If you’ve met Donna, you will immediately be drawn to her smile, the kindness in her eyes, and a certain glow on her face. When asked where this natural glow comes from, Donna shared her story.
My joy comes from the Lord. I believe you can have joy even in bad or hard times. I’ve always been a Christian, but I wasn’t always like this. In my early 20’s, I was attending San Diego State University and met a guy that I soon married. Three months later, we were divorced! He had to make a choice between me and another woman, and he chose her. I could no longer afford to attend school, so I went to work for Air Cal. I was very sad, and this sadness last several years. But God wouldn’t let me get away.
When you’re a flight attendant, a certain closeness develops when you’re seated next to another attendant in the jump seat for long periods of time. Hearts open up. Conversations become deep. God moves people to speak for him. Through my co-workers and close friends, I learned that God had something better for me.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6
God is so good! He’s gotten me through so many hard things in my life. Each time I went through pain or difficulty, he walked me through each step. I learned to lean into him for strength, courage, comfort, and hope. I had to lean away from my own understanding, which would only bring unnecessary worries and struggles. I could choose joy instead. I read scripture, prayed, and talked with other people. This didn’t take away the pain and hurt, but God gave me other things. He filled my emptiness and hurt with something new and helped me grow.
I have no doubt that I can fully trust him. I have learned through all my life experiences that I can rely on his goodness, because he will never let us fall. And in that process, He’s given me a love for other people. I believe my countenance is a gift from him to draw others to me so I can share Him. It’s all Him!