38 I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers 39 or height or depth, or any other thing that is created.
Reflection
Have you ever felt hopeless and unheard? Like no one sees what you give or how much it costs you to keep showing up? Like you are giving your best, but somehow it is still not enough to matter?
I remember the first time I truly felt disposable. I had just started my first waitressing job, full of hope with an apron around my waist. I loved it. Every shift, every regular who remembered my name, every chance to be part of something. I was so excited I was learning Spanish from the kitchen staff from Sinaloa, they even started teaching me how to cook on slow mornings. I loved my manager and other coworkers. I covered for people all the time and never complained.
Then the day came when nearly everyone called out sick. The owner gave me the whole restaurant to manage alone. What he did not tell me was that they all had COVID. He never warned me. He just handed me the night and walked out. Later, I confronted him. This was the first time we ever spoke, even though this is who I was making money for everyday. I told him about my stepdad, who is high risk. I shared how scared I was to have been exposed without knowing. He looked me straight in the eye and said, “So what? You want me to close the whole night?”
His words hurt, but his tone cut even deeper. I realized then that to him, I was not a person. I was a tool. Replaceable. So I took off my apron and handed it back. No backup plan. No new job waiting. Just fear and faith in my pocket. That week I cried out to God. I had walked away from something I loved, and I could not see what would come next. But a few days later, a new door opened. A beautiful bar. Family owned. Safe. Kind. Clean. More money. Real respect. Looking back, I see it clearly. God was with me even when I felt alone. I had covered for everyone else, but God was the one covering me.
Romans 8 tells me that nothing can separate me from that kind of love. Not illness. Not injustice. Not even walking away from something I thought was good. God’s love is constant. It does not depend on my circumstances. It does not disappear in disappointment. Even when I cannot feel it, it is still holding me.
by Alison Clark
For Pondering and Prayer
Where in your life do you feel vulnerable or unseen? Write it down. Then read Romans 8:38–39 out loud.
Prayer: Loving God, thank You for never leaving me uncovered. When I feel unseen or expendable, remind me that Your love is unshakable. When I walk through uncertainty, help me trust that You are leading me to something better. Even when I do not understand, help me believe I am held. Amen.
