The year is coming to a close. It is less than two weeks until Christmas as I write this. It is a time of year that can be difficult for some. Some miss those they’ve lost. This is my third Christmas without my Anna. And while I do miss her, it does not feel the same as it has the previous two years. It is quite a bit lighter and I think a lot of that has to do with Anna Roan Ministries and what I’ve seen come about from it.
When I see little girls riding horses, I see Anna living on through them.
When I I see their smiling faces, I see that joy is exponentially stronger than grief.
When I see others connect with horses in a deep and spiritual way, I’m reminded that we are all connected in more ways than we know.
But most of all, when I see each person’s face when they are with the horses, I’m reminded that it truly is a wonderful life. That each life matters. That even though Anna lived only 112 minutes, lives are touched just by her existing.
I know that God doesn’t make mistakes. But we often see things that are different and we want to discard them or discredit them in some ways. Or we don’t agree with what happens in our life. It feels unfair. I have been there. If that’s where you’re right now- it’s okay.
As time moves on, I’ve seen God’s will unfold. I’ve surrendered to His design. The design that wasn’t mine. Some healing and growth has taken place. And my viewpoint has shifted drastically about losing my child because of the goodness I’ve seen come about from it. I wouldn’t wish this kind of loss on someone. But we can accept the good that comes from it and lay the other at the feet of Jesus.
We aren’t really promised time with our loved ones, so be sure to remember that, especially during the holidays. It’s a great time to show our love. But maybe it’s even more important to just be present. Horses have taught me that.
It has been an amazing first year in our ministry. We had the honor of serving eighteen families. I don’t say that lightly either. When the year began, I thought if we are able to help just one person this year, it will be worth it. Therefore, it has exceeded my wildest dreams. Every person has brought beauty for ashes and poured on the oil of joy over my heart. When I’ve read what the lessons haven meant to them or their child, my cup runs over. I know they are all grateful for the opportunity. But I more so.
I have prayed for each person by name. I’ve met the most wonderful people. And made some great friends along the way too. So thank you for the words and pictures that have been shared with me along the way and keeping me updated. There have been times where I’ve had a rough day and then someone sends me a picture of getting to be with horses and thanking us. It’s just the most amazing feeling.
We also did two trail rides this year. One was a memorial ride the day after Anna’s second birthday. That was a beautiful way to honor her. Being in the saddle and enjoying the beauty that surrounds us in nature is so healing. I want to connect more of our participants with trail rides. There is something so wonderful about getting out of the arena setting and into nature. I look forward to providing those opportunities.
Then to top it all, we had a very successful first fundraiser. Horses for Hope was absolutely incredible with the horse rides, the paint pony, and the carriage rides. Over 200 people came. I am humbled by it all and grateful for everyone that volunteered.
Lastly, I want to say a heartfelt thank you, particularly to our donors, for making it all possible. I look forward to what 2025 holds for us and the families we get to serve. Wishing you and your family many blessings.
Much love from Anna Roan Ministries Founder,
If you’d like to support our ministry and connect more people with horses, please visit annaroan.org/give.
To God be the glory.
I just finished your book, 112 Minutes of Miracle. Your faith throughout deep trials is such an inspiration to me. The Anna Roan Ministry covered riding lessons for my daughter during a very uncertain time in our life, after my husband lost a career he loved and then was transitioning through other jobs to make ends meet. He lost his job of seven years and much of his retirement all because his manager found out he was studying the Bible with co-workers outside of work hours.
The riding lessons were such a bright spot for my daughter while our family went through the uncertainty of job losses and changes. Now my husband is planning to become an evangelist so that he can study the Bible with others as often as he can! The path should’ve been obvious to us sooner probably, but it took us a while to listen. We have been so blessed by your ministry and your sweet baby’s life story. We pray for you all, and covet your prayers as well. Thank you for this update, it came as a perfect ending to literally just finishing the last page of your book! I pray all God’s blessings upon you and your family in the coming year.
Lana, that is a powerful testimony. God closed one door to open another for your family. That fills my heart with joy. I’m so glad Aurora got to have those riding lessons and for the bright spot. It puts a smile on my face!