Rising Strong: Finding Grace in Life's Knockdowns

Rising Strong: Finding Grace in Life's Knockdowns

There’s something so powerful in realizing that the same God who saved Israel is the God who saves me. When I reflect on my life, I see how, time and time again, He’s pulled me through situations that could’ve easily taken me out.

Being raised by a single mom, becoming a single mom myself, and enduring two abusive marriages—these are stories that could have ended me. But God whispered, "Monique, stand up. I have endowed you with splendor." He refused to let me stay down.

Every knockdown was not a knockout—it was an opportunity. With each fall, I learned to assess, regroup, shake it off, and come back stronger. Through God’s grace, I’ve gone from barely surviving to thriving. The knockdowns have become fewer, and the recovery times quicker. His mercy reminds me daily that I am called to be an example.

But let’s be real—living in this world is hard. Mark 10:19 outlines the bare minimums for eternal life: no murder, no adultery, no stealing, no lying, no dishonoring parents. That’s a good starting point, but my struggle is navigating the here and now.

How do I manage life’s messiness—love, money, relationships—without falling deeper into sin? How do I keep my heart pure and my actions aligned with God’s will when life feels like a battlefield?

I’m working on building my business, qualifying for a home, and leaving corporate America to pursue my passions full-time. And yes, I’m human—I wrestle with emotions, desires, and distractions. But through it all, I know this: Jesus is King.

He sent the Holy Spirit to guide me, and when I stop to listen, I hear His voice directing me—left, right, yes, no. My job is to take action when He speaks and forsake the other voices. When the weight of too many decisions threatens to overwhelm me, I pause, pray, and let the Holy Spirit lead.

Isaiah 55:4-5 reminds me of the promises God has made—not just to nations but to individuals. God’s calling is bigger than the knockdowns. He’s calling me, and He’s calling you, to rise up and step into the splendor He’s endowed us with.

So today, I choose to stop, seek, and go. I choose faith over fear, grace over guilt, and God’s voice over the noise. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. I don’t have it all figured out, but I trust the One who does.

If you’re navigating your own struggles, remember this: every knockdown is an opportunity. Stand up, listen to His voice, and let your faith lead you forward.

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