"The Power of Resilience: Embracing Vulnerability, Acceptance, and Community on the Healing Journey"

You never really know how strong you are until you’re staring down a challenge that makes you feel like you’re in way over your head. That’s what resilience is all about—pushing through when everything in you screams, “Just give up!”

Let me tell you, the past few years have been a wild ride for me. The pandemic hit, and suddenly, I found myself dealing with heartbreak, losing a job right after moving to a new city for a fresh start, spiritual struggles, and watching my savings vanish as the job search dragged on. The list goes on. But honestly, it’s how I’ve managed to deal with all of that that’s given me the strength to keep going, even when life felt like it was falling apart.

This blog is for anyone who’s been through it—personal loss, emotional rollercoasters, or just carrying the weight of past experiences. I want to share some real talk and insights to help you navigate the sometimes messy, often confusing, but ultimately rewarding journey of healing. I’ll be diving into my own experiences and the books that helped me make sense of it all.

One thing that really hit me is how tough it can be for us to accept what’s actually happening in our lives. But there’s serious power in acceptance. Accepting your reality, no matter how rough it might be, is a huge step in healing. Acceptance doesn’t mean you’re giving up or that you’re okay with suffering—it just means you’re recognizing what you can’t change and choosing to put your energy into what you can.

I’ll never forget when a pastor told me that surrender means imagining the worst-case scenario and finding peace with it. But here’s the thing: before you can surrender, you’ve got to accept your reality. Accept the pain, the disappointment, the hurt, and the betrayal—all of it.

The real challenge comes from the “imposter” we create. You know, the one that tells everyone (and even ourselves) that we’re okay when we’re really not. It’s the mask we put on to get approval, but it’s that same mask that stops us from really connecting with God and others. True worth doesn’t come from what we achieve or how people see us—it comes from knowing we’re loved by God.

Admitting that was tough for me. How could someone like me, who’s done so much and inspired so many, not have it all together? How do I admit that I’m broken, that I’m not as complete as I want to be? How do I say that I need love, acceptance, and community? How do I let go of my achievements and embrace this version of myself that I’ve never really known before?

But here’s the thing: embracing vulnerability and honesty is key to healing. Accepting what’s real and being open about it, especially when you’re in a dark place, is crucial. As someone who’s grounded in faith, I found myself having to get real with God, admitting my doubts and struggles. I slipped back into habits I thought I’d moved past, but through it all, I realized that God was letting me go through this to be honest with myself. Letting go of shame and guilt and embracing who we really are as God’s children leads to a deeper, more authentic life with Him.

When I moved to Nashville, I realized I didn’t have a community. Orlando was the last place I really knew. I decided to move forward and start a new chapter in my life. That’s when I learned just how important community is. Healing isn’t something you can do on your own. Being around people who get it, who validate your experiences, can make all the difference. Whether it’s friends, family, or a support group, having a community that lifts you up can be a total game-changer.

I’m incredibly grateful to God for giving me Crave, for bringing a few amazing people into my life in Nashville, and for my ministry brothers who supported me financially so I could spend time in Hawaii with loved ones and avoid isolation. It was during this time that I realized my pride had been holding me back, making me think I could do it all alone. My success wasn’t just mine—it was because of my community. And as someone who’s used to giving, it was hard to accept help. But I realized this struggle came from my childhood, where I thought my worth was tied to what I could contribute. Receiving love and support from my community didn’t just change my life—it started my healing process.

Building resilience during this season of my life has meant getting into mindfulness, developing healthy coping strategies, and setting realistic goals for my healing journey. I’ve come to understand that God doesn’t just want me to survive—He wants me to thrive.

I want you to know that healing is an ongoing journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and resilience. By embracing acceptance, vulnerability, and the support of a community, you’ll find the strength to heal and move forward. There’s hope for anyone who’s feeling weighed down by the past, and I hope this blog offers you some practical tools and inspiring insights to help you along the way.

Remember: “Acceptance is the first step to healing.”

“Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s strength.” It’s in our weakness that we find true strength. Surround yourself with a supportive community that gets you and lifts you up. One of the most comforting things a good friend told me during my dark season was, “Man, Lo, you can’t seem to catch a break.” That phrase validated my experience—it was exactly what I needed to hear. It was such a relief from the typical things people say when you’re grieving.

Remember: “Healing is a collective process.”

As you walk through your own journey of healing, remember that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about growing through what you go through. Embrace the challenges, lean into your vulnerability, and surround yourself with a community that uplifts you. Healing isn’t linear, and it’s not a solo endeavor. It’s messy, it’s real, but it’s also transformative.

So, when life knocks you down, don’t just survive—thrive. Accept where you are, be honest with yourself, and let your community be your strength when yours feels depleted. You’re stronger than you know, and you’re not alone in this.

Keep going. Keep growing.

—LR