I truly believe that our purpose is to reach back to help others that are needing that extra push in life. I am finding the things you go through in your past can become your testimony. As you make it through struggles in life, you become proof of hope. For me, growing up was a constant struggle. There were ups and downs year after year. Things would be going great for my dad in his job and we were doing well as a family. My dad would finally pay our bills, we would be able to breathe for a while, then out of nowhere things would go wrong. It became a pattern of survival. The one thing we did do that kept our heads above water was we never ever forgot who we were and what we were living for.
Through these hard times I now can look back and use them to relate to others. I did not like the hard times and how it felt to go through them, but I know it has made me who I am today. I have passion for those who are going through those things now and I can give them hope through my life. I have been able to change countless lives by giving others a hope to survive and never giving up.
Today, make it your goal to start reaching out and giving hope through your adversity. People need encouragement and you can offer a smile that shows them they can make it and to never stop pushing forward. As you begin your day, look for these appointments of opportunity to give back. By doing this, you will step into a new way to view your purpose. You will find it is not so much about you and your vision for your life but really how you can be a part of helping others have a vision for their life. My dad always said, “If you can help enough people get what they want, you then will get what you want.”
For more stories and lessons, check out my podcast, Going off Scripture, where my friend Marilyn Hickey and I discuss Christian leadership principles. It’s an inspiring show that will help you in both your personal and professional life!
This gels with one thought I keep close to my heart whenever i feel there is going to be a struggle in life that I may not be prepared for. I’m not sure who wrote or said this – “Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.”
I guess when people struggle, they fix themselves on the problem rather than thinking a bit differently and use it as a way to get out.
Thank you for your sharing your thoughts. I really like that motto and think it could be used in many seasons and situations!
Libby Reilly
CSU Communications Coordinator