JOY

This book takes 17 "Obstacles to Joy" and shares stories to highlight how we can approach and learn from the obstacles that challenge us. Moving through life moments in a way that is both relatable and reflective makes the devotionals more intimate. Each scripture passage was chosen carefully in order to highlight the importance of our faith in overcoming and growing through difficult moments. There is no particular pattern to enjoy this book. Let the book read itself to you in the order that you need for that day.

Over the years as a practicing physician, I have found small moments during which I was challenged to be better. To be better than the emotions I was feeling. Despair, anger, grief, loneliness. As a physician, it is never easy to "leave it at work". As a wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend, we are called to be authentic and expected to"have all the answers". Only as I grew further in my faith was I able to understand that I am not meant to be in control or controlled. I am called to just be. I am also called to serve, first and foremost. Reflecting on the way that I serve-authentically and genuinely, I found a new calm. This book is my sharing of the daily reflections that i embrace to remind myself everyday that I am a source of joy. That I am able to help others to realize the joy that lies within them. This book also allows me to share some songs, the lyrics of which got me through some tough situations in life. Music is SO healing. We should remember to take some time, look at ourselves and see it. JOY. It is always there.

Dr. Andrea Girod Espinoza is a Board Certified Pulmonary Medicine Specialist also Certified in Lifestyle Medicine. She resides and practices in Metairie, Louisiana. She transitioned from Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine to dedicate her practice to preventative and patient-centered care. She is an LSU grad "all the way". Having completed undergrad at LSU Baton Rouge, she followed in her father's footsteps completing Medical School at LSU-New Orleans. She completed LSU Internal Medicine Residency and then a Fellowship in Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine at LSU-New Orleans. After 13 years serving the community and patients at Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center in Houma, Louisiana, she joined her husband Dr. Luis Espinoza (a Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon) and his team at the Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy in 2019. Their faith and commitment to "just trying to do God's work" sustains them in their journey forward as parents and providers. "My greatest joy is seeing the life in patients' eyes, and reminding them of the potential they hold in their own health and happiness. It is truly humbling to serve others in this life journey. I love teaching and learning. My patients have made me a better daughter, mother, wife, sister, friend and physician." Much love to all my colleagues and friends I served with side by side in the ICU, Bronch suite, Medicine wards, ER, Pulmonary Clinic, Operating Room, Palliative Care room and more. A piece of my heart remains "down the bayou".