Looking back on a difficult year

March of 2025 was the month that a horrendous saga began.  A loved one was in the hospital, then out, but that was just the beginning.  Months later, this loved one was subsequently back in the hospital again, and out again, and so the cycle repeated itself, even all the way into 2026.  I could go on and on with the highlights – or rather the lowlights – but let’s just say I’ve had enough trips to the hospital emergency room to last me the rest of my life.  This year has taught me many things, one of which is it’s easier to be the patient in the hospital, than to see someone you love lying in the hospital ER room. 

One year later, thankfully, the crazy chapter seems to have concluded.  However, I can declare to you that memories of this year can easily haunt me.  Did you know that Batman’s greatest villain, the Joker, once said a statement that I can relate to now?  In the controversial comic book “The killing joke”, Joker said, “Memories can be vile, repulsive little brutes.”  Honestly, I hesitated sharing this.  But when I was in a restaurant a few days ago, waiting to pick up my lunch, a painful memory from this past year washed over me, for some reason.  It confirmed that I needed to share that quote.

At this point, it’s important to be reminded of the truth that is so vitally important: God is in control.  Nothing happened to me this year that was accidental.  I could quote several Bible verses here, but there is a powerful verse tucked away in Psalm 103.  Psalm 103:19 says, “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.”  Robert and Nancy DeMoss Wolemuth, in their tremendous book “You can trust God to write your story” puts it this way:

“Where would be without the certain knowledge that “He’s got the whole world in His hands” and that every detail of our lives is ordained by our all-wise, all-knowing, loving God?  Far from being a crushing burden to be borne or diminishing our value, the Providence of God is a great and precious gift.  To be helpless victims of chance, tossed about on the storms of life – that would be forever disconcerting and tragic.  Thank God it is not the case.”  

In conclusion, I’ve previously described how, in the epic CW crossover event “Crisis on Infinite Earths”, Barry Allen A.K.A. The Flash from Earth 90 saved the day, by stepping up and sacrificing his life.  Just today, in preparation for this, I watched the clip of this moment again on YouTube; his selflessness inspired me afresh.  However, I’ve never shared how, a few minutes before his noble act of heroism, he said some words that are profound and relevant to today’s subject matter.

Barry said this: “Sometimes…you’ve got to take a couple steps back, reverse the way you see the situation, and see the bigger picture.”  He is on to something.  In my case, yes, difficult memories from this past year can hit me; it’s easy to just focus on the pain and suffering.  But when I “reverse the way” I see the situation, when I change my perspective, I find myself humbled and grateful for how God consistently showed up during this very difficult time.  In fact, I want to stop here and give God all the praise, worship and glory for being with me during those insane days.  Through it all, God experientially taught me the truth of Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”

God bless,

Kevin