Back in 2001, David was building a new company when the tragic events of 9/11 occurred. As a result of the ensuing world gone wild, our business failed and we lost the life that we had enjoyed for many years.

I had to go to work and get a paying job to make ends meet. Because I hadn’t worked in quite some time, I didn’t really have any business-type clothes. I found a nice black jacket, on sale, and built my new work wardrobe around that jacket.

I wore the heck out of that jacket. I’m sure I could come up with many, many photos of me wearing that jacket but I’ll just add a few so I don’t bore you.

Now, ten years later, in preparation for our move to Saudi and the new life we will begin, I am going through my closet and weeding out the things that I can give away and things that I can throw away.

Today, I say goodbye to this old friend, my black jacket. It’s very well loved but also very well worn and it is really time.

As I sit here all choked up over the action of throwing the jacket away, I know it’s because of this:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11

I know that the reason I am able to say goodbye to my old friend is because God has restored us and is prospering us. I look forward to our future without my black jacket.