finding resilience through story of self

Life is a series of choices, and with those choices inevitably come mistakes—if you’ve read Beyond the Broken Gates: A collection of short stories, you know all about my past mistakes. At times, it feels like those missteps leave permanent marks on our path, dragging us down or making the road ahead seem impossible. But looking back, I realize that each of those mistakes became stepping stones—vital parts of my journey toward resilience.

In the moments when I felt lost, overwhelmed, or frustrated, I didn’t recognize the value of those experiences. I’d get caught up in self-blame, shame, questioning my decisions, and wondering if I could ever get things right. As a mom, student, and someone juggling multiple roles, life can feel like an unforgiving balancing act, and any slip-up feels magnified.

But as I reflect on my academic, personal and professional journey, I see how those moments shaped me. They taught me patience—mostly with myself. I learned to extend grace, to embrace imperfection, and to recognize that growth doesn’t come from smooth sailing but from facing the storms head-on, with Christ by my side. The lessons from my mistakes showed me how to adapt, realign my priorities, and build new approaches when things didn’t go as planned.

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about evolving with every challenge. I’ve discovered that resilience lies in acknowledging the missteps, learning from them, and moving forward with the wisdom they impart. Life’s imperfections are what make us stronger, and with each lesson learned, I become more equipped to handle whatever comes next.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” The Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 31:6