POV

10.06.24

I rushed into the church, my heart racing slightly.

I knew I was running a bit late—my sluggishness earlier while getting dressed had caught up with me.

It’s Sunday, and here I am again, in the familiar church I attend whenever I’m in the city.

As soon as I stepped in, the peaceful ambiance immediately wrapped around me like a comforting blanket, but my thoughts were quickly interrupted.

To my surprise, I spotted my two older brothers and cousins seated near the back, something I hadn’t expected at all.

I chuckled to myself.

"Is this a miracle or what?"

I thought, a bit amused by the coincidence.

They noticed me too, smiling wide.

I smiled back, playfully shaking my head as I made my way toward a seat in front of them.

As I settled down, a familiar figure caught my eye—my aunt, seated just a few rows behind me.

I stood up quickly, greeted her with a warm smile, and reached for her hand to do the traditional "mano" gesture, a sign of respect.

She patted my hand affectionately, and I felt a surge of warmth before returning to my seat.

Now it's time to focus.

Our Sunday School teacher today was none other than the pastor’s wife, a woman of grace and wisdom who always managed to convey profound lessons in the most gentle yet impactful way.

I was excited as she introduced today’s topic—modesty and holiness, values that are so often overlooked but deeply rooted in the Bible.

As she spoke, I found myself completely immersed, scribbling notes in my phone, not wanting to miss a single word.

There was something powerful about the way she tied every point back to Scripture, as if each sentence were a gentle reminder to return to God’s design for us.

As I glanced around, I noticed the church gradually filling with more people.

I chuckled inwardly; I wasn’t the only one who was late today.

My gaze drifted around the room, and soon, I spotted my friend sitting off to the right.

She saw me too, her eyes lighting up as she waved me over to sit with her.

I smiled and shook my head, signaling that I was fine where I was.

Truthfully, I knew that area was right under the air conditioning vent, and I wasn’t in the mood to shiver through the service today!

She laughed silently and shrugged, knowing my aversion to the cold all too well.

I continued to scan the room and recognized several familiar faces from neighboring churches.

One of the youth leaders from another church waved at me, and I offered him a polite smile and a nod.

It felt like the community was truly coming together today, and there was something comforting about seeing so many people gathered for the same purpose.

Before long, it was time for the main message, and the evangelist stepped up to the pulpit.

There was a palpable sense of expectation in the air, as if everyone was on the edge of their seats, ready to receive whatever wisdom God had in store for them today.

"The Name of Jesus," a theme of his preaching that always moved me.

His voice resonated through the sanctuary, filled with conviction and a passion that was impossible to ignore.

“Even Satan trembles at the mere mention of His name,” he declared, his words hanging in the air like a powerful proclamation.

"When storms rage, when trials come, when you feel like you can’t go on, just call on His name. There is power in His name, and He will come to your aid."

As he spoke, I felt a stirring in my heart, a reminder of the strength I have access to through Jesus.

It wasn’t just a preached; it was a declaration, a call to remember that even in our darkest moments, we are never alone.

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the truth of his words sink in.

I felt blessed, truly blessed.

The message was exactly what I needed to hear, a reassurance that the name of Jesus was not only powerful but a constant source of help, protection, and grace.

By the time the service ended, my heart felt full, as though the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders.

I stood up, gathering my things and exchanging a few more smiles and waves with familiar faces as I made my way toward the exit.

My feet carried me out of the church and onto the quiet streets that led back to my boarding house.

As I walked, I couldn’t stop thinking about —the power of Jesus’ name, the peace it brought, and the way it seemed to quiet every storm in my life, even the ones I hadn't voiced out loud.

I felt a deep sense of gratitude bubbling up inside me, not just for the service, but for the privilege of knowing Jesus personally.

It was a gift I could never take for granted.

I smiled to myself as I reached my boarding house, the day's events swirling pleasantly in my mind.

Today had been more than just another Sunday; it was a reminder of God's presence in every corner of my life, and I'm ready to face whatever comes next.

His name is on my lips, and faith is in my heart.