Farewell to Thee, 2023

We began this year with promise and joy.
This new year would surpass our last. 
And, 2023 did not disappoint.
 
You challenged us beyond
The scope of our known faith;
We had to dig deeper -
To trust and remember, that You, 
Our God will always be with us.
 
In the midst of our distress,
You sent comfort and joy.
In the midst of our concerns,
You provided earthly angels.
 
And when we could not see
Beyond our tears and our choices,
You showed us favor as we celebrated
 
New opportunities, new friends, 
restored health, and a new praise.
 
So 2023, you did not disappoint.
We have gained strength in our Faith, 
Confidence in our Walk, 
And clarity of our Purpose
 
We have achieved in  new spaces,
and learned to embrace the race,
Because God gets the glory.
 
Now, as we say Farewell to thee, 2023
We welcome anew, 2024;
As God prepares to take us further -
Where we’ve never gone before.

​Amen.
                                                       

Vernet Clemons Nettles, EdD
December 5, 2023