Today I was talking to one of my besties. We were catching up. Talking about life. Sharing stories.
As Kenyans say when shocked… “Wueh!”
I realized something. There are parts of my life I had never shared with her. So much had happened over the years. Some of it heavy. Some of it messy.
We talked. We laughed. We paused.
And I was surprised at myself. I can now laugh at some of the not-so-pretty moments. One day I’ll tell the full story. Maybe in a memoir. Stay tuned.
Some memories are painful. Some are beautiful. But at the end of the day, they are all memories. They all belong to me.
As I shared my stories, it felt unreal. Like I was telling a story from a book. Drama. Mystery. Plot twists. Yet it was my real life.
Sometimes we try so hard to forget parts of our journey. The parts that hurt. The parts that almost broke us.
We forget that those pieces matter too. They are part of the tapestry. They help tell a beautiful story.
He saw me when I couldn’t see myself. He saw me when I had no idea what tomorrow would look like.
And that, my friend, is what I want to remind you today.
God sees you. Right here. Right now
God saw you in this very moment.
He may not remove the pain immediately. He may not erase the sorrow overnight. But He gives you grace.
Sustaining grace.
He holds you when you can’t hold on anymore.
Never forget this. God sees you. Exactly where you are. And He assures you that He is with you.
Words to reflect on
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.” — Isaiah 43:2
“Your story isn’t over yet. God is still writing.”
You are seen. You are held. You are not alone.
About the Writer
Hi,
My name is Esther. Thanks for reading my blog. I love to write and share my thoughts.
I’ve spent my life believing that challenges aren’t roadblocks—they’re invitations to grow, innovate, and create impact that truly matters. With over two decades in the nonprofit world and a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration, I bring heart, strategy, and purpose to everything I do. I’m an Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional (ACNP) and Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP), grounded in service and driven by excellence.
My work lives at the intersection of strategy and humanity—spanning strategic planning, fundraising, grant writing, marketing, board governance, CSR, sustainability, and communications. As a lifelong learner and proud Lilly Scholar, Alford Scholar, two-time Blackbaud Scholar, and lifetime member of Nu Lambda Mu, I’m always growing so I can help others do the same.
I’m a listener first, a coach by nature, and a trusted partner to organizations ready to strengthen today while building for tomorrow. Through Esstaaz Company LLC, I lead initiatives like the Esstaaz African Fashion Accessories Fairtrade Initiative, empowering women in vulnerable African communities with opportunity, dignity, and sustainable work.
Creativity fuels me. I’m the author of two children’s books, with an upcoming inspirational book on courage and resilience, and I serve on the board of the Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony in a fundraising and outreach advisory role.
I live by one simple mantra: Make Your Life Count for Something Great! And every day, I work to help others do exactly that.
Connect with me for a consulting, speaking, training or coaching session. I would love to speak at your conference or train your team!
