Favor Fridays with Tony: The Favor of Another Year – Celebrating 43 with Gratitude

Looking back on the past year, I can see God’s fingerprints all over my journey. Just after my last birthday, life changed dramatically: from the podcasts I hosted, to my finances, and even my employment status. It was a year of transitions—some expected, others blindsiding. Yet through it all, God has remained my constant source of strength. He told me last year that it would be my final year working at the radio station I dearly loved—a place I had grown comfortable in. Even though I knew the dreams, ideas, and purpose He placed in my heart were bigger than any job title, leaving that comfort zone was still difficult.

Here I am now, eight months after my last official day at the station. Boy, have things changed! Following God’s plan isn’t always easy, but I can testify that He is a keeper. He makes ways out of no way. He opens doors no man can shut. He provides abundantly. I have had to trust, believe, and lean on Him like never before—and He has not let me down.

This time last year, I had planned to unveil my new brand logo on my birthday, but about three days before I could do so, I discovered that my original Facebook account (which I had since 2007) and my first Twitter account had been hacked. The hackers also tried to get my Instagram and my email accounts. I ended up having to start from scratch on Facebook and Twitter, even after fighting hard to regain access—much to my chagrin. With that setback—and the changes in my career that led to my “new normal”—I found myself like a baby eagle who had gotten very comfortable in the nest, when all of a sudden (well, to me it seemed) Mama Eagle (God) came and disturbed the nest so I could spread my wings and fly. And so fly I did—especially because I had no choice but to.

One of the biggest blessings from this season was the birth of Tony's Posts, which I began the day after my last day at the radio station. Now, 244 daily posts later (this being the 244th one), I have not missed a single day of encouraging and inspiring others through the gift God has given me. Each day has a different theme and topic and you can check out every post that you have missed or read the full website posts at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-posts daily at It’s a daily testament to His faithfulness and a reminder that even when everything feels uncertain, He will always provide a way for me to share His light.

The Favor of Another Year

Life is a journey with hills and valleys, laughter and tears, triumphs and trials. Yet through it all, God’s favor has carried me. His grace has sustained me. His mercy has kept me. I’m grateful that even in the toughest times, His favor shows up. It’s in the quiet strength that rises when I feel like giving up, the unexpected blessings that appear just when I need them most, and the peace that surpasses all understanding.

The S.O.L.A.D.™ novels remind me of this very principle. Just like Angelo and Angeline faced challenges that tested their faith and strength, we too are called to stand firm and trust in God’s promises, even when everything seems uncertain. In Book II of S.O.L.A.D.™, Kevin (Angelo) is reminded by his grandmother Isabella:

“My little hero, always remember who you are, not who those demons say you will become,” Isabella said. “I really wish I could tell you what it all means, but God will reveal it to you and Juanita in due time.”(Book II of S.O.L.A.D.™)

She also encouraged him:

“You and Juanita just hold on to God and each other and everything will be okay.”(Book II of S.O.L.A.D.™)

That’s the kind of favor and identity I’m choosing to celebrate today.

A Heart of Gratitude

As I step into my 43rd year, my heart overflows with gratitude:

• For God’s faithfulness: Even when I stumbled, He never left me.

  
  

• For His provision: When the job ended, He sustained me in unexpected ways.

  
  

• For His grace: Covering my mistakes and renewing my purpose.

  
  

• For His love: A love that is constant, unwavering, and unshakable.

I’m also thankful for my incredible wife, Tajuana, who has walked this journey with me. Like the heroes in S.O.L.A.D.™, we’ve faced losses together, celebrated victories, and held each other up during the hardest times.

Reflecting on God’s Favor

God’s favor isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes it’s the quiet moments of peace in the middle of chaos. Other times it’s the doors that open when every other door is closed. In S.O.L.A.D.™, even when facing impossible odds, Angelo and Angeline held onto their faith, believing that light would overcome darkness. In Book II of S.O.L.A.D.™, Kevin is reminded that:

“God is with you and will keep you strong, courageous and prepared to fight against darkness.”(Book II of S.O.L.A.D.™)

In my life, I’ve learned that trusting God’s favor means trusting His timing and His plans, even when they don’t align with my own.

Biblical Foundations of Favor and Gratitude

The Bible is filled with reminders of God’s favor and the importance of gratitude:

• Psalm 90:12 (MSG): “Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!”— This verse captures my heart today. I want this new year to be one of living wisely, embracing every opportunity, and walking boldly in God’s favor.

  
  

• Psalm 103:1-5 (MSG): “O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless His holy name!... He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal. He renews your youth—you’re always young in His presence.”— That’s the kind of favor I celebrate today—the favor that covers, redeems, and renews.

A Prayer for Year 43

Heavenly Father,Thank You for the gift of another year. Thank You for every lesson, every blessing, and every challenge that has shaped me. I surrender this year to You—my plans, my dreams, my steps. Teach me to live wisely and to embrace every opportunity You place before me. Let Your favor continue to rest on my life, so that I can be a light in this world. Strengthen my faith, guide my steps, and let Your will be done in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Thoughts

As I celebrate 43, I’m reminded that life is a journey of grace and favor. Every year is a testament to God’s goodness. Like Angelo and Angeline, I choose to walk forward in faith, trusting that the One who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it.

To everyone reading this: thank you for sharing this journey with me. May God’s favor rest on you as you continue to walk out His purpose for your life. Remember what the S.O.L.A.D.™ stories teach us: no matter how dark things get, the light always wins.

If you’d like to be a blessing to me for my birthday, here’s how you can support me: by purchasing my books directly from me, sending a gift via CashApp, PayPal, or checking out my Amazon wish list or my Sideshow wish list.

Thank you for your prayers, your support, and your encouragement. I’m excited to see what God does next!

Where to Buy My Novels

If you’d like to dive deeper into the S.O.L.A.D.™ universe or support my writing, you can order autographed copies of my novels directly from my website at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop.

Every purchase supports this ministry of storytelling and helps me continue sharing God’s light through fiction.