My name is Joy Lazarus, and my story is one of quiet strength, unseen battles, and undeserved grace.
All my life, I’ve lived with asthma—a condition that has challenged my body, my confidence, and at times, my spirit. From childhood to adulthood, it’s been a journey of inhalers, hospital visits, missed opportunities, and hidden fears. But through it all, one thing remained constant: God’s sustaining power. Even in the most breathless of moments, He never let me go. He took control, and I’ve learned to live with courage, not fear.
Not long ago, I was awarded a scholarship I wasn’t qualified for in any way. I didn’t meet the requirements, and by every standard, I should have been overlooked. But the convener—moved by compassion—graciously offered me a 30% scholarship. It wasn’t something I earned. It was pure kindness. An act of mercy and grace I'll never forget.
If my story has stirred something in you, maybe it’s because you too have been waiting for grace to find you. Keep going.