The past year has been one of the most challenging seasons of my life. Losing my father and then, just a few months later, my sister, left me feeling like I was drowning in an ocean of grief. These losses were more than just personal. Even deeper, they impacted me on a foundational level, as these very relationships had shaped me into the woman and artist I am today.

My father was my biggest inspiration for becoming a singer. He was the one who always encouraged me to keep singing, even when I doubted myself. He had a way of making me believe that my voice was a gift meant to be shared with the world. He was the one who stood by me through all my early struggles and triumphs, pushing me forward in my ministry. Losing him was devastating. 

Then, just when I was beginning to navigate life without my father, I lost my sister. She was not just family to me; she was my friend, my confidante, and a fellow musician. We had dreams of continuing our musical journey together, and her absence left a gaping hole in my heart.

The weight of losing two of the most important people in my life felt almost unbearable. There were days when I couldn’t even bring myself to get out of bed, days when my mind was clouded by deep sadness and confusion. I found myself in a state of complete emotional and mental exhaustion, uncertain of how to keep moving forward. For months, I felt lost. I didn’t understand why my world had been turned upside down in such a short span of time. I struggled with questions I couldn’t answer — Why me? Why my family? Where was God in all of this?

I found myself in a dark place, feeling distant from everything I had once held dear. It was as if the grief had stolen my ability to find peace, joy, or even purpose. 

Then, in the midst of my pain and confusion, I remembered the love and support my father had shown me throughout my life. He had instilled in me the belief that my music was meant to serve a higher purpose, and I could hear his voice echoing in my mind, urging me to continue my ministry despite the loss. I realized that, even though he was no longer physically here, my father’s love and encouragement were still very much alive within me. I found that the pain I was experiencing was not the end — it was simply a part of the process, a part of life’s natural rhythm.

I realized grief is something that I would have to walk through, not around, and I had to allow myself to feel it fully in order to heal. 

That’s when I started writing again. I sat at the piano, and the words began to flow — words that I didn’t even know I had inside of me. I wrote the song “Light in a Dark Place,” which became a pivotal part of my healing process. The song speaks about not understanding the circumstances I was placed in, not understanding why it felt like God was distant or why I was turning away from Him in my pain. But it also speaks about recognizing that, even in the darkest times, God is still there — supporting, comforting, and providing peace. In those moments when I couldn’t see the light, He was the light in my dark place. 

Writing and recording the song was not just an act of creating music — it was an act of reclaiming strength. It was my way of acknowledging that even in my grief, I had a purpose to fulfill. It was a reminder that pain doesn’t have to define us, but it can refine us . . . if we allow it to. I found peace in knowing that, while I may never fully understand the reasons behind the pain I felt, I could trust that God had not abandoned me. He was with me every step of the way, guiding me through the darkness, and providing the strength I needed to continue. 

Through this process, I learned some valuable lessons that I want to share with others who may be walking through their own grief: 

1. Allow yourself to grieve fully. Grief is not a linear process, and there’s no “right” way to grieve. It’s important to allow yourself to feel all the emotions that come with loss, whether it’s sadness, anger, confusion, or even numbness.
   
2. Trust that healing takes time. Healing from grief is not something that happens overnight. It takes time, and it’s a journey that is unique to each person. Be patient with yourself and trust that, with time, the pain will become more manageable, and you will find peace again. 
3. Find comfort in your faith. In times of loss, it’s easy to feel like God is distant or that He’s forgotten about you. But the truth is, He is always with us, even when we can’t feel His presence. It’s important to lean into your faith, even when it’s hard to understand why things are happening. Trust that He has a plan for your life and that He is with you in your darkest moments. 
4. Use your pain to fuel your purpose. As painful as it was to lose my father and sister, I found healing by channeling my pain into my music. I realized that my pain wasn’t the end of my story — it was only a part of my story. Sometimes, our greatest breakthroughs come from our greatest struggles. Don’t be afraid to use your pain to fuel your purpose. 
5. Don’t be afraid to seek help. Grief can be overwhelming, and it’s okay to seek support from others. Whether it’s talking to a counselor, leaning on loved ones, or finding a support group, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t have to go through it alone. 

Light can always be found, even in the darkest of places. “Light in a Dark Place” is not just a song — it’s my testimony of how God is always present, even when we can’t see it. He is the light in our dark places and, through Him, we can find the strength to heal and keep moving forward.