There is this amazing gospel song that really resonates when we talk about uncertainty: “God Only Knows” by Dolly Parton and For King & Country. It is such a powerful song about personal pain and struggle. The chorus especially hits hard:
God only knows what you have been through,
God Only Knows – for KING & COUNTRY with Dolly Parton
God only knows what they say about you,
God only knows how it’s killing you…
Facing Adversity & Uncertainty
Personally, I’ve experienced persecution, judgment, and rejection both in my personal life and professionally. Regardless of the situation or circumstance, nothing truly prepares you for how challenging life can sometimes be. However, what I can promise you is that no situation or circumstance is wasted if we embrace it as an opportunity to grow.
This is undoubtedly easier said than done. I’m aware some people reading this may think, “Well, that’s easy for you to say, you’ve got your house in order…” But have I?
Appearances can be deceptive! What I can confidently tell you is that I’m on my way up, and through the strength my faith gives me, I’m making a spectacular comeback!
But will I face adversity again? Absolutely!
Navigating Pain: A Process
Whenever adversity strikes, it often begins with pain. Whether it’s rejection, loss, or a challenge, we first experience the pain associated with the adversity. Take rejection, for instance. You’ve dedicated years to a relationship, been their ally, advocate, and cheerleader. You’ve sacrificed opportunities to support their dreams, and then suddenly, they reject you.
You may never fully understand why, but ultimately, the reason isn’t as crucial as the lesson learned: you will survive, your identity isn’t defined by someone else, and you can—and will—find happiness again.
Unfortunately, we can’t fast-track through pain, but we can own our stories and embrace the journey ahead.
What Doesn’t Break Me
I know this is difficult to hear when you’re deep in pain, but it’s true. At age 24, my fiancé decided I wasn’t the one for him anymore. The pain of that rejection was profound—it felt like my heart physically hurt. I believed he was my future, so when I looked ahead, I saw nothing: no future, no joy, nothing.
In the days and weeks afterward, there were brief moments away from that emptiness, but it always returned. Pain kept me trapped in a cycle of despair. My mum would sing “I Will Survive” to me, and even though I’d often respond, “Not now, mum,” she was right.
That rejection didn’t break me. Instead, it led me to rediscover myself, rebuild my faith, and begin the journey toward finding my true purpose. I didn’t just survive—I started to thrive!
It Builds a History of Survival
As an overcomer of uncertainty and the pain that comes with it, that history reminds me that I am resilient. I have faced adversity, had my butt kicked but rose again bigger, better and stronger. Every time I have endured, I have grown as a person, it wasn’t easy but the facts speak for themselves. I was an undiagnosed dyslexic and had little to no qualifications as a teenager, but it didn’t stop me from building my own business. I was rejected at 24 by someone who promised to be my family, but it taught me that my dreams mattered too. I have been ignored, bullied and ostracised as a woman of integrity but it taught me to never compromise.
Whatever your story is, wherever you currently find yourself on this journey, remember: uncertainty and adversity can become the foundation upon which you build a stronger, more resilient self.
