Affirm The Word Challenge -Q1 2020 Microgrant Winner
Walking By Faith | Anayo Michel – Valley Stream, NY
"We simply have to trust in God." — Anayo Michel
Reading Affirm the Word-- the Spiritual Practice of Speaking & Living God's Word helped me to navigate through a challenging time in my life. I am typically an optimistic person and I view life's hurdles as opportunities to inspire all of us to jump higher and become stronger. I have deep faith and trust abundantly in God's plan.
My faith was tested at a young age after my mother died right after I graduated from college. I had to raise my younger siblings after she died right when I was beginning my own post-college life. My mom was my best friend, my mentor and the person I loved and admired most. Her death almost broke my spirit, but I had to stay strong for my siblings and with God's grace I persevered. I opened my dance studio to honor my mother and I named the studio after my daughter.
Twenty years after my mother's death, my husband almost died. Doctors said the odds of his survival were very low, but I got on my knees and prayed nonstop. I didn't want my daughter to lose her father, the love of my life, the way that I lost my mom.
And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." Matthew 21:22
My husband walked out the hospital to the astonishment of his doctors. I know that our prayers and faith that we would have more time were at work and God blessed us with bonus time. I am forever grateful and appreciative of every extra day that my daughter and I now have with my husband.
The doctors gave little hope, but the impossible was made possible.
"For nothing will be impossible with God." Luke 1:37
God has always blessed me with strength to withstand life's many obstacles. I go with the flow when I encounter obstacles because my challenges have always forced me to become better, stronger and more creative. But this pandemic was particularly brutal and once again put my faith to the test and also jeopardized my business. The business I opened as a memorial to my mother. My life savings were depleted by my efforts to keep everyone at my business employed. Clients that I thought would be loyal were coping with anxiety and fear and didn't show support. Many people unravel facing these types of situations, but I've learned throughout my life that you have to trust God.
Words from Affirm the Word-- helped me to stay on track. Affirm the word takes excerpts from the Bible and organizes thoughts in a way that allows you to find scriptures that can help you speak and live God's word.
Throughout this pandemic I have quoted Corinthians 5:7. For we walk by faith, not by sight. Affirm the word has all of the scriptures organized for quick references to help me steady my thoughts.
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6.
My business has huge debt as a result of the quarantine and shutdown. My husband wants me to shut it down. But I look at the beautiful children who love our program and I see the opportunities that I am able to create for our students and our teachers and I am inspired to press on. When I have bad days I have a quick reference with scripture in Affirm the Word. These daily doses of God's word helps me understand that faith keeps us nourished and we don't have to give up. We simply have to trust in God.
