My Favorite Scripture Verse

My name is Jan Klemm, and I have the honor of working with Our Lady of the Fields Camp and Retreat Center as a grants writer to secure funding for camp projects. I’m semi-retired and live in Shelby Township with my wonderful husband, Harold. God blessed me with two children, Jesse and Megan.

My favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, says, the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Although set during the Babylonian exile of the Israelites in the 6^th century BC, this scripture verse speaks to each of us today, as well. I’ve carried this verse close to my heart for most of my adult life, and it’s given me hope during many trials.

In a nutshell, this verse is not a promise of wealth or of instant relief from hardship, but a promise of hope. It serves as a reminder that God stands with us through our trials and suffering. And although we may not understand His timing, we must trust in it. He sees the big picture that we do not.

When we lost Jesse in May of 2020 during the COVID pandemic, many people asked me how I could pray to God after my 28-year-old son died. The answer is simple; how could I not? It is in our trials that God calls us to be faithful to Him, to trust Him. I miss Jesse every single day, and I don’t understand his death at such an early age, but our Lord does, and I trust Him. He loves Jesse more than I ever could, which is hard as a mother to think about but so very true for each and every one of us.

So, I pray this verse each day as a reminder that God has wonderful things planned for me, and I keep my eyes focused my forever home, Heaven. I know that until I get to hug Jesse again, our Blessed Mother is taking care of him in my absence.

Know that God has great plans for you, too. Stay hopeful, trust God, and keep your eyes on your forever home. God bless you.