Itz Holistically Wholesome

This Spring Break was one of the most wonderful weeks I’ve had in a long time. My favorite girly came home to spend the entire week with me, and her presence was a breath of fresh air. There is something about her spirit that brings calm, peace, and a smooth flow to my day. She doesn’t have to do anything special, her presence is everything.

We had planned to go out and explore, but quickly realized that staying in, relaxing, and having a hassle‑free week was far more healing for the body and calming to the spirit. We chatted, we laughed, we hung outside in the sun, and then chatted some more.

My two younger children were overjoyed to see her. It had been about ten weeks, and they clung to her, especially my three‑year‑old, who loves her big sister beyond measure. She barely wanted to hang with me; it was all about her sister. I love hearing her say, “My sister, I love you. I want you to kiss me.” She slept with her big sis every night. And when she repeats her sister’s name nonstop, it annoys her big sis. Also whenever big sis wants a moment, Emmah‑Rose simply replies, “I love you. I want you, my Sissy.” They are too cute.

Little brother Jedidiah loves his big sister too. He gets emotional about her. On April Fools’ Day, she joked that she was looking for an apartment to move out after college, and his whole countenance changed. He looked disappointed and heartbroken as tears flowed down his cheeks. He did not handle that joke well at all.

I love my children’s love for each other. Yes, they drive their big sister crazy sometimes, either by wanting too much love and attention or by simply annoying her but she remains gentle, patient, and loving toward them. She makes sure she spends time with them because it matters to her.

And when big sister is home, I get a little rest. Otherwise, I am round‑the‑clock with her siblings, no break unless they’re sleeping. She’ll get her little sister dressed, make her breakfast, and while I teach her brother, she helps her little sister with her learning.

She even made us breakfast, and guess what? We had never eaten crepes before. She has, and she made everything plant‑based and from scratch. We loved it.

I also made her two of her favorite meals that she requested before she arrived: a one‑pot dish called Mussa and what she calls “yellow soup.”

On Sabbath evening, I had a headache from not getting enough rest. My girly said, “Go to sleep, Mom. I’ll get them to bed.” I needed that. I got more rest than usual, even though she let them stay up a bit too late.

The girly I’m talking about is my daughter Aliyah. She came home for her last Spring Break, as she will be graduating college in about a month. We are so excited. My daughter and I have an excellent relationship, it has always been that way. She is my first reason in every season. I had her at 22, when I was still learning life myself, so we grew and learned together. For years it was just us until her siblings came along. We understand each other deeply; we are kindred spirits.

What I especially love about my sweet girl is that when she is home, she is present. She loves her family, and she never skips church. I love that for her.

On Sunday, she returned to school but not before I put her before the Lord. I understand the power of prayer. God has kept her, and I know that near the end of a hard journey is when the enemy tends to show up the most. So of course, as we say in Jamaica, we have to bind him up in the name of Jesus.

I strongly believe that my constant prayers, the prayers of my church family, and her choice to respond favorably to guidance have kept my daughter. And so, as Job did for his children, I will continue to put her before the Lord.

“Job would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings… for Job said, ‘It may be that my children have sinned.’ Thus Job did continually.” — Job 1:5

I am looking forward to her graduation. She has been through many trials, the greatest being the loss of her father. But she overcame by the blood of the Lamb. I am anticipating the next chapter God has for her because I know it will be amazing.

Never stop praying for your children. They need divine protection in a world that tries to pluck them away from young. Only God can do what we as parents cannot.

Prayer

Eternal God and Father, I pray that You will stand guard over every child and young adult today. You value Your children deeply, and so we ask You to help them navigate every stage of their lives successfully. Help them stay focused, make good choices, and be a light to each other, especially to those who do not know You. Surround them with friends who love You and will lead them into a closer walk with You. Allow them to be the strong influence, not the other way around. Guard their lives, strengthen their minds, and help them finish the courses they have started. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be well and be blessed

With love and purpose,
Tomika Chance
Itz Holistically Wholesome