Resilience, vulnerability and love

Just a few hours ago, we bid farewell to one of the most challenging years humanity has ever faced. 2020 was filled with trials, obstacles, and vicissitudes. At the same time, it also contained moments of joy, hope, unity, and love. Humanity as a whole had to learn to be brave, supportive, and intentional—qualities that had been slipping away in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Globally, a pause was declared on personal agendas, future plans, and those desires that were solely meant to satisfy personal interests. Unintentionally, every country and its citizens began to share a common goal: to emerge from the storm of COVID-19 with the least possible damage. A pandemic that brought about social distancing from loved ones, friends, and acquaintances was the very thing that allowed unity in the soul and spirit of every man and woman who chose not to give up and emerged victorious from this great trial.

Certainly, the path was not easy. Each passing month served as a reminder that true courage is not just an emotion but a way of life. Human resilience was tested through deaths, social, political, and economic challenges—a catastrophe. What many overlooked was that in moments when everything seemed lost, that's where God truly manifests. During the 365 days that passed, we could see what is stated in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:

But he said to me, my grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness.

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about

my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

No matter how imposing a person may want to project themselves, the reality is that there will always be limitations. For a long time, these limitations were sought to be hidden, erased, and even forgotten, creating an unreal image and expectations impossible to fulfill. 2020 came to remind us that besides being strong, we are also vulnerable, that there will be good and bad days, that not everything always goes as planned, but even so, life continues to be a gift from God and must be lived intentionally.