Looking back, it’s hard to believe how far I’ve come. There was a time when “failure” felt like my permanent address. No job, living back in my dad’s house, and a cloud of depression that seemed impossible to shake. It felt like I was stuck in a wilderness, with no path forward.

There were days when I questioned everything. “Why me?” “What’s the point?” The silence in my dad’s house echoed my own internal emptiness. It was a dark and isolating period, a time when “apparent failure” felt devastatingly real.

But even in that darkness, a flicker of hope remained. I clung to my faith, reminding myself that with God, nothing is impossible. I knew, deep down, that this wasn’t the end of my story.

What I didn’t realize then was that this “failure” was actually a crucial turning point. It forced me to confront my fears, reassess my priorities, and rebuild myself from the ground up. It was in that period of vulnerability that I discovered a resilience I didn’t know I possessed.

God came through for me. He didn’t magically erase my problems, but he provided glimmers of light, small opportunities, and the strength to take the next step. He opened doors I didn’t even know existed.

The journey wasn’t linear. There were setbacks and moments of doubt, but I kept moving forward. I focused on what I could control, sought support, and celebrated every small victory. I’m still on that journey, still in the process of building the life I envision. But I’m filled with gratitude for how far I’ve come.

This experience taught me that “failure” isn’t final. It’s a detour, a chance to learn and grow. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope exists.

If you’re facing a similar situation, please know that you’re not alone. Don’t give up. Keep moving forward, even if it’s just one step at a time. Trust that with faith and perseverance, you can overcome any obstacle. Remember, it’s not over. Your wilderness experience can become your greatest testimony.

I am grateful I can now take care of myself, my family, and parent.