The Two Faces of the Mirror
At some point in life, we all face difficult situations that place us in unexpected, even uncomfortable places. This happens without exception, at any stage of life—whether in youth, adulthood, or even when we feel like we’ve already seen it all.
Facing these moments of difficulty becomes a personal challenge, one we cannot overcome without the Faith and Trust that only God can offer. He is our constant refuge, even when the ground seems to shift beneath our feet. He never tires of holding us up, even when we’ve run out of strength.
Not long ago, my life took a sudden turn. Among the many things I had to face, illness appeared. Cancer manifested itself in my thyroid in a subtle way, like a silent enemy advancing slowly but surely, disguised as fatigue, fleeting discomforts, or symptoms one usually ignores or tries to explain away.
Thanks to the intuition that only arrives in the early hours of the morning—when everything is quiet and the soul is more attentive, when my Lord speaks to my heart—something inside me awakened. It was He who prompted me to seek help, to not let fear take control. I went to the doctor, and so began a path of truth, but also of healing.
During this process, as I looked at myself in the mirror, I rediscovered who I am: a beloved daughter of God, precious and blessed from the moment of my baptism. I am not defined by an illness, a diagnosis, or my fears. I am defined by the grace that sustains me, by the unconditional love of the Father who created me with tenderness and walks faithfully by my side.
The mirror has two faces. In moments of trial, we get to choose which one we look into. One reflects sadness, fear, and hopelessness. The other shows us who we truly are; strong, resilient, infinitely valuable beings, created in the image of a God who is Love.
Every day, I choose to see in myself the strength He gives me. I choose to remind myself that I can face whatever comes, holding His hand, sustained by His promise, because He does not abandon the work of His hands.
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Everything God allows in our lives has a purpose. Nothing is in vain when He walks beside us. So, look in the mirror and repeat with me: “I am valuable because I am a CHILD OF GOD.”
On this Mother’s Day, I cannot help but thank God for the two most incredible blessings in my life—my daughters. Their strength, their love, their constant presence have been a reflection of God’s tenderness and mercy in my life. In their eyes, I’ve found courage. In their hugs, I’ve found healing; and through their unwavering support, I’ve remembered what it means to be deeply, truly loved.
Today I face life’s challenges with renewed hope, knowing I am never alone. On my lips, I whisper the prayer a little butterfly once taught me, my anchor in the storm: JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU!
Happy Mother’s Day to all who mother, nurture, and love with a heart like His.
Dr. Eliana Cantillo was born in Cartagena, Colombia, and has dedicated her life to service through her work as a pediatric and functional medicine doctor since 2001. She is the proud mother of two beautiful daughters, Isabella and Maria José, who are the light of her life. Inspired by the powerful testimony of faith shared by our Founder Christy Dangond, Eliana grew closer to the Lord and now finds true joy in serving others.
