Happy Saturday. I hope you’re enjoying your weekend, and if joy hasn’t found you yet, it’s coming. I wanted to share something that came from a conversation I had yesterday with a dear friend of mine. She’s 82 years old, and we met while I was in graduate school in Southern California. She was preparing to return to school herself for her graduate degree, a gentle reminder for anyone in their 30s, 40s, or beyond who thinks it’s too late to achieve a goal. But that’s not even today’s message. What really stayed with me was something she said about courage. “What if it’s not about win, lose, or draw, but simply about trying, about taking the leap?” And that stuck with me.

“For the lovers of God may suffer adversity and stumble seven times, but they will continue to rise over and over again. But the unrighteous are brought down by just one calamity and will never be able to rise again.”

Proverbs 24:16 TPT

For context, I lived in California for nearly four years. I was doing my best, raising my children, attending school, and trying to make the most of what I had, but the truth is, I had no real support system, no consistent community, and very limited opportunities in my career field. I began to feel like I was fading emotionally and spiritually. After much prayer, reflection, and consideration of what would be best for my life and my children, I made the choice to move. I’d lived on the East Coast before and always considered it home. So I applied to a PhD program there, secured an apartment, packed my car with everything I had, and drove and moved across the country. It wasn’t easy. It came with sacrifice, and it required strength I didn’t always feel like I had. But I knew deep down it was the right decision, made not in fear, but in faith.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

Proverbs 3:6 NKJV

So again, what if it’s not about the outcome? What if it’s about trusting God and what He is telling you, enough to leap? My friend told me, “There are people my age who are alive but not living. They wouldn’t have done what you did. I don’t see age, I see spirit.” That resonated deeply. She continued to say that we are all in constant evolution, growing, tripping, blooming. And maybe that’s the point. Maybe this life is less about settling, comfort, or fear and more about continuously discovering who we are. If you’re in a hard place or facing a major decision, know this: you are allowed to start over. As many times as you need. I truly believe my children will look back one day and see that every sacrifice was made out of love and with their well-being in mind. No matter what your story is, keep trying and growing. And know that starting again is not failure, it’s faith.

It is not about making the right decision, but knowing that with God, He will make your decision right. Be blessed and a blessing.