I recently attended a women’s conference that featured powerful testimonies from women who’ve overcome tremendous obstacles. One of the guest speakers was Reka Faison. Have you ever seen a person and without ever having a conversation, you felt a connection? I had this feeling of familiarity when I first saw Reka. There is just something about her. Maybe it was her poise, quiet strength, or impeccable sense of fashion.
All I know is that before she even spoke a word, I knew I liked her. And then it happened. I discovered “the something” that makes Reka so special. She’s a survivor! I’m sure you’ve heard the church colloquium, “I don’t look like what I’ve been through”. Well, a truer sentiment could never be spoken about Reka. She is truly a product of God’s grace and a reflection of His Glory.
On October 30, 2015, Reka lost her only son Terrance Faison to a tragic hit- and- run car accident. But through all of the pain, Reka displayed an amazing amount of strength. She and her family prayed for answers and asked with love and kindness for the driver in the hit-and-run to come forward. I don’t even want to try to imagine the amount of faith it took for her to address the public about such a private incident. It had to be faith greater than the size of a mustard seed. By the grace of God and the prayers of the community a man was arrested, and Terrence’s family was offered a certain amount of closure. Hearing Reka’s amazing testimony only served to increase my belief in the power of love and forgiveness.
After reading one of Reka’s recent Facebook posts (featured below), I was encouraged even the more. I was like “wow, I have a lot of maturing to do”. Sometimes we complain about the most trivial issues. Sometimes we fail to look at what is most important. Sometimes we are blinded by our own selfish desires. I want to challenge you to read what Reka wrote in her post and glean whatever life lesson you can from her inspirational words. After all, if she can “get up, wipe tears, pray and put on lip gloss”, you have to ask yourself, “What’s stopping me from moving forward?”
I’m a firm believer that we are not in a competition of who’s suffered the most. Maybe you’ve gone through something similar to Reka. Maybe you’ve never experienced such a loss. Maybe what seems to be a simple trial to others might feel magnanimous to you. It doesn’t matter where you are in the scope of what you might have suffered. Just remember, if she can make it, so can you! Let’s look to one another for inspiration and encouragement. Let’s press on together!
“Whatever that thing is that is a reminder of a sad moment, I encourage you to use EVERY ounce of strength you have in you to conquer it with Joy! Rainy days remind me of the saddest morning of my LIFE! BUT I GET UP, WIPE MY TEARS, PRAY, PUT ON MY LIP GLOSS, AND REPEAT THESE WORDS, “I just TRUST God!” People may know what happened or hurt you but remember you’re not on anybody’s time clock as to how you should be! No! You are simply moving by God’s AMAZING GRACE and his timing! And my buddy Philippians 4:13 told me to remind you that, “you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!”