Witness 2025

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Two hours before the year 2026 began, I was sitting at church, watching our achen urge the congregation to stand and share their witness stories for the year, and I stayed still, knees locked into place. Every New Year’s watch night service, I sit at church, and I let the voices in my head get the better of me “You can’t even speak in a singular language” “How will people understand if you yap in the colonial tongue?” “If you are witnessing only unto your God, you don’t need to get up!”

But this year, I want to at least write my story down. So here is every way I felt my God’s presence in 2025 –

In 2025, I was protected, as I travelled to seven different states (maybe eight – I lost count!), three within a span of twenty-one days. I turned a year older in grace. I got sick and got better. Lost a soul and grieved. Broke my bones and healed. 2025 for me was the year of rest and quiet resetting – of priorities, mind-set and loyalty. I found my people, lost a few, reconnected with people I hadn’t spoken to in years, and met some in person.

Lost my one remaining grandparent to time, praised God for the long, fulfilling life he lived and the witness he shared. My mother-in-love celebrated ten years of being cancer-free, my dad – twenty years since recovering from his open heart surgery. My husband got a fracture, as I lay in bed rest. God kept us safe through the protection and love of our parents.

I got to be with my sister, not once, or twice, but four times in 2025. We travelled together - first time as siblings. Got a bonus day by virtue of our car breaking down – came home safe. Through my grief, pain and sadness, I found my solace in the one I believe. He gave me strength. If I am walking today, it’s through His mercy; if I am breathing, it’s through His grace.

Countless instances of His invisible hand on me, I honestly don’t have words to explain. But I do really hope that by the end of 2026, I will stand in that church and say the words out loud, broken and battered as they may be – not just write from the safety of my room – like this time.

Until then, here’s to a Happy New Year for those who believe and for those searching for a reason to.

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