With all the focus on success it’s easy to overlook the valuable lessons we can learn from the more difficult parts of our journey. Below, you’ll find some very interesting insights from some of the most fascinating members of the community.
Selina Fowler-Patrick
What suffering teaches all of us – to be grateful for what we have. I think if life were nothing but a series of successes, we’d never know how good we have it. When I wake my kids up in the morning, the first thing I say is, ‘we’ve received another day! Read more>>
Jessica Peterson
Suffering has taught me to fight like hell and overcome it. My power lies in not being consumed by and drowning in what is heavy and hard but making the choice to be stronger than any tie that binds me. I also have learned how strong I truly am and that I am resilient, able to channel struggles into breakthroughs and healing. Read more>>
Chenadra Washington
That we have to unpack our own journeys. Suffering taught me to sit with myself, to be still, and to look inward in ways that success never demanded. It was in the lower moments when God was the only source that my faith truly ignited. It was in the weary moments, when I felt empty, that I saw strength rise up in me. Read more>>
Vine Adowei
Suffering has cultivated depths in me that success never could – depths in empathy, humility, vulnerability, and even creativity. It has increased my ability to see past my own needs and challenges and care for others. My experiences of suffering have also caused me to realize that I’m capable of overcoming a lot more than I realize. Read more>>
Rodrick Chambers-Sims
Whew… now that’s a question. For me, suffering became the sacred teacher of surrender. I once heard someone say, “Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.” And at first, I wrestled with that. As someone shaped by a Christian worldview, suffering was synonymous with sacrifice, with the path of Christ. Read more>>
Kaliph Konnor
Suffering is the price you pay to really live. Not just exist—but actually live. I didn’t always see it that way. Like most people, I used to think pain meant something was wrong. But over time, I realized it’s part of the process. Growth doesn’t come without some level of discomfort. That’s when I came up with something I call P.A.P.E. Patience. Action. Participation. Evaluation. Read more>>
Ashla Glass
Suffering taught me things success never could—like humility, compassion, resilience, and faith. It taught me how to survive when I had nothing but God and grit. It showed me who I was when everything else was stripped away. Through addiction, grief, and loss, I learned how to fight for my healing and how to love others through theirs. Read more>>
Aaron Um
Suffering taught me what success never even came close to showing me: who I really am when everything is stripped away. When I was successful by the world’s standards, with a booming business, hundreds of employees, and chasing financial freedom, I felt powerful, but I didn’t feel whole. Read more>>
Amanda Leatherman
Suffering taught me to trust myself fully, not when things are going well but when nothing makes sense. Suffering stripped away the noise and showed me I could survive hard things and still keep my heart open. It gave me proof that failure doesn’t define me, it teaches me. Read more>>
