Since my book Chasing Life: Lessons on Suffering Well was released last summer, several readers have shared their own stories with me. Their journeys amaze me, and although I find it humbling that my experience can serve as inspiration beyond the page, I can’t help but draw strength from watching others learn to suffer well. I want to share one of those stories with you today…

Janelle’s Story:

“I went through a period in my early years as a Christian (in my 20s) where the circumstances of my life were a bit scary for me. I didn’t know how to overcome it, and where my life was headed. The burden seemed so heavy to me at times that I felt angry, hopeless, and helpless a lot of times. Why did God bring me to this place in life? What plan can He possibly have to help me here? How can I be a blessing to anyone? These thoughts plagued me all the time. Eventually, I got better and better at encouraging myself through His word and through songs of praise and worship. When I couldn’t pray, I could sing to God. I had many lonely days to ponder on the negative, or strengthen my faith. I chose the latter, and began to focus on others above myself.”

“Eventually, I began consistently serving at my church and meeting new people. I began expanding my life experience by learning from those around me and having others to bless me with new experiences. I was able to build confidence in what I was truly capable of and what I can do through Christ. God did not disappoint me! He brought me out of the circumstances that held me back and my life has been moving forward ever since. God’s faithfulness is the wall I lean on today through every challenge and I am so grateful for God in my life! All glory be to God!” 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

Janelle’s story is a good example of someone who understand how to stay

Connected to the Source (P.91)

Connected to Others (P. 111)

Connected to Conviction (P.131)

Connected to Positivity (P.145)

Connected to Your Mission (P.163)

Connected to The World (P.175) and

Connected to Your Dreams (P.191).

She said that she found inspiration for her own journey from the following paragraph on Page 153,

“We cannot allow the negativity surrounding our lives to occupy much of our time. That is a sure way to rob ourselves of joy. We become part of the problem when we entertain thoughts that instantly highlight our weaknesses, when we hold on to something that we should let go, or when we resent and blame God or others for things that we have no control over. If we are not careful, in our hurt and pain, we may become selfish and self-absorbed.”

What about you? Do you have a story you would like to share? If you would like to be featured, please send me an email at beba@chasinglife.be