Abracadabra – Manifestation and Trusting the Redirection

“Abracadabra.” A word often associated with magic, yet during a visit to the Alberta Gallery of Art two weeks ago, I learned that its true meaning is manifestation. 

The word appears in Blair Brennan’s installation “Perish Like The Word” in the exhibition Fire’s Burning. His work highlights humanity’s intricate, ancient relationship with fire. Fire destroys, but fire also creates. It welcomes, beckons, warns, and nourishes.

And with that spirit, this segment is meant to nourish your soul—offering weekly

encouragement, reflection, and empowerment.

Recently, I heard a young leader say:

“Trust re-direction. Sometimes what didn’t work out for you really worked out for you.”

Her words struck me deeply, especially as I navigated a recent personal conundrum. Through it all, I never doubted God’s intention for my path. I knew the outcome would unfold for good, and in my heart, I felt my late mother watching over me. I simply had to keep the faith—and I did.

Challenges shape us. They stretch us to grow into versions of ourselves we might never have believed we could become. Without trials—what my friend jokingly calls “champagne problems” or “dolly slippers problems”—we would never tap into our fullest potential.

So the next time you face a setback, a disappointment, or a roadblock, remember this: Sometimes the detour is the destination. 

And as a wise priest once said:

“Be who God wants you to be, and you will set the world on fire.”

Life is good!- JJM