There is no describing the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction for Michele Williams when she completed her three-bedroom house on Seaward Drive in Kingston. The house was a 10-year labour of love and dedication.
A lupus patient, it was especially challenging for her, as there were days when she felt as if she didn’t have enough to push forward. With the autoimmune disease taking its toll on her body, she had to stay ‘prayed’ up to keep going.
A Christian, Williams, who attends the Faith Mission Assembly Church of God, knows the power of fighting the battle on her knees and entering her ‘war room’ when things seem to be getting the best of her.
On January 26, 2025, Williams was dealt a blow that has shaken the foundation of her faith, but she is determined to hold on as she knows that despite the hurdle, God is still in charge.
In an interview with Freedom Come Rain, she related the unfortunate event that shattered her world.
“When my phone rang and I saw my daughter’s name come up, the last thing I was expecting to hear was that my house was on fire and everything was burning up,” she related as she pointed out that her first immediate thought was that her daughter and the other occupants in the house were okay.
According to Williams, she has lost everything; the house was burnt flat to the ground. She is in a daze regarding how she will pick up the pieces to go on. She will be the first to acknowledge that her faith has been shaken, but now her belief is that God can work out everything.
“Yes, it has shaken my faith. I’ve had many questions for God…but I’m still holding on,” she noted.
Over the years, Williams has seen God’s goodness in her life, especially concerning her battle with lupus, as she reflected that there were days when she was in so much pain that the last thing she wanted to do was get out of bed and do anything, but God put strength in her weary bones so that she could stand and face the day.
Although the disaster has shaken her foundation, Williams said she is still seeing God’s grace and mercy at work in her life as friends and family have been rallying around her.
Recounting the circumstances leading to the fire, Williams said it was started by a man of unstable mind.
“He was burning old clothes next door to my house, and it got out of control. He ran away from the scene,” she related.
The occupants in the house were not aware that the fire was threatening their safety until the loud explosion from the gas cylinder, which set the house ablaze.
Although she has lost everything, Williams is giving thanks that she did not lose any member of her family.
“Those things can be regained…It’s going to be hard, but I have a faithful God who I hope will put it into the hearts of His children to sow into my rebuilding efforts,” she remarked.
Commenting on her dire situation, Williams said she must rebuild as she has no other place to call home.
“This is where I have been since I was eight years old. I’m just still in shock that every possession I have is gone,” she said, getting close to tears once more.
Williams is now living on hope and the prayer that all will be well.