top of page

December 31, 2024

Discovering My Purpose: A Journey of Intentionality and Inspiration

In today's social media landscape, the term "purpose" is often tossed around, prompting many to ask, "What is my purpose in life?" or "How can I fulfill my purpose?" Recently, I have found myself in a season of reflection, seeking to understand the deeper meaning of this word and its implications.

Defining Purpose

At its core, purpose is defined as the reason for which something is done or created, or for which it exists. Synonyms for purpose include aim, design, intent, mission, and role. Over the past few years, I have replaced my New Year's resolutions with a singular word that guides my intentions. A few years ago, that word was "INTENT" or "INTENTIONAL."  I made a conscious effort to be intentional in strengthening my personal relationship with God and His people and I chose to wake up each day with an attitude of gratitude as soon as my feet hit the floor. I chose to be intentional to forgive those that hurt me and to love those around me, even those that were so hard to love. I could physically sense the Lord was doing a work in my life that only He could do, but it brought such an unexplainable peace in my life. 

Shifting Focus

Last year, my chosen word was "Focus." As someone who often struggles with maintaining attention, I made a commitment to pay close attention to even the tiniest details throughout my day. I wanted to seize every moment that could teach me something or encourage my growth.

I documented my experiences and began to connect the dots of life, leading to a greater understanding of my journey. In the past, I wouldn't be able to slow down long enough to see what God was doing in my life, but this focus shift allowed me experience Him fully and brought such an excitement that I just wanted to share with everyone, but who would listen or even care? 

Embracing My Purpose

This year, my word is "PURPOSE." I believe that God has been preparing me for this moment for years, as the details of my story unfold in ways I could never have imagined. A few months ago, I realized that my fascination with disco balls had a significant meaning. Initially, I thought it was just my admiration for "Dancing With the Stars" and my favorite dancer and choreographer, Derek Hough....LOL, but I was sadly mistaken. The Lord woke me up at two in the morning in October of 2024 and I loudly spoke these words, "Desire to Inspire and Seek Christ on Purpose."

This was such a clear vision and the words just happened to make the word "DISCO."  Woah!

So I have two choices---ignore it and act like it never happened or be obedient and take a leap of faith to step into this next chapter that He has planned for me. 

Finding Peace in Purpose

I experience such a supernatural peace and reduced pain when I'm able to share how good God has been to me in my life! I have witnessed His faithfulness on so many occasions during life struggles and traumatic events in my life and what began as a voice-recorded prayer back in 2017, when I felt a strong calling to speak and even write a book is beginning to make sense. I

I have kept that prayer on my phone for almost eight years and listened to it on so many occasions. I've shared it with only a few people, but I asked those to pray that if this is what God has for me, I need it to be clear as mud! Well, He made it clear more times than I can count, but that DISCO moment was the icing on the cake!  Whatever this next chapter brings, I just pray that God is able to use me to bring HOPE to others through the power of the Holy Spirit.  I feel so heavily that He is going to be able to take these debilitating titanium jaws of mine that have kept me in agony for so long and use them for His glory! This crazy sense of energy and urgency I've experienced lately has to be released sometime, so launching The DISCO Purpose was the first step of obedience, but I can't wait to share how God orchestrated all of the steps to get to this point. I'm not exactly sure what this journey is going to look like or how it's all going to play out, I just had a willing heart said YES and give it to the one who does know it all! I pray this is a place that you can find inspiration, encouragement, and the HOPE of Jesus! There will be a place to leave prayer requests and praise reports too. I love sharing stories, so they'll be lots of real-life experiences through some ups and downs of life that I will be sharing that have only helped me grow through this spiritual journey.

I'm so thankful to serve a God who loves and forgive us and truly desires a real relationship with us, not matter what we've done in our past. He has restored my broken heart so many times and He can do the same for you. 

Search

Harnessing Faith in Overcoming Struggles: My Journey Through Life’s Challenges

Life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect it. I’ve been there—feeling lost, overwhelmed, and wondering how on earth I could possibly get through the storm. But here’s the thing: faith became my anchor. It wasn’t just a vague hope or wishful thinking. It was a deep, soul-rooted trust that helped me face each challenge head-on. Today, I want to share with you how harnessing faith transformed my darkest moments into stepping stones toward growth and peace.


Why Faith Matters in Overcoming Struggles


When life feels like it’s crumbling around you, faith is that quiet voice whispering, “You’re not alone.” It’s more than just religious belief; it’s a lifeline that connects you to something bigger than yourself. For me, faith provided clarity when confusion reigned. It gave me strength when I felt weak. And it offered hope when despair threatened to take over.


I remember a time when I was battling a major setback—one that shook my confidence and made me question everything. Instead of spiraling, I turned to prayer and reflection. I reminded myself that struggles are part of the human experience, but they don’t define us. Faith helped me see beyond the immediate pain and envision a future filled with possibility.


Here’s what faith did for me:


  • Grounded me in hope even when circumstances looked bleak

  • Encouraged patience during times of waiting and uncertainty

  • Inspired resilience to keep moving forward despite setbacks

  • Connected me to a supportive community who shared my beliefs and lifted me up


Faith isn’t a magic fix, but it’s a powerful tool that can shift your perspective and fuel your courage.


Embracing Faith in Overcoming Struggles


Let’s be honest—faith isn’t always easy. Sometimes it feels like you’re shouting into the void, hoping for a sign or a breakthrough. But embracing faith means choosing to trust even when you don’t have all the answers. It’s about surrendering control and believing that there’s a purpose behind the pain.


One of the most practical ways I embraced faith was by creating daily rituals that nurtured my spirit. This included:


  1. Morning meditation and prayer to set a positive tone for the day

  2. Journaling my thoughts and prayers to process emotions and track growth

  3. Reading inspirational scriptures or devotionals that spoke directly to my struggles

  4. Connecting with a faith community for encouragement and accountability


These simple habits became my lifeline. They reminded me that faith is a journey, not a destination. And every small step forward mattered.


If you’re wondering how to start, try this: pick one faith practice that resonates with you and commit to it for a week. Notice how it shifts your mindset and energy. Faith grows when you nurture it consistently.


How Faith Helped Me Navigate Life’s Toughest Moments


There was a season in my life when everything seemed to fall apart—job loss, family tension, health scares. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. But faith was the lifeboat that kept me afloat.


I leaned into scripture passages that reminded me of God’s promises and unfailing love. I clung to verses like Isaiah 41:10, which says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” These words weren’t just comforting—they were empowering.


I also found strength in sharing my story with others. Opening up about my struggles created space for healing and connection. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone in my journey. Many people have walked similar paths and found light on the other side.


If you’re facing a tough season, here are some things that helped me:


  • Speak your truth to trusted friends or mentors

  • Allow yourself to feel without judgment or shame

  • Seek professional help if needed—faith and therapy can work hand in hand

  • Celebrate small victories to build momentum and confidence


Remember, faith doesn’t mean you won’t face hardships. It means you have a source of strength to carry you through.


Close-up view of an open Bible with highlighted verses
An open Bible symbolizing guidance and hope through scripture

Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Faith Daily


Faith is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. Here are some practical ways I’ve found to keep my faith vibrant and alive, especially when life gets tough:


  • Start your day with gratitude. List three things you’re thankful for before you get out of bed. It shifts your focus from problems to blessings.

  • Create a faith playlist. Music can uplift your spirit and remind you of God’s presence.

  • Practice mindfulness and presence. When worries creep in, take deep breaths and remind yourself that you are held in grace.

  • Serve others. Helping someone else can renew your sense of purpose and remind you of the bigger picture.

  • Keep a faith journal. Write down prayers, answered prayers, and moments when you felt God’s presence.


These small actions add up. They create a rhythm of faith that sustains you through ups and downs.


Finding Purpose Through Faith in Life’s Challenges


One of the most beautiful things I’ve discovered is that faith doesn’t just help you survive struggles—it helps you find meaning in them. When I look back, I see how every challenge shaped me into a stronger, more compassionate person.


Faith invites us to see our pain as part of a larger story—a story of growth, redemption, and hope. It encourages us to ask, “What is this teaching me? How can I use this experience to help others?”


This mindset shift changed everything for me. Instead of feeling like a victim, I began to see myself as a survivor and a witness. My struggles became a platform to inspire others who might be walking a similar path.


If you want to explore this deeper, try reflecting on these questions:


  • What lessons have my struggles taught me?

  • How can I use my experiences to encourage someone else?

  • What new purpose or passion has emerged from my challenges?


Faith can transform pain into purpose—and that is truly powerful.


Your Next Step on the Journey


If you’re ready to start harnessing faith to overcome life’s challenges, know this: you don’t have to do it perfectly. Faith is messy, real, and deeply personal. It’s about showing up every day, even when it’s hard.


I encourage you to take one small step today. Maybe it’s a prayer, a moment of silence, or reaching out to someone who shares your beliefs. Remember, you are not alone. There is a community and a source of strength waiting to support you.


For those seeking more inspiration, I invite you to explore overcoming adversity through faith. It’s a resource filled with stories and encouragement to help you keep moving forward.


Your journey is unique, but faith can be the constant that guides you through every twist and turn. Keep trusting, keep believing, and watch how your struggles become stepping stones to a brighter tomorrow.

 
 
 

Comments


SHINE ON 
Sister

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

bottom of page