Full Circle Moments

"Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it." — Genesis 28:16  

BREAKING THE ICE / JOURNAL PROMPT  

“I just remember I was really sick, and I didn’t feel like myself… When I felt like I was very helpless and hopeless, coach (Maurice Cheeks) walked right over — no hesitation — and helped me finish the song.” – Natalie Gilbert Zito, 35 years old

It was that simple act of kindness that clearly went along way because 22 years later, on March 12, 2025, Zito returned to the court to sing the national anthem once again.  

Can you think of a moment in your life when something came full circle—where you returned to a place, a person, or a situation and saw it in a completely new light?  

REFLECTION 

Full-circle moments in faith happen when God brings us back to a place—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—not to relive our past, but to redeem it. It’s the divine echo of grace that says, “I was with you then, and I am with you now.”  

Natalie Gilbert Zito’s story is a modern parable of this truth. At just 13 years old, she stood center court to sing the national anthem at an NBA game. But nerves and illness overtook her, and she faltered. In that vulnerable silence, Coach Maurice Cheeks stepped beside her, wrapped his arm around her, and sang our national anthem with her. It was a moment of rescue, compassion, and unexpected grace.  

Twenty-two years later, Natalie returned to that same court. This time, she sang alone—strong, confident, and radiant. Cheeks, now an assistant coach for the opposing team, watched with pride. The moment wasn’t just nostalgic—it was redemptive. What once was marked by fear had become a testimony of courage. What began in weakness had come full circle in strength.  

Jacob’s story in Genesis 28 mirrors this arc. Fleeing from his brother Esau, Jacob found himself alone in the wilderness, uncertain and afraid. He laid his head on a stone and dreamed of a ladder reaching heaven, with angels ascending and descending. In that dream, God spoke: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.” When Jacob awoke, he declared, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”  

Jacob’s journey was far from over, but that moment marked a turning point. Years later, he would return to Bethel, the place of his dream, not as a fugitive but as a father of nations. The stone he once slept on became a pillar of worship. His story, like Natalie’s, came full circle—not because he retraced his steps, but because God had been faithful through every step.  

Full-circle moments remind us that God wastes nothing. The places where we once stumbled can become altars of praise. The voices that once trembled can sing with boldness. The wilderness we feared can become the holy ground we cherish.  

Maybe you’re in the middle of your faltering moment. Or maybe you’re returning to a place that once held pain. Wherever you are, know this: God is in that place—even if you weren’t aware of it before.  

WRESTLING WITH THE WORD  

Read: Genesis 28:10 - 19 (MEV)

TAKING NEXT STEPS

PRAY  

Lord, thank You for being with me in every season—when I stumble and when I soar. Help me recognize Your presence in the places I least expect. Redeem my past, restore my courage, and lead me into the full-circle moments that glorify You. Amen.