Tag: Hope

Navigating Life’s Challenges: My Unexpected Journey of Resilience and Growth

Abby’s life took a turn in March 2022 when a back injury led to her medical discharge from the Army. Despite initial struggles and disappointment, she found purpose in her pain and embraced change. She appreciates the support of family, friends, and faith and looks forward to new opportunities. Abby also plans to share insights from her journey in future posts.

Two years ago, the trajectory of my life changed.

It was an early morning in March 2022, and I had just completed a physical fitness test in the scorching Kuwaiti heat. All was well until I tried to stand up after having breakfast some minutes later. I felt a searing pain in my lower back that stopped me dead in my tracks. I could not stand to my full height or sit back down. I was stuck. After many bouts of physical therapy, pain management, surgery, and everything you can think of, the Army has found me unfit for duty, and I will be medically discharged because I am not getting better.

I knew this would be the result, and while I had time to prepare and accept the decision, I can’t say that I am not a little disappointed. When I enlisted, I did so with the intention of doing twenty years. My injury prevented me from completing my first contract—five out of six years. Two have been spent in a Soldier Recovery Unit, away from my friends and family. I mourn the loss of a career I did not have a chance to explore and get to know my true potential. I mourn being unable to lead and help set the standards for women like me. I mourn the people I will leave behind.

The journey from then until now has not been easy. In the beginning, I was so angry, lost, depressed, and feeling sorry for myself. Over time, with the help of my faith, therapy, support from friends and family, and simply changing my outlook, I have found purpose in my pain. Don’t get me wrong; there are days when the pain is still so crippling that it feels like my body is working against me. Instead of letting the pain define me, I choose to be in control.

The person I am now is not the same person I was before my injury. I have changed for the better. I have grown, and I have learned so much that may not have happened had I not gotten hurt. I have met people who have made a lasting impact on my life. I have been focused on school, family, a career, and my future from here on out. I have never been more ready and confident to face the unknown.

Reflecting on this unexpected journey, I realize that life is a series of events, many of which we cannot control. The military deepened my resilience, discipline, and the importance of teamwork. These lessons are now more relevant than ever as I navigate this new chapter of my life. The skills I acquired during my service are transferable, and I am eager to apply them in new ways. I’ve discovered new passions and interests I might never have pursued without my injury.

My family and friends have been my rock throughout this ordeal. Their unwavering support has reminded me that I am not alone in this journey. My faith has also been a guiding light, giving me the strength to persevere and find meaning in my struggles. Each day is a testament to the power of faith, love, and determination.

Looking ahead, I am filled with anticipation and excitement. The path before me is uncharted, but it is also filled with endless possibilities. I am committed to making the most of every opportunity and to continuing my journey of growth and self-discovery. The experiences I have gained, the lessons I have learned, and the people I have met along the way have all contributed to shaping the person I am today.

In the coming posts, I will delve deeper into specific aspects of my journey, sharing insights and lessons learned. From coping with physical pain to finding new career paths, from the importance of mental health to the power of community, I hope to provide valuable perspectives that resonate with others facing similar challenges.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my care team at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Fort Belvoir, and my civilian providers.
Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Together, we can navigate the twists and turns of life, finding strength in our shared experiences and hope in the promise of tomorrow. Stay tuned for more.

With gratitude,
Abby

Finding True Happiness and Healing Through the Lord

A personal journey of pain and faith, seeking solace in God and finding strength in a supportive community.

This is the second consecutive week I’ve felt compelled to write and post spontaneously, diverging from my prewritten and scheduled posts. This is a sign that the Lord is speaking to and guiding me. Once again, I heard a song that deeply moved me, resonating with my current state of mind and heart.

Last week was particularly challenging—not just a tough day, but a series of difficult days. I found myself crying at the most unexpected times. I’ve been pouring out my heart to God, telling Him how much it hurts. While I can try to pretend that I’m okay, the truth is that the pain is overwhelming. It hurts so deeply. There were moments when I felt hopeless, focusing only on the one thing that went wrong, overshadowing all the other areas where I was thriving. It’s difficult to celebrate my accomplishments when the pain seems all-consuming.

The Trap of Temporary Relief

Pain has a way of pulling us in, making it easy to give in to it or seek temporary relief. We might turn to alcohol, drugs, sex, or meaningless relationships, convincing ourselves that these will provide us with happiness and renewal. While these might offer fleeting comfort, they are not lasting solutions. True happiness, joy, and peace come from the Lord and are found within ourselves through Him.

Finding Strength in Faith

Lyrics from “Lead Me On” by Chandler Moore:

“I don’t know what season you’re in right now
I don’t know what giant you’re looking right now
But just let Him lead you on
Know it looks hard, I know it looks hard
Know it’s uncomfortable
But You can trust Him, just let Him lead you on
I didn’t know where else to go
I tried so many other options
But I’m left with Him, really walking by faith now”

These lyrics perfectly capture what I’m experiencing. It’s hard, and the temptation to let go and follow my path is strong. However, Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that there is a time for everything. Rushing or skipping crucial parts of my healing process would only do me a disservice. So, I will cry as much as I need to because I trust that when the time is right, the Lord will fulfil His promises, just as He said.

Personal Insights and Practical Tips

  1. Surrounding Myself with a Supportive Community: Leaning on a faith community has been crucial. Sharing my struggles with trusted friends and mentors allows me to receive their prayers, encouragement, and wisdom. Remembering that we don’t have to endure tough times alone is essential.
  2. Meditative Prayer and Worship: I spend time in meditative prayer and worship, focusing on God’s presence and letting His peace wash over me. Worship songs like “Lead Me On” become prayers that soothe my soul and remind me of His constant presence.
  3. Journaling My Prayers: I will incorporate journaling into my days. Writing down my thoughts and feelings may help me process my emotions and bring me closer to God. It will also remind me of His faithfulness when I look back and see how He has answered my prayers over time.

Embracing the Healing Process

There’s something humbling about admitting our struggles and turning to God in our darkest hours. In these times of desperation and raw honesty, we often find our most significant growth and transformation. The tears, the cries, and the feelings of brokenness are not signs of weakness but rather steps in the healing process that God is orchestrating in our lives. Each tear shed is a prayer, each cry a call for divine intervention, and each moment of pain an opportunity for God to demonstrate His boundless love and grace.

Moving Forward with Faith

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing our pain to our achievements, wondering why we can’t seem to find joy in our successes. But God’s plan for us often involves walking through the valleys to appreciate the mountaintops fully. Many significant figures, from David to Job, experienced immense suffering in the Bible before finding redemption and fulfilment. Their stories remind us that our journeys, with all their ups and downs, are part of a larger narrative that God is writing.

The world offers many distractions and temporary fixes, but they are just that—temporary. True, lasting fulfilment comes from a deep, abiding relationship with God. He is the source of our strength, the anchor in our storms, and the healer of our hearts. When we seek Him earnestly, we find a peace that surpasses all understanding, a joy that endures even in the face of adversity.

As I reflect on these truths, I’m reminded of Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” This promise is a beacon of hope, a reminder that our struggles are temporary and that with God, we will emerge stronger and more resilient.

So, to anyone reading this who is also going through a tough time, know that you are not alone. Trust in God’s timing and His plan for your life. Allow yourself to grieve, to cry, and to heal. And remember, when the time is right, the Lord will bring you out of the valley and into the light, just as He has promised.

Let us continue to walk by faith, leaning on His understanding and not our own. Let us allow His love to fill the cracks in our hearts and His peace to calm the storms in our minds. Together, we can find the strength to keep moving forward, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

Until next time,
Abby

Navigating Emotions and Grief: Waves by Blake Proehl as a Source of Hope

Abby shares a transformative walk where the song “Waves” by Blake Proehl resonates deeply. She experiences grief like crashing waves, finding comfort in prayer and the Bible. Believing in God’s plan, she navigates through life’s storms, finding solace in faith. This emotional release brings hope for the future amid life’s challenges.

I was out for a walk. I had my Airpods in with music blasting to drown out the outside noise, but I was focused on the game I was playing on my phone. A few songs had already played without me paying attention until a few words from one particular song caught my attention and stopped me in my tracks. “But I know these waves will crash over me, but I’ll have faith”. I instantly switched to the music app to see the song and view the lyrics. The song was “Waves” by Blake Proehl. As I read the lyrics, I was immediately brought to tears. I hit replay and gave myself a moment to get myself together because I was not the only person where I was.


Music does have a way of speaking to the soul. These past months have been rough for me. Waves. That is the perfect description to capture the whirlwind of emotions assaulting my body. There are days like today when everything seems normal, and then I get hit with a reminder, and everything comes crashing back. You know when you’re on a beach, standing in the ocean, and a big wave comes in and crashes into you? That is how some of my days are.


I have been deep in prayer and putting my trust and faith in God because I know this is all a part of my journey. He is preparing me for something good. Whenever I have these thoughts, a feeling of calm wraps me in its arms, and I am comforted in knowing that God has my back and means me well. However, this does not mean that all my worries are suddenly gone. As you can see from this post so far, I have moments where I feel defeated and lost, as if I am drowning. I tell myself that having these feelings is ok and give myself time to feel and process. In these moments, I rely heavily on my faith and pray that God will get me through. You see, in moments when we are most vulnerable, it is so easy for us to lash out and curse at God. The devil wants us to do that. I can’t allow him to distract me from God’s purpose for me. So, I pray.


“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. I try to remember this Bible verse in moments of doubt and confusion. God is my strength, and with His help, I will get through this season.


Grief comes in waves. It has its ups and downs, just like life. No one can put a timeline on when you should start to get over what you have been through. Like a ship on a stormy ocean, ride the waves until the storm passes. Through it all, remember that God is the vessel’s captain, and with Him at the helm, we can make it through any storm.


My walk today was more than just a routine activity; it was a profound reflection and emotional release. The song “Waves”, pierced through my distractions, echoing the tumultuous journey I’ve been on these past months. Life’s challenges often feel like relentless waves crashing over me, but in these moments of vulnerability, I find solace in my faith. Turning to prayer and scripture, anchors me, reminding me of God’s plans for my future. Though grief and hardship come in waves, I believe that with God as my guide, I will navigate through the stormy seas and find peace. Just as the waves are a part of the ocean, these trials are a part of my journey, shaping me and preparing me for the good ahead.


Until next time,
Abby