My best friend once again reminded me that we are not alone. Even when the ones we love have passed on or are separated by great distances, we are surrounded and encouraged by a “great cloud of witnesses”:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

Our circumstances can convince us that we’re deserted and forsaken. But the reality is we are surrounded. We are surrounded by the prayers and love of those in our lives. We are surrounded by the encouragement and testimony of those who have gone before. And we are all surrounded by an amazing God who cares for us and works in us with a limitless and ever-abounding love.

Sony A7Riii, Sony 50mm f/1.2