided me with solace and fortitude. Despite everything within my family, I held fast to my faith and commitment to serving the Lord and His people. I remained steadfast in my belief that through prayer and perseverance, our family would eventually overcome its struggles and find peace once more.
At present, my family has reached a point of peace and understanding. Though we acknowledge our imperfections, we continue to strive for happiness together. I have completed my education and am currently employed, while still serving the Lord. Through the trials we faced, we emerged stronger and more united, a testament to the enduring power of faith and love. As I look to the future, I am filled with gratitude for the blessings we have received and the journey that has brought us to where we are today.
I am Jirah Sanchez Pornete, and these are my life experiences illustrating how God has remained faithful to me throughout this journey.
Indeed, life is worth living when you prioritize God above all else. May God be praised.