Salvation, in its essence, encompasses a profound journey towards liberation and redemption from the burdens of life. What truly is salvation? It is often seen as a state of being freed from sin and its consequences. This freedom allows individuals to reconnect with their inner selves and the divine. This transformative experience not only offers solace in times of distress but also fosters a sense of purpose and belonging. When exploring the depths of one’s faith, salvation invites a deeper understanding of love. It also offers insights into forgiveness and grace. It guides individuals through the complexities of existence. It encourages them to embrace hope and renewal. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that the path to salvation is personal and unique to each soul. The quest for understanding it is an essential aspect of the human experience.

I fervently believe that it was during that cold February of 2009. Within the humble walls of the little chapel, I truly discovered the profound gift of salvation. This experience would forever change the trajectory of my spiritual journey. Ephesians 2:8 states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.” This passage resonated deeply within me. It illuminated the truth that salvation is not something we earn through our deeds. Instead, it is an unmerited favor bestowed upon us by God. When I received this revelation, I was awestruck. I felt an immense weight lift from my shoulders. I realized the beauty and simplicity of grace. I was eager to delve deeper into the meanings of the words and the context surrounding this scripture. So, I went back and forth from my Bible to the Strong’s Concordance. I want to break this Scripture down. I aim to help you understand better the layers of significance it holds. I hope to fully engage you. This will make the profound wisdom contained within these verses accessible and relevant to your own life. This is done in hopes I don’t lose you along the way.

GRACE in Greek~ shines brightly with the brilliance of graciousness. It embodies a rich tapestry of concepts that invite contemplation and reflection. These concepts weave together gratitude, favor, gift, and heartfelt thankfulness, forming a profound connection between the giver and the recipient. It profoundly highlights the divine influence upon the heart and its magnificent reflection in life. This transcendent quality not only uplifts the spirit. It also fosters a deeper connection to those around us. It encourages kindness and understanding in our interactions. We embody grace in our daily lives. By doing so, we cultivate a nurturing environment where empathy flourishes. This bridges divides and weaves a fabric of compassion that envelops all in a warm embrace.

FAITH in Greek~ passionately evokes a profound moral conviction. It signifies an unwavering reliance on Christ for salvation. This reliance is an active engagement with the divine. One’s heart and mind are fully committed to following Christ’s teachings. It also profoundly embodies the very essence of religious truth. It acts as a guiding light that shapes our moral compass. It leads us through life’s complexities. It extends beyond mere concepts. It encompasses assurance, belief, and unwavering fidelity. This fidelity ignites the soul, filling it with hope and purpose. Furthermore, faith fosters a deep connection with the community. It inspires acts of love, compassion, and service that reflect the teachings of Christ in everyday life. It encourages individuals to nurture their spiritual growth through reflection, prayer, and communion with others who share the same convictions.

Summarizing our Salvation: By Grace Through Faith. It’s the divine influence on our hearts with an unwavering reliance on Jesus. This relationship is not just a momentary experience, but an ongoing journey that transforms our lives daily. Embracing this grace means recognizing our shortcomings while trusting in His perfect love and mercy. I just love this! The simple yet profound truth is that through faith, we are made whole. This gives us hope and assurance. It allows us to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and peace.

The reverence in salvation is truly unique. It offers a profound sense of hope and purpose that transcends ordinary understanding. It represents a transformative journey. This journey allows individuals to reconnect with their innermost selves and the divine. It fosters a deep appreciation for life’s blessings and challenges alike. It illuminates the path toward inner peace and fulfillment.

God doesn’t call us to be perfect. We shall never reach that point until we are in front of Him. When I dedicated my life to Him back in 2009, I never expected what He has done for me. I’ve flubbed up about as bad as a person can, facing struggles that felt insurmountable. Turning my back on Him in 2013 was a huge mistake. It was a choice I now see as a moment of weakness in my faith. Amid my trials, I didn’t understand why I had to go through breast cancer. At the time, it seemed like an unbearable burden. During that dark chapter, I became angry with Him again. I questioned the purpose of my suffering. I wondered why He would allow such pain at this point in my life. I’ve had bouts of sobriety from 2014 to 2025. None of these lasted. Each relapse drew me further away from the hope I once held. I became so sick from the alcohol consumption. That anger was literally eating me up from the inside out. I realized how deep my turmoil truly ran. After five long years of fluctuating sobriety, I literally turned into a train wreck, spiraling into chaos and despair! SERIOUSLY! This happens in addiction; it’s a vicious cycle that feels impossible to escape. Every time you go back out, it gets worse. Falling off the wagon embeds deeper wounds. Whatever term you choose to call it, it leaves scars that are not easily healed. The journey is hard. I continue to seek redemption and restoration. I cling to the hope that one day I might find peace again. It’s harder to get that close connection I had with Him. {sobbing} and that I do regret. Live and learn as they say.

Matthew 16:²⁴ Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. ²⁵ For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. ²⁶ For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

I take up this cross daily. It is a weight that has become both a burden and a testament to my resilience. Some days it gets unbearable. It presses down on my shoulders like an unyielding stone. I just want to set it in my closet for a while. I want to hide it away from my sight. I also wish to hide it from my heart. The thought of momentary respite is tempting. Yet deep inside, I know that putting it aside won’t ease the pain. Instead, I must learn to carry it with grace. I seek strength in the struggle and hope in the heaviness. I continue my journey each day with courage and purpose. What seems the easy way or the broad way is most tempting at times. Anything worth while takes “WORK!” and work it is.

For the sake of Love! Love is a powerful force that transcends boundaries and unites people from all walks of life. It inspires us to be better. It encourages us to connect on a deeper level. It helps us cherish the moments that make our lives meaningful. Every act of love, whether grand or simple, fosters a sense of belonging and warmth. In a world that can often seem divided, Love reminds us of our shared humanity. It highlights the importance of compassion and understanding. Let us celebrate Love in all its forms. We nurture it with kindness, respect, and an open heart. Through Love, we find our true selves. We also forge lasting connections.

As the world is today, Fellow Readers, we ALL should be longing to tap into the Universal Law of Unity! In these times of great strife and division, we must embrace this principle. It is more vital than ever to foster a sense of togetherness and understanding among one another. We are such a divided nation that we NEED this and we need it badly! The growing disparities in our society are extremely evident. They highlight the urgent necessity for a collective effort. We must bridge the gaps that separate us. We can acknowledge our shared humanity. By working towards common goals, we create a harmonious environment. In it, everyone feels valued and included. Let us engage in open dialogues. We should celebrate our differences. We need to cultivate compassion. It is through unity that we will find strength. Together, we build resilience to overcome the challenges ahead. Matthew 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: 26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?