Trusting in God's Plan for Our Lives –

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

As the Director of Opportunity Academy for LUMIN Schools, I equipped students for brilliant futures by exposing them to various careers, helping them explore their identity, and using God's word as my road map. Today, I had the honor of leading the network team in devotion, and my theme was inspired by the powerful message in Jeremiah 29:11.

During the devotion, I asked the team to engage in an exercise. I handed out note cards and asked everyone to write down what they wanted to be when they were younger on one side. Then, on the back, I encouraged them to write a letter to their inner child, inspiring and motivating

their younger self. The team shared their dreams and heartfelt letters, and the vulnerability and honesty in their stories not only inspired me but also touched everyone in the room.

LUMIN Schools’ mission is grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, empowering and equipping children for brilliant futures. Today, I reminded our team that we are not God, but when we walk in the purpose and plan God has for us, we illuminate our light. And that light, in turn, helps guide our scholars toward their bright futures.

I also shared personal stories about the challenges and tests that have shaped my career path, revealing the "why" behind my work. By statistics, my parents and I grew up in poverty, but my self-efficacy allowed me to dream big and dream often. I was surrounded by a village that believed in me and nurtured those dreams. That same village mindset is what we must bring to our scholars. It truly takes a village to raise a child.

One of the key points I emphasized during my devotion today is that it is never too late to manifest the dreams of our inner child. As long as we have breath in our bodies, we have the potential to become who God created us to be. As the King James Version of Jeremiah 29:11 says, "Thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." God’s plan will always manifest at its appointed time.

You can be part of the village for our scholars. Your story, your career path, and your journey matter to them. If you’re interested in volunteering with us and helping illuminate our children's future, please reach out. You can email me at [email protected] .

Let’s trust in God's plan for our lives and, together, help light the way for the next generation.