The Culmination of My Two Defining Moments
My year 2021 had two defining moments — One was finishing my Master of Divinity at the International Graduate School of Leadership and the other was getting diagnosed with leukemia. These two moments in my life transformed me immensely in so many ways and last June 3 was its culmination.
One of the contents of my IGSL portfolio was a written reflection of how my training in this institution made me who I am today. I remember that the title I wrote was “From Withering to Flourishing.” Because as I look back, my life resembled a tree with its leaves withering — No career direction, stripped off of leadership positions, and burnout from ministry. All these were like leaves withering. And yet God directed me to IGSL to be pruned. He used this institution to root me deeper into His Word and live a life of worship. He sent people that made an immeasurable impact on my walk as a follower of Christ. IGSL was not just a training ground for me but a safe place where streams of water overflowed! Just like the Bible verse that I quoted in that paper, “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:3) My life, the tree that withered started flourishing.
So after I graduated online last May 2021, I was excited to apply all that I’ve learned and be the servant-steward leaders we’ve been trained in the “real” world. My expectation and imagination of how I would do all these things were far from what God had in mind. After just three months, God sent another defining moment, my journey with leukemia. What a crazy way to apply all that I’ve learned for the past 3 years of grad school. But God knew what I needed to be able to fight this disease. He used IGSL to equip me with the tools I needed to keep my tree rooted. He used the family in it to keep me encouraged and prayed for. I cannot imagine how I would’ve survived leukemia without IGSL behind my back. Not only did I survive, but God’s promise of flourishing was also evident in my life. God indeed is sovereign! He knows what’s best for me.
Therefore, the commencement program of the four batches from 2020-2023 was not a typical graduation for me. To be able to wear my regalia, hear my name called, walk up the stage, hear the cheers of the people I love, shake hands with my professors, and receive my diploma is truly a testimony of God’s goodness. I can’t help but get teary from start to finish. Because it was a celebration of these two defining moments that God orchestrated. It was a celebration of worship to a God who is faithful! It was a cry of thanks to the miracle-working God! He has made everything beautiful in His time. My heart is full of joy and praise!
So let me say my overflowing gratitude to God, my family, church, friends, IGSL professors and staff, batchmates, ISG, and all those who have prayed with me and for me. Thank you! All of these are only possible because you have journeyed with me. Soli Deo Gloria!
Follow my socials: