My Story: Finding a Path Through Pain

As a little girl, I didn’t know what paths or opportunities might be out there for me. Writing seemed like a natural choice. I had a knack for storytelling and received scholarships to pursue a creative writing degree. When I graduated from Pepperdine, I had no idea what to do with my degree. After all, how many professional poets or screenwriters do you know?

I couldn’t seem to find my way.

My cousin suggested looking into advertising because I had some relevant skills. I found a local agency on Google and sent them a “cold email”. Eight months later, I received a response. They offered me a three-month copywriting contract. I resigned from my full time, non-career track job, deciding to take a chance on myself.

The week I was scheduled to start my contract, a major tragedy upended my life. I suddenly had to prove myself in a space I knew nothing about while working through waves of grief and loss. Almost no one at the agency knew what I was going through, and I couldn’t bring myself to talk about it.

Death is not a great get to know you conversation topic.

“I did not get over the loss of my loved ones. Rather, I absorbed the loss into my life, like soil receives decaying matter, until it became a part of who I am. Sorrow took up permanent residence in my soul and enlarged it.”

Jerry Sittser, A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows through Loss

Those first three months were soaked in tears. I kept showing up even when I didn’t know what end was up. I asked for help and received kindness from the most unexpected people and places. Through no small miracle, I got offered a job at the agency after finishing my contract.

Now ten years later, I am proud that I proved myself in my worst moment, but even more proud that I didn’t give up. I had my “opportunity to overcome” as my Grandmama says, and somehow, God got me through it.

We all follow a winding path. No matter where it leads, there is grace for the ups and downs. Just keep going friends. You have it in you.

Thanks for reading my story!