My last Column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Year-End Ministry Update

Before you read my final column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, I want to share a personal year-end message about this season of loss, pause, and God’s faithfulness—and an invitation into the next chapter of Soaring with Him.

Below is my final column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Writing it felt both like a goodbye and a beginning—a closing of one chapter and a quiet invitation into what God is still unfolding. I pray it encourages you, wherever you may be in your own journey.

The End of My Column, Not the End of the Story

Finding Meaning When a Season Ends

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven (…).”
—King Solomon, Ecclesiastes 3:1

Ecclesiastes is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word Qoheleth, found in the Septuagint—the Greek translation of the Old Testament. In the New Testament, the root of that word—ecclesia—is used to describe God’s assembled people: the Church.

In the Old Testament, Qoheleth refers to the leader or teacher of the assembly of God’s people, often translated as “teacher,” “professor,” or—most commonly—the “Preacher.”

Although the author of Ecclesiastes is not formally named, most scholars agree that King Solomon wrote the book near the end of his life. Its pages reflect the wisdom of a man who experienced life’s extremes—seeking meaning in every pleasure and purpose in every sorrow. In the end, the Preacher reaches a sobering conclusion: “all is vanity.” Life, he reminds us, only finds meaning when viewed through the lens of eternity and God’s sovereign purpose.

He closes the book with these words:

“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”

I am saddened to type these words today, as this is my last column for this paper after nearly fourteen years of writing.

As most subscribers know, the AJC print product concludes at the end of December. As part of an evaluation determining which columns would remain for digital-only subscribers, leadership has decided to close the Faith and Values column at the end of 2025.

As I read the email announcing the expiration of my column, Solomon’s familiar words from Ecclesiastes echoed in my heart: “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” He goes on to describe the seasons and rhythms of human life—the time lapses between joy and sorrow, gain and loss, mourning and celebration.

I could not help but reflect on the truth of those words, keenly aware that 2025 has been a year marked by significant losses.

My husband lost his mother and stepfather in the first three months of the year. Shortly before his mom passed, he lost his job. Then, in August, my already grieving heart took an even more brutal blow when I lost my dad unexpectedly. It has indeed been a year of grim “appointed times.”

Perhaps you, dear reader, are facing the end of this year as I am—with a broken, grieving heart. Maybe the heavy weight of loss threatens to steal your peace and dim your hope for the New Year. Yet, as I have written countless times before in this very column, whether walking through dark valleys or standing atop sunlit mountains, I have no doubt that God is still at work—faithfully weaving all things together for my good and His glory.

Nothing happens under the sun apart from God’s permissive will. We may not understand it. We may not like it. But Yahweh—the covenant God whose purposes are higher than we can ever comprehend—appoints times under heaven with eternity in mind. And He will always bring beauty from the ashes of every burned dream, and fill the empty spaces with His presence and with treasured memories when one of His children passes on.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to the AJC’s leadership, and especially to my dear editors, Lea Holland and Holly Steel, for their steadfast support throughout the years. You allowed me to bring a bold biblical worldview to these pages at a time when many other outlets silenced faith-based voices. I pray the Lord richly bless you and your families this Christmas, Hanukkah, and in the New Year.

And to you, my faithful readers—thank you. Thank you for every encouraging email, every thoughtful response, and for inviting me to speak at several of your churches. And most of all, thank you for allowing me to shine a small reflection of Jesus’ light into your lives for all these years.

There truly is a time for everything under heaven. And while this column ends today, my calling does not. I invite you to continue this journey with me by subscribing to my blog and YouTube channel, where I will continue to write, teach, and share the uncompromised truth of God’s word.

Thank you for reading.

Subscribe to the Blog: https://patriciaholbrook.com/blog/
YouTube: @PatriciaHolbrook

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, December 27th, 2025. Click HERE to find it in the AJC’s website.

As we step into this next chapter, I invite you to consider how God might be calling you to walk alongside my ministry, Soaring with Him.

If my ministry has encouraged you, strengthened your faith, or helped you persevere in a difficult season, I would be deeply grateful if you would prayerfully consider becoming a prayer and financial partner.

Your support helps us:

• Relaunch our Bible distribution program and fulfill over 100 current requests
• Continue outreach to women recovering from abuse, trafficking, and addiction
• Sustain teaching, writing, and podcast ministry that shares hope rooted in God’s Word

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Thank you for reading, for praying, and for believing that even in seasons of loss, God is still at work—faithfully, purposefully, and for His glory.