Today, on my mother Marjorie Reed’s birthday, I am reminded of how deeply God favored me by allowing her to be my mother. Not just because she gave birth to me. Not just because she raised me. But because she believed in me. She saw something in me early. She nurtured what was there. She paid attention to the things that made me come alive.

God’s protection is not only about shielding us in the midst of storms—it’s also about preventing certain storms from even touching us. There are moments when His favor steps in quietly, reroutes us, closes doors, or delays plans—not as punishment, but as protection. There are nights you slept peacefully because unseen angels were on assignment. There are jobs you didn’t get because He knew the environment would crush your spirit.