I didn’t end up with what I thought I wanted. What I thought I wanted was that job I applied for 10 years ago. But the Maker of Plans had something different in mind for me. To stay put.
Next week marks my 20th anniversary at White & Case. A workplace I can call my home away from home. There, I work with people I consider like family. I thank God for placing me exactly where I am to be. So, if you don’t get what you want, remember that your future self might be grateful, and that some of the best blessings are unanswered prayers. Be open to God’s direction.
Speaking of being where one is meant to be, in 1988, while working at a firm where the Maker of Plans had then placed me (despite my pouting), I met Barbie Rodriguez. A cat-loving, funny, witty as hell, faith-filled beautiful soul, with a passion for baking and a wicked knack for writing. A solid fan and follower of this blog from the start, and one of the persons who encouraged me to publish my essay collection in 2013, and helped me select the pieces to include in my book.
Late yesterday, I received news that Barbie passed on. I am sad, but rejoicing that she will reunite with her parents who she loved so deeply.
Barbie, mi Amiga, I dedicate today’s post (in infinity) to you. I will miss you and will remember you always. In your own words, “Love, love, love, Amiga.”
What are you thankful for today?
Until next Thursday’s post…si Dios quiere.
”Your love, Jesus, is an ocean
with no shore to bound it.
And if I plunge into it, I carry
with me all the possessions
I have. You know, Lord,
what these possessions are —
the souls you have seen
fit to link with mine.”
-St. Therese of Lisieux
“Sometimes the power of your faith, not the answer to your prayer, is the miracle.”
-A. vanOirschot
” 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.”
-Jeremiah 29:11
Beautiful dedication. May she rest in peace 🤍🕊️
As tears stroll down my face, I fondly recall her witty and on-point responses to your posts all these years. I may not have had the honor of meeting Barbie in person but I feel like I have known her all these years through this post. Connie, I have you to thank for that. Rest in peace sweet Barbie. You are finally Home with your loving parents and a God who loves you deeply. You will be missed… until we meet someday…
As always, Connie a very meaningful post….. You are our God Reporter! Thank you for spreading the Good News!!!! You are truly an Angel! God Bless!
Barbie, may you enjoy being close to our Lord. God Bless!
Such a heartfelt message, my condolences to your beautiful, sentient friend. Peace and love to you and congrats on 20 years! 🤍
I am so very sad and sorry to hear this news, Connie. All my love and heartfelt prayers to you, and her family, surely this is far too soon. Theresa
I am thankful for you, Connie! For the weekly posts that I am now also grateful to your late sister in faith, friend, encourager, angel, beloved Barbie, who now and for eternity rests in the peace of our Lord. I too only read her thoughts on this blog and pray for peace, comfort, and love for you all at this difficult time. Fly high Barbie Rodriguez!
My condolences to you Connie. May she rest eternally in the arms of the Lord.