My relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ has always been a complicated one.

I went from being a God fearing woman to a woman who embodied the fear of God into my whole being. Does that mean I exhibit saintly behaviour 24/7, praise the Lord, and always make Sunday mass? Absolutely not. But through the graces and obstacles he has presented to me I have most certainly found myself in those challenges when given a path to choose from.

I’ve found that over the last few years I’ve grown-up. Of course through this learning process I’ve both intentionally and unintentionally broken the ten commandments (not the adultery or murdering ones). Now, I don’t say this with the utmost pride considering my Gran would have an aneurysm but I’m not without my faults of course. My temper still sucks, I like country music, and I can’t control my facial expressions for the life of me but I swear to you God I have grown.

Understandably so, God has dealt each and everyone of us our fair share of hardships. I have had things happen that I thought would only happen in the stories your parents warned you about. My own mind nearly drove my physical body to do the most heinous things to my own self. It is a wonder how I am still here today. Oh wait, I know why, momma didn’t raise no quitter. And God had my back and if it wasn’t some magical pull within the universe clearly thought “Cindy Tran is a bright fuchsia soul that has not properly served her term and hence cannot be put out.”

So here it is, I know the big man upstairs is probably listening to my thoughts as I write this but IOU one. I really do. For bringing me friends both permanent and in passing that have helped pick me up. For the lessons you have taught me about being kind even though I can be a green little soul. And for placing me on the path I am now - towards being the storyteller that I have always known I was meant to be. Amen.

IOU Heaven. I really do.