From Breaking Waves to Bountiful Blessings: Discovering Unwavering Faith and True Purpose

There are moments in life when the sheer weight of existence threatens to overwhelm us, when the metaphorical waves crash with relentless force, and our very soul feels like a ship utterly broken and adrift at sea. It’s in these moments of profound vulnerability, when despair looms largest, that a profound truth can emerge. For me, in my deepest struggles, I found I could reach out, and unfailingly, feel a divine hand grasp mine, a gentle yet firm whisper echoing, “Don’t let go.” This steadfast presence was, and continues to be, my anchor in life’s most turbulent storms.

That hand, that unwavering support, made all the difference. Without reaching out to Him, without clinging to that lifeline, I would never have found myself in the profound joy of holding my precious baby, a testament to resilience and the enduring power of hope that blossoms even after the longest nights of struggle.

Understanding Faith: An Anchor, Not An Avoidance

Often, we mistakenly perceive faith as a shield that prevents us from sinking, a magical force that keeps us safe from all hardship. We might even believe that true faith can summon blessings and miracles into existence merely by sheer willpower. But my journey has taught me a more profound, more potent understanding of faith. Our faith isn’t about escaping the tempest; it’s about navigating through it. Its true strength and depth are revealed not when we are safe on shore, but precisely when we feel utterly devoid of hope, when safety seems an impossible dream, and any chance of being saved appears lost. It is when we have sunk far below the surface, about to be consumed by the depths, that faith truly ignites.

Consider the story of Peter, who stepped out onto the water at the Lord’s command. He walked, for a moment, on the impossible. But as soon as doubt crept in, as soon as he saw the wind and waves, he began to sink. In that terrifying moment, with his life hanging in the balance, what did he do? He cried out, “Lord, save me!” He didn’t perfectly walk on water; his faith faltered. Yet, in his moment of greatest weakness, his plea for salvation was heard and answered. This, to me, is the essence of true faith: not the ability to perform miracles, but the profound human cry for help when all else fails. While I wasn’t able to command an immediate healing during the nine months I suffered through hyperemesis gravidarum, a debilitating condition that left me utterly depleted, I echoed Peter’s desperate cry. My soul yearned, “Save me! Heal me! I know You can do all things! Help my unbelief!”

Clinging to Hope Amidst the Storm

Oh, how I tried to manifest a different reality! With every fiber of my being, I sought relief, a miraculous intervention to alleviate the constant nausea, the relentless vomiting, the profound exhaustion that stripped me of dignity and strength. It was a period of intense suffering, a profound test of my endurance. Yet, even as my body weakened and my spirit frayed, I found His hand. It wasn’t always a dramatic rescue; sometimes it felt like my lips were barely grazing the tops of the waves, gasping for a breath, yet I held on. I vividly pictured His hand in mine, drawing strength from that imagined connection, allowing my mind to find solace even when my physical reality offered none.

And then, in moments of quiet reflection, I would look up and realize that He had been holding me the entire time. I could feel the empathy in His tear-filled eyes, knowing my very pain. His eyes, wet with understanding, held me with the certain knowledge that my legs, my arms, my very lungs would become stronger, more resilient, precisely because of the fight, the grueling struggle to keep myself afloat. He knew my suffering. He felt my pain. He waited patiently for me to find my strength, to recognize His unwavering presence.

Even when I felt I was truly drowning, my face no longer above the water, He held on still. Because perfect faith is never a prerequisite for His grace. He reached out to pull me up, time and time again, each instance I faltered or felt myself slipping. It is His very nature to rescue, to uplift. Just as Peter was rescued precisely when his faith was failing, when he was sinking, so too are we held. This understanding brings immense comfort and profound liberation.

“Don’t Let Go”: A Mantra for Life’s Battles

This message, “Don’t let go,” resonates deeply, not just in extreme moments of peril but in the quiet, everyday battles we face. It’s for those mornings when the thought of waking up for one more day feels insurmountable. It’s for the crushing disappointment when the house you dreamed of doesn’t materialize, or the job opportunity falls through. It’s for the parent who finds their “perfect rainbow baby” struggling, or their heart physically aching from an unbearable loss or enduring pain. In all these moments, big and small, the call remains: Don’t let go. All He asks is for you to look up, to acknowledge even a glimmer of hope, and He will reach out and do the rest. One day, your greatest desire will manifest, held firmly in your hands, and your fight will be undeniably won.

From Suffering to Significance: The Unveiling of Purpose

It’s a challenging truth to embrace, yet I believe it with every fiber of my being: the only reason we are here, thriving and connecting, is because we endured profound suffering. Our pain, though agonizing at the time, was not in vain. It was the very crucible that forged our purpose and opened doors we never could have imagined.

This realization became strikingly clear after Cade and I impulsively shared our story with a group of people. Following this impromptu sharing, we were invited into the office of a woman named Chrislyn. We were merely making the rounds, meeting various individuals, and while we felt the privilege of being in the presence of the “boss lady” of Time Out For Women – a name I’d heard spoken with immense respect – we didn’t anticipate its profound impact on us. We certainly didn’t think it had anything specifically to do with *us* beyond a casual introduction.

Yet, two steps into her office, Chrislyn managed to bring both Cade and me to tears. I might never truly forgive her for that unexpected emotional outburst! But on a more serious note, she was incredible. Immediately, she asked us to sign an advanced copy of our cookbook that she had somehow acquired. We had absolutely no idea that this seemingly simple request would stop us in our tracks, words caught in our throats, as tears flowed freely down our faces.

Cade and I exchanged a look, both utterly overcome, and then chuckled a little at our shared, unexpected vulnerability. “Oh my gosh, I’m so embarrassed,” I admitted, my voice thick with emotion. “I didn’t realize this would make us cry, but this is the first time we’ve ever signed our own book. It truly feels like the end of a long period of pain, as we finally step into the light we’ve been searching for.” From that poignant moment forward, Chrislyn transcended the role of a new friend; she became an integral part of our family, a kindred spirit who understood the depths of our journey.

A Call to Serve: Fulfilling Childhood Dreams and Divine Promises

That transformative meeting with Chrislyn was the catalyst for a journey that would come to mean everything to us. Shortly thereafter, we received an invitation that resonated deep within our souls: to embark on a two-year tour as speakers with Time Out For Women. This wasn’t just an opportunity; it was the absolute, undeniable answer to childhood prayers and the unspoken desires that resided within both our hearts. The universe, or rather, divine providence, had conspired to align our suffering with a profound purpose.

Had we never experienced such profound suffering, had we not walked through the valley of the shadow of hardship, we would never have been extended this incredible invitation. We would not have been positioned to bless and fulfill ancient promises to seek out the weak and weary, to offer solace and strength in this uniquely personal and impactful way. I vividly recall, as a little girl, all I ever truly wanted was to be enlisted, to play a part in the rescue of others, to bring comfort where there was pain. This tour, this platform, is the realization of that lifelong aspiration.

Our cookbook, which initially felt like an unrelated endeavor, our speaking tour, and even our Instagram platform – which, while it might appear to be a food blog, is truly a vibrant space for connection and love with all of you – these are all manifestations of that overarching mission. We invite you to watch, to engage. It’s truly remarkable how you all comment, lifting one another up, as much as we strive to lift you. What are the chances that people from all corners of the world could find and uplift each other right here, in this shared digital space?

Building a Community of Hope and Empathy

Through your engagement, your vulnerability, and your shared experiences, you are actively fulfilling the deepest desires of our hearts. You are proving that connection, empathy, and mutual support are powerful forces capable of transforming individual pain into collective strength. The journey through suffering was undoubtedly arduous, but reflecting on where it has led us, I can unequivocally say: the pain was worth it. It was, in fact, necessary. It was the indispensable preparation that allowed us to truly see you, to understand the contours of your struggles, and to love you more deeply and authentically in your own moments of pain. We are here, now, better equipped to walk alongside you, offering the same hand of hope we once so desperately grasped.