Most of you know that I had my hardest year to date in 2017. Don’t get me wrong, I made wonderful memories, but also experienced some big-time lows. My anxiety reached a whole new level. I felt worthless and stupid. I blamed God. I struggled with waves of emotion. I forgot where my worth came from. I lost sight of who I was and what I was doing. I let the opinions of others and the thoughtlessness define me. Looking back, I now know that in this disappointing time, I had a decision to make…I could spiral or I could rise. Sadly, for a brief time, I unknowingly chose to spiral.
During this time, I reached out to someone who I cared about and who I know at some point cared deeply for me. Sadly, they didn’t respond. I waited, but the help I was hoping for never came. I didn’t think much about it at the time. Of course, I was hurt, but I didn’t learn until months later that this was a defining moment for me. Understand, it made me feel weak just to reach out. There were nights where I didn’t know how much more I could take before I let such darkness and negativity overcome me. I am not going to lie, it absolutely would have if it weren’t for a few saving graces.
1. Christ has always been my rock. No matter what adversity came my way, I always stood up tall and proud because I have tremendous faith in God. This year I did not have that faith for a majority of the year. No worries, I got it back recently! But negativity piled on negativity forced me into this box and I could not see my way out for a while. I know God has a definite plan though, and I also know that his divine intervention saved me in the nick of time.
2. My family never fails to remind me how loved I am. They show their love in multiple ways, but at the end of the day, love was one thing I really needed. They have been wonderful encouragers, and I know I did not make it easy on them at times. They know I love them just as much! Whether it was a simple text or a surprise visit…family always reminds you that you are not alone!
3. My friends. Sol, Sam, Patrick, Chris, and Justin to name a few. They chose to walk with me during this time, even when it got hard. Whenever I needed support, these guys showed up big time. Thank you for forming #teamcade!
The world is cruel and people can be, too. Surround yourself with God and build your faith by getting in the word. Satan wants nothing more than to make you feel isolated and alone. Case in point, we are in an age where technology is controlling us more and more every day. We don’t like what we see in the mirror and we constantly strive to keep up this image online for our followers to see. We don’t feel good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, popular enough, or strong enough. But, I’ve learned that perfection leads to isolation. I’ve also learned that we don’t love or listen to our parents enough. We let the number of views our stories get determine our mood for the day. We forget to say thank you and we judge the common stranger. We also might drink too much on occasion and make stupid decisions. We gossip and spread rumors. We rely too much on others and become victimized by our friend’s actions. We are flawed, but with all these flaws and self-doubt, we are fearfully and wonderfully made for a reason. We have the option to spiral or rise- both uniquely different routes, but both filled with tremendous lessons on life.
This year I spiraled and hated almost every minute of it. Now that the year is coming to a close I see what God was trying to teach me: you were born to rise but in order to rise you have to start at the bottom. I reached the bottom, believe me, and in this coming year…I will choose to rise! And, I have to know that if all the good in my life were to be taken away, God is still good. I cannot rely on people, even the ones who love me most, for my happiness. And I sure can’t rely on the ones who don’t. I must rely solely on HIM!
I don’t think all my struggles will go away at the stroke of midnight. However, I do know that with the start of a new year comes the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another. I don’t have many expectations for this coming year, which may I add is a big year with added responsibilities and changes that come with graduation in May. I look forward to the excitement coming my way. The unknown, the new relationships, the lost relationships, and whatever else God has in store for me. Together with God… I will rise!
So, 2018…let’s do this. I’ll be bringing my new found faith in Christ, my wonderful relationships with friends and family, the life lessons I’ve learned and Taylor Swift’s new album with me, but the rest of 2017…I’ll be leaving you in the past!!
Happy New Year to each of you. May 2018 be a year on the rise!
–by grace through faith–
Yours Truly,
Southern and Thankful
Thank for your courage in sharing. Have prayed for you before, but when God brings you to mind, I can pray more specifically and more urgently.
I don’t know you that well but what I do know, you are fearfully and wonderfully made! What courage you have shown by admiting weakness and embracing your stumbles and struggles. I will pray for you and pray For God to show you your path and walk beside you as you climb your mountains. Much love to you
Cade,
It is such a struggle to be a young man in today’s world. My heart always goes out to boys in their college years because you have so much responsibility for your future on your shoulders. I’m am so proud of you for sharing some of your struggles. It is such an important part of healing. Praying for you to have peace, courage and strength in 2018.
2018 is going to be a great year. You got this!!!
Love,
Mary Nina
Cade,
While I can’t say I know you well, I do feel you have shared a great piece of yourself here. It takes some people years to be able to reflect so honestly. But in so doing, you may just help someone else on that spiral. The world demands perfection when no one, save our Savior is or ever has been perfect.
If you haven’t read it lately, read Job-he sank pretty low as well but God is faithful and always restores. Your sweet spirit literally pours out of you and I think always has, even in the spiral. The devil just tried to blind you by telling you lies.
Glad your eyes are open again!