Let me begin by extending a warm welcome to you in this blog post. I want to acknowledge and commend your journey through life thus far. Life often throws numerous trials and hardships our way. I’ve personally experienced my share of losses and struggles, which makes me appreciate your perseverance and determination to overcome the obstacles that life presents. This resilience is the spirit we must embrace – the determination to stand strong in the face of adversity. To achieve this, having faith is paramount. Faith acts as our guiding light during the darkest times.
Speaking from my own experience, having faith in God provided me with a wellspring of hope. In moments of failure, I understood the necessity of fighting back and pressing onward, armed with renewed hope and determination. My life has been a series of ups and downs, yet I’ve never succumbed to giving up. Did I encounter failures along the way? Undoubtedly. But did those failures halt my progress? No. I persevered, finding ways to surmount challenges. At times, I had to make the difficult choice of letting go. This act of relinquishing control isn’t easy, especially given our natural inclination to hold onto things tightly. However, I learned that releasing my grip on certain matters alleviated my suffering. I discovered that losing certain things was a small price to pay compared to losing myself.
Admittedly, my solutions weren’t always flawless or foolproof. However, I was fortunate to surround myself with a supportive network of friends, family, and loved ones. It’s impossible to overstate the significance of this community in weathering the storms I faced. I once read a line by Charlie Mackesy in “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” that deeply resonated with me: “Asking for help isn’t giving up; it’s refusing to give up.” Ponder on this. How often do we extricate ourselves from predicaments by seeking assistance? And how often do our fears of vulnerability lead us to pay a heavy toll?
Surrounding oneself with the right individuals bestows invaluable advice and the wisdom that God imparts through others. Indeed, God speaks to us through their kindness and sagacity. At one point, I hit rock bottom, plummeting uncontrollably due to the 2008 recession’s impact. While I hadn’t made any grave errors, I, like countless others, was adversely affected. Amidst my rapid attempts at restarting and finding new paths, the recession cast its shadow over me. I found myself in a free fall, devoid of any safety net… until I realized that God was my ultimate safety net, my redeemer. This epiphany marked a significant leap forward for me. I must admit that God’s healing and transformative process takes time.
In 2012, I repented, surrendering control of my life to Him and embracing His plan for me. This marked a monumental shift. Slowly yet consistently, He began reshaping me and my life. Since that pivotal moment, I’ve undergone a remarkable transformation. I’ve become more optimistic, more positive, and notably, more vulnerable. Concealing my tears and pain only magnified my distress, whereas embracing vulnerability before God unveiled the path to healing.
Just as you wouldn’t conceal your symptoms when unwell, you shouldn’t hide your emotional struggles in life. Seek out those you trust – be it your family, closest friend, pastor, or priest – and share your burdens. Their guidance and support are invaluable in navigating challenges. My personal journey was fueled by faith, which instilled hope within me, and a supportive community that offered guidance and strength. These elements form the essence of resilience, granting us the fortitude and optimism to surmount obstacles.
