Hineni — Here I Am
September 14, 2025
I’m so glad you’re here. God placed this blog on my heart a long time ago, and today I finally get to share it with you. For me, this moment feels like both a new beginning and also the next step in a journey I’ve been walking for years.
Walking Through the Wilderness
Like many of you, I know what it feels like to walk through the wilderness. My path has included addiction, grief, divorce, and the daily challenges of raising kids as a single mom. During those seasons, life often felt lonely, heavy, and confusing. At times, I even wondered if light could ever break through again.
However, here’s what I discovered: the wilderness isn’t wasted. In fact, God met me right in the middle of it again and again. His presence showed up in unexpected ways—through Scripture, through the kindness of others, and even through quiet moments when I felt Him whisper, “You are not alone.” As a result, the wilderness became a place where He refined me, strengthened me, and taught me to trust Him step by step.
Why I Created This Space
That’s the heart behind A Light in the Wilderness. This space exists as a reminder that even when life feels overwhelming, God’s light still shines. Therefore, I want this to be more than words on a page; I want it to serve as a companion on your own journey.
Here, I’ll share encouragement rooted in Scripture, honest conversations about mental health and healing, as well as reflections from everyday life. Some posts will come straight from my personal story. Others, however, will simply be gentle reminders of hope, rest, and joy for the road ahead.
What You Can Expect
You’ll find weekly posts on:
Faith & Scripture – reminders that anchor us in truth.
Mental Health & Healing – real talk about struggles and recovery.
Family & Relationships – encouragement for moms, parents, and caregivers.
Everyday Joys – reflections on finding beauty in the simple things.
In addition, I’ll share practical ways to weave faith into daily life. For example, simple prayers, short reflections, or small steps of discipline that create lasting impact.
My prayer is that each time you visit, you’ll leave with something that strengthens your heart—whether it’s a verse to hold onto, a story that makes you feel less alone, or simply a reminder that hope is still alive.
You Are Not Alone
I want you to know something important: you are not alone in your struggles. Even though the wilderness may feel isolating, you don’t walk it by yourself. If you’ve ever felt unseen, unheard, or unsure of where to go next, I hope this blog reminds you that someone else understands. More importantly, I hope it points you back to the truth that God sees you, He hears you, and above all, He is walking with you.
So welcome, friend. Let’s walk this journey together. My prayer for you comes from John 1:5.
Finally, remember this: even in the wilderness, the light still shines.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” – John 1:5
Disclaimer: The reflections shared in this post are part of my personal story and faith journey. While I am a graduate counseling student working toward licensure, I am not a licensed counselor at this time. The content on this blog is intended for encouragement and spiritual reflection, not as professional counseling, therapy, or medical advice.
If you are facing challenges with your mental health, relationships, or emotional well-being, I encourage you to connect with a licensed mental health professional in your area. If you are in crisis, call 911 or dial 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.) for immediate support. You are not alone—help is available, and there is always hope.
With grace and light,
Jess
