Hope in Adversity
Finding hope in adversity involves discovering your purpose, recognizing your ability to bounce back, and appreciating the support around you. Surprisingly, adversity can be a catalyst for positive change.
Consider self-discovery, self-awareness, and transformation as a journey. It begins by reflecting on yourself with a strong desire to understand and make changes. What sparks this journey? Often, it begins with unexpected pain or challenges defined as "a state of misfortune or affliction."
Think about the most challenging moments in your life—death of a loved one, betrayal, job loss, relationship struggles, or health issues. These aren't events we plan for, but they can be turning points. Pain and adversity can push us to transform, forcing us to examine our needs to navigate through tough situations. It's in these difficult times that the seeds of personal growth are planted.
As I started my journey of self-discovery and transformation, I found myself dealing with unexpected adversity, a hard reminder that life often throws unexpected challenges our way.
It was April 7th, 2016, when I received a call from the Pensacola, FL police notifying me that they would be going to my parent's house the next morning to take my mom from my dad.
There were reports, possibly from neighbors, highlighting that my dad wasn't providing proper care for my mom, who was battling Lewy Body Dementia. His own mental health struggles stemmed from a traumatic accident, a moment when a semi-truck unexpectedly changed lanes, colliding with his car and leaving him with brain damage, ultimately labeled as Schizophrenic.
Reflecting on that painful call, my emotions were all over. It felt like there was an answer to my numerous prayers sent to God, pleading for the well-being of my parents and for someone to step in and help. Unfortunately, my sister and I, limited by our rights as children and hindered by our parents' mental conditions, found ourselves unable to offer much assistance. (I'll dive deeper into this part of my journey another time as part of my blog or book.)
The police did go to my parent’s home where they found my dying mom upstairs in a bedroom. They took my dad to the mental hospital for short-term care, and they brought my mom to the emergency room to be evaluated. Even though it was a really tough time, things happened fast. In the middle of all the sadness and hard times, we held onto hope. We hoped that my parents would get the care they really needed and deserved. In the end, they did.
During the adversity mentioned above, I was forced to examine my priorities. I was a wife, mother, and employee. I loved the roles I played in my life. I had to decide what I would take responsibility for, what I would give to God (which ended up being all of it), and what I valued and defined as a priority for myself and my family. I chose to leverage and rely on experts like local Social Workers, Hospice Care, lawyers, and other professionals and resources to continue taking necessary steps. This decision allowed me to maintain focus on the roles in my life and my priorities.
I wouldn’t wish the experiences I walked through on anyone, seeing my parents in such a horrific state. However, without this adversity, stress, and pain, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I've learned my ability, with God’s help, to love and serve my parents unconditionally. I learned to forgive harsh words and to learn that I am loved beyond the situation I was walking through.
Without challenges, we might find ourselves stuck in routine a, repeating patterns that don't lead to a healthy or joyful life. Living on autopilot often involves hoping for things to work out. When facing difficulties, adopt a "day by day" mindset to foster resilience and facilitate significant personal growth.
If you're currently in a tough season, I encourage you to embrace it. Seek the transformation happening within yourself—how you love, process information, and react to emotions. George Mumford advises embracing adversity to cultivate hope. Begin by paying attention to the daily, mundane things, so you're ready for bigger events when they occur.
If you're navigating through a challenging time, we'd be honored to walk with and support you on this journey of change.
