Yesterday was a great time of family getting together for a vulnerable panel discussion to shine light on one thing: God remains.

A Greek woman & a Dutch man both born & raised in the land of the long white cloud, married 27 & 1/2 years & counting with two amazing children. A young Fijian man, the eldest in his family, traveling the world to share the love of Jesus. A young married woman working in an executive role in the realm of cyber safety. And a college student living away from his immediate family, rooted in the word of God trying to navigate life as a millennial.

This was our panel.

Our lead pastor with the questions ready for discussion. Cameras ready to capture this rare sermon that went from an individual behind a pulpit to an open Q&A with family. Lighting adjusted, seats propped, panelists announced and so it began.

The word was Character. Every question lured each panelist to remove their masks, take a breath, and boldly declare his or her own experience with this amazing God of profound character & so much more.

It was breathtaking. Refreshing to say the least. And these are some of the lessons I learned as I listened in:

1. There is light at the end of the tunnel. In that dark, wild, horrific, still, and seemingly unbearable place that’s usually noted as a lonely tunnel, there is light. The dawn will break, a new day will rise and joy will return. The choice to hang on, even for just a little bit longer, is ours to make.
2. God is faithful even when we are not. Having a perfect day every single day is not realistic. We will fail. It will hurt & sometimes it just sucks. The choice to trust His word over our feelings is ours to make.
3. What we do when no one is around is reflected in what we do when everyone is watching. Integrity is a character trait that is dependent on what takes place behind closed doors. The choice to live as if Jesus is present every single time is ours to make.
4. Friends have a great impact on the way we live our lives. Accountability, honesty, and trust are just some of the things that are built or torn down by the company we keep. The choice to be transparent & open to correction is ours to make.

And that is the essence of character. The choice. The daily step of faith to be wide open to this God of creation, God of the universe, God of now, then & forever. The God who remains.