What did suffering teach you that success never could?

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.

Whitney Cunningham

Suffering has taught me gratitude — real, deep gratitude for the things we so easily take for granted every day. I always say, “I’m way too familiar with rock bottom.” And the thing about rock bottom is… there’s nowhere lower to go. The only direction left is up. Read more>>

Lisa Winter

Grief and suffering are so complicated. It can knock us back, slow us down, make us want to give up. But I think the beauty in that struggle is the resilience gained. As you’re learning to navigate life through your burdens, you’re forced to grow, to push yourself in new ways. That slowing down can be an invitation to reflect. Read more>>

Mishy Katz

Suffering taught me that no matter how hard things get, the key is to just keep going forward and doing your best with what you have. When I thought I could not go on, self-care and turning to a strong support system gave me strength I did not know I had and allowed me to have more compassion and understanding for others. Read more>>

Erika Frost

Suffering taught me how to fully surrender—not in a spiritually bypassed, “love and light” kind of way, but in that guttural, on-your-knees kind of letting go that only comes when you’re at the tipping point of losing everything. Read more>>

Eden Victoria

Suffering taught me things that success never even touched—like how to build true perseverance, how to find stillness in chaos, and how to lean into God’s strength when I had none of my own. There’s a verse in Romans that says “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” That’s exactly what I’ve lived through. Read more>>

Taylor

I have endured alot of heartache and challenges throughout my 20s, and although at the time I wished I never went through it — I am now thankful for it. I learned the most valuable lesson of how strong I am, and that if you keep weathering any storm you eventually get through it. Read more>>