Challenges Make Us Grow

As you read this post, I want you to think about the challenges you faced in 2016. Did you grow from the experience? Did you reach a new level of knowledge, expertise, or development? If you could do it all over again, is there anything you would change? Whatever, the challenge I hope you experienced healthy growth.

Dr. David Lane, Sr. defines the Spiral of Change as follows:

• HEALTHY things grow;
• GROWING things change;
• CHANGE challenges us;
• CHALLENGES force us to trust God;
• TRUSTING God leads to obedience;
• OBEDIENCE to God is healthy; and
• HEALTHY things grow.

As a young woman working my way through Corporate America, my greatest growth came through the difficult challenges I faced. Some were personal (divorce, health, and separation from young children) and some were professional (threatened by co-workers, non-supportive managers, long work hours). Bottom-line, the only way I made it through any of it was trusting and being obedient to God.

Even now, as a Seasoned Sassy Sister my challenges continue. Therefore, my growth continues. There are times that I do not want to change or deal with the test. There are times I just want to stop the world, get off and get back on an indefinite number of rotations later. However, if I want to remain healthy and grow I must accept the fact, there will always be challenges.

I sometimes ask myself, why this challenge and why now? Sometimes the reason for the test is revealed and sometimes not. But, no matter the why it is a reminder that there is still work to be done. It is my reminder, as Motivational Speaker, Dr. Jonas Gadson says, “If you want to be blessed, you must continue to press.”

Remembering one of my Diamond Dale Discoveries helps to keep things in perspective. “I may not be able to control the challenges life throws at me today; however, I can control the attitude I throw back.” Always remember to:

“Maintain an attitude of gratitude no matter the challenge.”

Have you been challenged lately? Did you grow from the experience? If so, please share.