Becoming Your Best You: 2025

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Is Confusion From God? Understanding Setbacks, Struggles, and Divine Delays

Let’s start here: God is not the author of confusion. That’s not just a nice saying—it’s scripture.

"For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." — 1 Corinthians 14:33

So why does life sometimes feel so confusing? Why do we face seasons where nothing seems to line up, where doors slam shut, where we keep running into delays, disappointments, and detours? If confusion doesn’t come from God, then where does it come from—and more importantly, what are we supposed to do with it?

For a long time, I thought setbacks meant I had failed God somehow. That if I was struggling, it must mean my faith wasn’t strong enough. Maybe I prayed wrong, maybe I moved too fast, maybe I wasn’t “spiritual” enough. But the more I looked at scripture, the more I realized—that’s not how God works.

Confusion is not His handwriting. But He will allow the storm, the delay, the obstacle, if it means drawing us closer to Him and shaping us for what’s ahead.

Struggle Is Not Evidence of Weak Faith

The enemy would love nothing more than to convince you that hardship equals failure. That if you were really a woman of faith, you wouldn’t be tired, broke, sick, betrayed, or stuck. But open your Bible, and you’ll see a different story.

Job was righteous. Scripture says he was blameless before God. Yet in one season, he lost everything—his family, his wealth, even his health. Was it because he lacked faith? No. It was because his faith was being tested and proven.

Joseph carried a dream straight from heaven—visions of leadership and influence—but before he ever touched the throne, he tasted betrayal, slavery, false accusations, and prison bars. Did that mean he missed God? No. It meant God was refining him for something bigger than he could imagine.

David was anointed king while he was still a teenager. God’s oil was already on him. Yet years passed before he ever wore the crown. In between, he faced spears from Saul, seasons of hiding in caves, and constant warfare. Was he out of God’s will? No. He was in the middle of preparation.

If you’re walking through setbacks, it doesn’t mean you’re faithless—it means you’re dangerous. Dangerous to darkness. The very fact that the enemy is pressing in so hard is proof that what you’re carrying is worth fighting for.

Sometimes “Confusion” Is Really God’s Mercy

Not every closed door is the enemy. Not every delay is demonic. Sometimes what feels like confusion is really God’s protection.

We don’t like that part, though. Because when we have a plan, we want it to move. We want things to line up quickly, neatly, on schedule. But Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Leaning not on our own understanding means we stop assuming we know best. Sometimes that job you didn’t get, that relationship that ended, that funding that didn’t come through—that was God saying, “You don’t see what I see. You don’t know what I’m protecting you from.”

We call it confusion. He calls it mercy.

If things feel chaotic, don’t panic. Pause. Pray. Ask God, “What are You teaching me? What are You protecting me from? Where are You redirecting me?” Because His delays are not denial—they’re divine timing.

The Enemy Attacks What He Fears

Make no mistake—the enemy does attack. And when he does, it often comes disguised as ordinary frustration. Financial pressure. Unexpected delays. Relationship drama. Mental exhaustion. The kind of warfare that makes you too tired to pray, too distracted to focus, too discouraged to keep building.

But here’s what you need to remember: Satan doesn’t waste energy on people who aren’t a threat. If he’s attacking you, it’s because your assignment scares him. If he’s throwing distractions at you, it’s because your focus is dangerous. If he’s stirring up obstacles, it’s because your breakthrough will shift generations.

Ephesians 6:11 tells us to “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Why? Because this battle isn’t about bad luck—it’s about purpose.

So instead of folding under the weight, start recognizing what’s really happening. This isn’t random. It’s spiritual. And if the enemy is fighting you this hard, it’s because you’re walking in the right direction.

Don’t Let the Process Make You Forget the Promise

Here’s where most of us stumble: long battles make us forget what God first said.

Joseph could have let years in prison erase the vision of the palace. Moses could have let wandering in the wilderness overshadow the promise of Canaan. David could have let years of hiding make him believe the crown wasn’t for him.

But they didn’t. They held on. Because the promise was louder than the process.

And God’s word still stands today: “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” — Isaiah 55:11

If He spoke it, it will happen. Period.

My Own Lesson in Confusion

I’ve walked through seasons where nothing made sense. Times when I was building, praying, pushing—and still doors closed in my face. Times when I wondered if I had missed God entirely. But looking back, I see His fingerprints even in the delays.

I see how He shut doors that would have destroyed me. How He allowed me to be stripped down so I could be rebuilt stronger. How He let the confusion shake me—just enough to make me stop leaning on my own understanding and lean into Him instead.

The lesson? Confusion is not from God. But sometimes He allows us to walk through chaos so we can learn to hear His voice more clearly in the storm.

The Final Word

Setbacks don’t mean God has abandoned you. Delays don’t mean you failed. Confusion doesn’t mean you’re lost.

It means you’re being prepared. It means God is protecting you from running ahead of His timing. It means the enemy is terrified of what’s about to come through you.

So don’t quit. Don’t hand over your promise to frustration. Don’t let temporary delays convince you that God has changed His mind. He hasn’t.

The next chapter is still unfolding. And when you look back, you’ll see that the struggles weren’t wasted—they were shaping you into the person strong enough to carry the promise.

What feels like confusion today is just the soil where your faith is learning to grow. And when the harvest comes, you’ll understand: it was never confusion at all. It was God, writing clarity into your story one struggle at a time.

When the Grandmothers Carried U

In my family, there’s a story that has repeated itself across generations—girls becoming mothers too young. My great-grandmother had her first child at 15. My grandmother did too. And so did I. A cycle, almost like a shadow, passed down from one branch of the family tree to the next.

When you start that young, you’re still lost. You don’t have a blueprint. There are no roadmaps or clear instructions on how to raise children while you’re still trying to figure out who you are. So often, there are words left unspoken, lessons never explained, and pain carried quietly. And yet, even in the middle of those cycles, something miraculous kept happening.

The grandmothers rose up.

It was always the grandmothers who carried the weight of the family on their backs. They stepped in, not because they wanted to repeat the pattern, but because they knew somebody had to hold everything together. And with age came a maturity, a strength, a wisdom that shifted them from survival into legacy. They became the backbone, the glue, the keepers of the family flame.

My grandmother was that woman. She wore so many hats with grace that it amazes me to this day. She was a teacher at the very school I attended—so I didn’t just hear about her impact; I witnessed it with my own eyes. She was a nurse at the VA hospital, tending to the wounded and the weary with hands that knew both gentleness and strength. And on top of that, she taught music—bringing life, rhythm, and beauty into spaces that needed it most.

Watching her was like watching a masterclass in becoming. She didn’t sit me down and give me lectures about how to be a woman, how to lead, or how to endure. She showed me. Every morning she got up and put on her shoes. Every job she worked, every student she taught, every patient she cared for, every hymn she sang—she was preaching a sermon without words.

She passed me the knowledge of God and the value of education. She taught me that prayer is not a last resort, but a lifeline. She showed me that books, learning, and wisdom are treasures you can’t lose once they’re inside you. And through her, I saw what resilience really looks like.

From my mother, grandfather, and even my father, I inherited the same spirit of work ethic. Everyone, in their own way, taught me that you don’t fold when life presses in. You stand. You push. You provide. That kind of grit became the fabric of my family.

Still, I can’t ignore the cycle. Mothers too young to mother. Grandmothers carrying the family. Children growing up fast. It could have broken us. But God has a way of planting seeds even in broken soil. He used the grandmothers to be the interruption. To declare without words: this cannot keep going on.

And here’s the beauty: when cycles finally start to break, it’s usually because someone dared to look at what’s been handed down and said, I want more for my children than what I had for myself. My grandmother wanted more. So did her grandmother. They may not have had all the tools, but they poured out what they did have—faith, wisdom, hard work, and love. And that became enough to keep the door open for the next generation to walk through.

I believe that’s why I write, why I lead, why I build. Because I carry the fire of women who refused to let the story end in defeat. Women who worked, prayed, and carried families even when their arms were tired. Women who showed me that you can be the first to start a cycle, but you can also be the one to stop it.

Cycles may try to repeat themselves, but so does God’s mercy. And His mercy rewrites stories.

So today, when I look back on the women who carried me—who carried us—I stand in awe. My grandmother was not just a woman of many hats; she was a woman of legacy. She didn’t just raise children. She raised strength. She raised faith. She raised vision. And that vision now lives in me.

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" — Isaiah 43:19

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Check Your Vision: Seeing Everyone Else’s Mess While Ignoring Your Own

It’s funny how sharp our eyes get when we’re looking at somebody else’s life. Like, somehow, we turn into world-class analysts when it comes to their decisions, their drama, their failures. We’ll sit back, cross our arms, and break down someone’s life choices like we’re giving commentary on a boxing match.

“She stay messing up, she don’t never learn.”
“If I was him, I would’ve never let it get that bad.”
“They need to get their life together, it’s embarrassing.”

But when it’s our turn? When the same mistakes, the same bad habits, the same toxic cycles show up in our own reflection? Suddenly, we can’t see so well. That 20/20 vision we had for somebody else’s problems goes blurry real fast when the mirror flips.

Jesus wasn’t just talking to be talking when He said, “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to see the log in your own?” That was a straight-up reality check. A warning. A call to self-awareness.

Because let’s be real—most people are walking contradictions. We throw shade while standing under our own broken streetlight. We diagnose somebody else’s sickness while ignoring our own symptoms. And we do it so effortlessly, so righteously, that we don’t even realize we’re doing it.

It’s time to wake up to our own blind spots.

Why We’re So Good at Seeing Other People’s Mess

The truth is, calling out somebody else’s mess is easier than confronting our own. It’s a distraction. A defense mechanism. A way to avoid doing the work on ourselves.

It’s comfortable to sit in the judge’s seat and act like we’ve got it all figured out. But the moment we actually turn that lens inward, things get real uncomfortable, real quick.

We see someone drowning in their mistakes and instead of helping, we criticize. But the second we start slipping under the waves, we want people to have grace for us.

We roll our eyes at someone else’s bad habits, but we got habits just as toxic—we just cover them up better.

We call out someone else’s poor decision-making, but when we make the same kind of mistakes, we come up with a thousand excuses for why it was different for us.

We justify. We defend. We deflect. And we keep right on moving like we didn’t just do the same thing we judged somebody else for last week.

It’s a cycle. A dangerous one. And it keeps us spiritually stuck.

The Log in Your Own Eye is Holding You Back

Imagine trying to fix somebody’s vision while you’re half-blind yourself. That’s exactly what happens when we spend all our energy judging, correcting, and critiquing others—while ignoring our own personal wreckage.

That log in your eye? It’s blocking your growth.

That log in your eye? It’s keeping you from seeing God clearly.

That log in your eye? It’s pushing people away because your hypocrisy is louder than your advice.

Nobody takes wisdom seriously from someone who refuses to apply it to their own life. Nobody wants to hear a lecture on discipline, accountability, or humility from someone who refuses to check themselves first.

If you’re not willing to do the work on your own life, then what business do you have trying to run a workshop on somebody else’s?

How to Take the Log Out of Your Own Eye

The first step? Admit that it’s there.

Self-awareness is the real flex. It takes maturity, wisdom, and humility to look in the mirror and say, “I’ve been wrong before. I’ve made bad choices. I’ve hurt people too.”

Instead of using all that energy watching and critiquing others, turn it inward. Ask yourself some hard questions:

Am I guilty of the same thing I judge others for?
Do I have blind spots that I’m ignoring because it’s easier to focus on other people’s flaws?
Am I truly helping people grow or just making myself feel better by tearing them down?
When I give advice, am I also willing to take it?

The moment you start asking those kinds of questions, your perspective shifts. Instead of looking down on people, you start looking within. Instead of pointing fingers, you start checking your own reflection.

You start operating from grace, not judgment. From wisdom, not ego. From a place of genuine growth, not self-righteousness.

When You Remove Your Own Log, You Can Actually Help Others

Jesus didn’t say, “Ignore the speck in your brother’s eye.” He said, “First take the log out of your own eye, and THEN you’ll see clearly to help your brother.”

The goal isn’t to stay silent about things that need to be corrected—it’s to make sure you’ve corrected yourself first.

You can’t help someone heal if you refuse to acknowledge your own wounds.

You can’t preach about character if yours is still under construction.

You can’t lead others if you haven’t let God lead you first.

But when you handle your own business first—when you deal with your own baggage, your own brokenness, your own areas of struggle—then and only then can you speak with real authority.

Then, when you do offer advice, it comes from a place of humility instead of superiority.

Then, when you call someone higher, it’s not from a pedestal, but from a place of genuine love and experience.

Then, when you correct someone, you can do it without hypocrisy, because you’ve done the hard work of correcting yourself first.

Final Thought: Clean Your Own House First

If you don’t want someone else telling you how to live your life while ignoring their own mess, then don’t be that person to others.

Before you call somebody out, ask yourself if you’ve checked your own reflection lately.

Before you criticize a decision, ask yourself if your own track record is spotless.

Before you try to take that speck out of somebody’s eye, make sure you’re not swinging a whole log around.

Because real wisdom, real credibility, real leadership? It starts in the mirror.

https://medium.com/@panyamartin/empowering-communities-through-literacy-and-sustainable-growth-the-journey-of-mildries-road-8b10874bbec3

Friday, January 24, 2025

The Ripple Effect: Why Adults Need Mentorship, Purpose, and Leadership

Adulthood can feel like a maze—endless decisions, unexpected twists, and challenges that seem to pop up out of nowhere. Yet, too often, we think we have to figure it all out alone. The truth is, even grown folks need mentors—people who have walked the walk, seen the struggles, and learned the lessons that can save us from wasting time, energy, and potential. Let’s break it down: mentorship isn’t just a nice bonus in life; it’s a necessity. And if you’re someone with knowledge to share, it’s time to step up and pass that torch because, in the end, we’re all here to build each other up.

Why Adults Need Mentorship

The idea that mentorship is just for kids or fresh-out-of-college interns couldn’t be further from the truth. Life doesn’t magically sort itself out once you hit adulthood. In fact, it gets more complicated. Whether you’re switching careers, building a family, starting a business, or figuring out how to balance your passions with your responsibilities, the need for guidance doesn’t disappear.

A good mentor becomes your compass when you’re feeling lost. They’ve been where you are, and they’re not afraid to tell you what works and what doesn’t. But more than that, they offer perspective. Sometimes, when you’re in the thick of life, it’s hard to see the bigger picture. A mentor helps you zoom out, focus on what matters, and avoid getting caught up in distractions.

Mentorship isn’t just about solving problems. It’s about growth. It’s about seeing potential in someone and helping them realize it. Adults need mentors who can help them think strategically, grow emotionally, and move intentionally toward their goals. And let’s be real: having someone in your corner who’s rooting for you, even when you’re doubting yourself, can make all the difference.

The Importance of Living With Purpose

What’s the point of life if you’re just drifting? Living with purpose means you’re not just going through the motions. You’re waking up every day with a reason to keep pushing forward. Purpose gives your life meaning, direction, and a sense of fulfillment. Without it, even the biggest achievements can feel empty.

Purpose isn’t something you’re handed; it’s something you discover. And once you find it, it becomes the fuel that keeps you going. When you live with purpose, you inspire others to do the same. You show them what’s possible when you align your actions with your values. Mentors often help people uncover their purpose. By asking the right questions and providing encouragement, they guide you toward understanding what truly drives you.

Here’s the thing: if you’ve found your purpose, why not share that energy with others? By mentoring, you’re helping someone else step into their own potential. You’re showing them what it looks like to live with intention, and that’s a gift that keeps on giving.

If You Can Mentor, You Should Mentor

Let’s flip the perspective. Maybe you’re the one with wisdom to share. Maybe you’ve navigated challenges, overcome obstacles, and learned lessons that could change someone else’s life. If that’s the case, what’s stopping you from stepping up as a mentor?

Being a mentor isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being willing. Willing to share your story, to offer guidance, and to be a source of positivity. The world needs more people who are willing to help others, not out of obligation, but because they genuinely care about leaving the world better than they found it.

Mentorship is a ripple effect. When you invest your time in someone else, they’re more likely to pass that energy forward. You’re not just helping one person; you’re helping everyone they’ll influence, too. It’s a cycle of growth and support that can transform families, communities, and even entire industries.

The Power of Positive Energy

Let’s be clear: not everyone is cut out to be a mentor. If you’re constantly negative, tearing others down, or projecting your frustrations onto those around you, mentorship might not be your lane. A mentor’s role is to uplift, not to discourage. That doesn’t mean sugarcoating reality or pretending life is always easy. It means being honest in a way that empowers rather than deflates.

The world already has enough negativity. What we need are people who can see potential even in the toughest situations. Mentors bring light into dark spaces. They show others how to navigate challenges with grace and determination. Positivity doesn’t mean ignoring hardships; it means focusing on solutions rather than problems.

Passed-Down Knowledge Is Gold

One of the greatest gifts we can give is the wisdom we’ve earned through experience. Think about the lessons your parents, grandparents, or community elders taught you. Those lessons stick because they come from a place of lived truth. They’re not theories; they’re tried-and-true nuggets of wisdom that have been tested over time.

Mentorship is about continuing that tradition. It’s about passing down knowledge so the next generation doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel. It’s about giving people the tools they need to succeed without making the same mistakes you did. Knowledge is power, but shared knowledge? That’s unstoppable.

Creating Leaders, Not Followers

A real leader doesn’t just create followers; they create more leaders. This world doesn’t need more people blindly taking orders. It needs critical thinkers, innovators, and changemakers. As a mentor, you have the power to shape leaders who can go out and make a difference.

Leadership isn’t just about holding positions of power. It’s about taking initiative, inspiring others, and making choices that align with integrity. When you mentor someone, you’re planting the seeds of leadership. You’re showing them how to think independently, act decisively, and treat others with respect. You’re preparing them to step up when it’s their time to lead.

And let’s not forget: the leaders you help shape today will influence the world your children and grandchildren inherit. If we don’t invest in creating strong, compassionate leaders now, we’re setting future generations up for failure.

It’s Our Duty to Help Others

We’re not here to hoard our blessings, our knowledge, or our resources. We’re here to share them. Helping others isn’t just a nice thing to do; it’s a responsibility. Every single one of us has benefited from someone else’s guidance at some point. Paying it forward is how we keep that cycle of support alive.

When you help someone, you’re not just changing their life. You’re impacting everyone they interact with. Your influence creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond what you can see. Whether it’s teaching someone how to navigate a career, offering advice on personal growth, or simply being there to listen, your efforts matter. They matter more than you know.

Final Thoughts

Adulthood is hard, but it doesn’t have to be lonely. Mentorship bridges the gap between where you are and where you want to be. It’s a lifeline, a guide, and a source of inspiration all rolled into one. If you’re looking for a mentor, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you admire. If you have the ability to mentor, don’t hold back—step up and share your wisdom.

This isn’t just about helping one person. It’s about building stronger communities, creating better opportunities, and leaving the world in better shape than we found it. When we live with purpose and use our time to guide others, we create a legacy that lasts far beyond our years. And isn’t that what life is all about?

Saturday, January 11, 2025

"Why I Write: The Passion, Freedom, and Perspective of Panya Martin"

Finding My Voice Without Saying a Word

Writing is my love language. It’s how I connect with the world, how I make sense of life, and how I leave pieces of myself behind. There’s something magical about putting pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard—and seeing thoughts transform into words, words into sentences, and sentences into stories. Writing is more than just a hobby for me; it’s my therapy, my art, and my way of showing the world how I see life through my lens.

The Freedom in Writing

You ever have so much on your mind that it feels like your head might burst if you don’t let it out? That’s me. Writing gives me a chance to vent without saying a word out loud. It’s like a silent scream into the universe that only I can hear until I decide to share it.

There’s a freedom in writing that I can’t find anywhere else. It’s like being handed the keys to a world where I make the rules. I can be honest in ways I sometimes can’t be in conversations. I can be bold, soft, fierce, or reflective—all without worrying about interruptions or misunderstandings. Writing lets me lay my thoughts out piece by piece until the noise in my head turns into something meaningful.

Seeing Life Through My Lens

The way I see life is unique, just like the way you see it is unique to you. Writing allows me to bring my perspective into focus and share it with my readers. It’s like taking a snapshot of the world as I see it—filled with vibrant colors, raw emotions, and moments that often get overlooked.

When I write, I want my readers to feel like they’re sitting right there with me, looking through my lens. I want them to see what I see, feel what I feel, and maybe even question their own perspectives. Writing is my way of saying, “Hey, look at this moment. Isn’t it wild? Isn’t it beautiful? Isn’t it worth talking about?”

Expressing Myself Without Limits

Writing gives me space to express myself in ways that speaking never could. I can be raw, vulnerable, and honest without the fear of judgment that sometimes comes with face-to-face conversations. It’s like writing lets me step outside myself for a moment and be the narrator of my own story.

There’s a rhythm to writing that feels like music to me. Some days, my words come out like a poetic dance—free, spontaneous, and a little chaotic. Other days, they’re more like a symphony—structured, deliberate, and layered with meaning. But no matter the mood, writing always feels like home.

Reading Fuels My Writing

You can’t be a good writer if you’re not a reader. At least, that’s what I believe. For me, reading is like fuel for my creative fire. Whether it’s a novel, a blog, a poem, or even a random article about something I’ve never thought about before, reading opens my mind to new ideas and perspectives.

I love how words on a page can make you feel things—real things. Reading inspires me to write with that same power. I want my words to make people laugh, cry, think, or even just pause for a moment in their busy day.

Writing as a Conversation

When I write, I imagine it as a conversation with my readers. It’s not just about me pouring my thoughts onto the page; it’s about creating something that sparks a connection. I want my readers to see themselves in my words, to feel like they’re not alone in whatever they’re going through.

Writing is personal, but it’s also universal. The things I write about—God,love, resilience, hope, struggles, my career, family, friendships, partnerships etc.—are things we all experience in one way or another. That’s the beauty of it. My story might be mine, but it holds pieces of your story, too.

Writing Is My Therapy

Life can get heavy, and writing is how I lighten the load. It’s my way of processing the chaos, celebrating the beauty, and finding meaning in the messiness of it all. When I write, I feel like I’m taking control of my narrative, even when life feels out of control.

Some days, writing is a joyful experience. Other days, it’s the thing that keeps me grounded when the world feels overwhelming. Either way, it’s always there for me, like a trusted friend who listens without judgment.

Why I Write

At the end of the day, I write because I can’t imagine not writing. It’s as much a part of me as breathing. It’s how I connect with myself, my readers, and the world around me.

Writing isn’t just something I do—it’s who I am. It’s how I leave a little bit of my soul on the page, how I document the way I see the world, and how I make sense of the things I can’t explain out loud. It’s my way of saying, “This is me. This is what I care about. And this is what I want to share with you.”

The Power of the Written Word

Words have power. They can heal, inspire, challenge, and unite. That’s what I love about writing—it’s not just about putting thoughts on a page; it’s about creating something that resonates, something that matters.

So, whether you’re a fellow writer, an avid reader, or someone who stumbled across this blog by chance, I hope my words remind you of the magic that writing can bring. It’s not just about telling stories—it’s about connecting, understanding, and growing.

And for me, that’s why I’ll always write.

About Panya Martin

Panya Martin is a dedicated writer, entrepreneur, and advocate for personal resilience and empowerment. With a passion for uplifting others, she draws from her own experiences and faith to inspire individuals to walk boldly in their purpose. Panya’s work, including her leadership at Mildrie’s Road Foundation, reflects her commitment to creating opportunities for underserved communities through education, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.

Through her writing, Panya invites readers to reflect on their own journeys, encouraging them to embrace wisdom, resilience, and integrity as the cornerstones of success. Her vision is to empower others to rise above challenges and build legacies that inspire future generations.

https://medium.com/@panyamartin/the-power-of-intensity-and-intentionality-staying-on-the-ball-7c30049b5b70

https://panya-martin.blogspot.com/2019/01/escaping-satistics-that-was-sat-before.html

https://medium.com/@panyamartin/the-power-of-purpose-how-personal-journeys-built-world-changing-nonprofits-645d6efe206a

https://medium.com/@panyamartin/empowering-communities-through-literacy-and-sustainable-growth-the-journey-of-mildries-road-8b10874bbec3

Friday, January 10, 2025

A Reflection on Resilience, Wisdom, and the Path of the Chosen One

Introduction

Life has a way of testing us, especially when we are striving for greatness. I’ve experienced this firsthand in my own journey, but I know I’m not alone. For anyone building something extraordinary, the challenges are not just hurdles—they are mirrors, reflecting the wisdom and strength we’ve cultivated along the way.

The Test of Greatness: A Biblical Perspective

The Bible speaks with clarity about wisdom, fools, and the importance of vigilance. Proverbs 4:7 reminds us: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Wisdom is a fortress, a guide in moments of uncertainty, and a shield against folly. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about achieving goals but about protecting what I’ve built.

Proverbs 13:20 further advises, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” This underscores a universal truth: the company you keep can either elevate you or pull you down. Carefully curating my circle has been pivotal in ensuring the foundation I’ve laid remains unshaken.

The Challenge of Being Chosen Being “chosen” is not for the faint of heart. It means walking a path that many fear to tread. It means enduring tests that others can’t fathom. It means being set apart, often at the cost of misunderstanding and envy.

When you are chosen, the challenges aren’t always obvious. Sometimes, it’s the quiet struggles that test your resilience the most. It’s about staying true to your purpose, even when the noise around you tries to distract you. The journey of the chosen is one of refinement—a process that demands patience, faith, and unwavering focus.

The Subtle Tactics of Opposition

Opposition doesn’t always knock loudly; sometimes, it creeps in silently, disguised as familiarity or opportunity. The challenges aren’t always external—they can come from within your own circle or even your own doubts. The enemy of progress often uses confusion and distraction, whispering doubts into your mind or creating situations designed to shake your confidence.

Negativity can act like a storm, gaining momentum as it feeds on insecurities and misunderstandings. It’s like a web that seeks to entangle you, pulling at your focus and your energy. But here’s the thing: storms pass. They leave behind clarity for those who stand firm.

When opposition arises, it often has no foundation of its own. It’s like a sandcastle built too close to the waves—beautiful and strong at first glance, but destined to crumble. The beauty of resilience is that it outlasts these temporary struggles. By holding steadfast to wisdom and integrity, the chosen walk through storms with the assurance that light always prevails over darkness.

Protecting What You’ve Built

In a world where negativity can spread like wildfire, safeguarding your purpose is as crucial as building it. There are moments when you might feel the weight of misunderstandings or the sting of false narratives. In those moments, remember that truth has a way of rising above noise. Consistency, character, and focus on your mission create a legacy that speaks louder than any distraction.

Sometimes, the hardest part is realizing that not everyone will understand or support your vision. This is where discernment becomes your ally. The Bible warns in Matthew 7:6, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.” This doesn’t mean closing yourself off, but rather being intentional about where you place your energy and who you allow into your journey.

Living with Awareness and Character

Living a life of great character isn’t just about how others see you—it’s about the alignment between your actions and your values. When you act with integrity, you build a foundation that withstands the strongest winds. Authenticity becomes your anchor, keeping you grounded even when the waters are rough.

Awareness is another essential element. It’s about staying attuned to the energy around you and recognizing when something doesn’t align with your purpose. Pay attention to the subtleties of life: the opportunities that seem too good to be true, the connections that feel off, and the moments when your instincts tell you to pause. Awareness isn’t paranoia; it’s wisdom in action.

Reflecting on Your Own Journey

This isn’t just my story; it’s a mirror for you to reflect on your own journey. Are you guarding your purpose? Are you surrounding yourself with people who elevate and inspire you? Are you living with integrity, even in moments when it’s tested? These are questions we all must answer.

Being chosen isn’t about having an easy path—it’s about walking a meaningful one. The challenges are not meant to break you; they’re meant to strengthen you. Every test is an opportunity to grow, every setback a chance to rise. And through it all, remember: greatness is not just a destination but a way of life, built on wisdom, resilience, and faith.

Conclusion

So, to anyone feeling the weight of opposition, know this: your purpose is greater than the storm. "Walk boldly, stay vigilant, and let your light shine so brightly that no shadow can extinguish it."

About Panya Martin

https://medium.com/@panyamartin/empowering-communities-through-literacy-and-sustainable-growth-the-journey-of-mildries-road-8b10874bbec3

https://medium.com/@panyamartin/empowering-women-to-lead-education-and-entrepreneurship-as-the-keys-to-success-34fc83157b73