How Do You Respond When Life Throws You a Curve Ball?

We’ve all grieved for the horrendous train accident that happened in Ohio effecting entire communities, with health, family, and job concerns. They are wading through what to do next, after the upending of their lives.

Has something ever unexpectedly derailed you?

Living in San Francisco, I’d bought a fixer upper Victorian from the proceeds of a divorce. My friend, who was an architect/general contractor, and I partnered to buy it. He had the top, and I had the bottom flat.

Every weekend for two years, I spent transforming a Cinderella home from ashes into something livable. Money was so tight a baked potato sufficed for dinner. Work and the renovation left little time for anything else. 

Lonely, worried about bills, with still so much to do, I received the news. My company was downsizing. It was December 20^th. My boss offered me a job in New York City but I’d have to move as soon as possible. If not, there would be no job. Oh, and it was a demotion. I invested all my savings in this not completed flat. I had ten days to decide. Deep in prayer, I sought God to answer, “What should I do?”

One late night in the San Francisco office, depression engulfed me. The hours and money spent on the home, now not for me to live in. I eked out some new friendships now not to be easily continued. I was depleted. Close to tears, I felt a warm presence that said, “Go to New York. There is a life for you there.”

An assurance came over me. I found the fortitude to get the flat ready and with faith start this new journey. The demotion helped me later for leadership roles in developing empathy for delivering tough messages.

I became a member of the Network of Biblical Storytellers, a certified lay speaker, and started a nonprofit called Seeds of Faith for Women. My latest endeavor involved writing a novel based on an Old Testament story. The Lord led me to meeting my husband who joined me in all the above endeavors. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined a life so full.

Sometimes we need to be emptied, to know how much we need God in our lives.

How do you respond when life throws you a curve ball? Loss of a job? A dire health diagnosis? A family unraveling? The passing of a dear one?

We know those who’ve risen from tragedy to embrace life again. We also know when a burden caused a person to give up.

It’s how we deal with turns of events that will make the difference. My mother used to say, “It adds metal to the alloy.” I hated that statement when growing up… but now I understand its meaning of strengthening ourselves. Also, I’ve found that once you go through your darkest valley, you can better help someone else later.

What do you do when life throws you a curve ball?

As I was finishing this message, life threw me a major curve. A woman who’s been a mentor, encourager, and a friend was diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer. As I write, she is in hospice. My heart breaks for this charismatic, thoughtful, extraordinary author, and speaker. Every morning for the last two years, I’ve read from one of Lucinda’s books.

She is an anchor for many new writers through her annual reNEW Writers Retreat. She took me under her wing making introductions to other writers with expertise in social media and editing. I just can’t imagine she will not be with us. One of my favorite Lucinda books is Dwelling Places. She delves into scripture, focusing on one word. This day was Suffering.

“My child, there is always a purpose in pain. Suffering is not for nothing, indeed. But in order to find the beauty in the ashes, you must submit to Me and trust that I am still Lord. And I am giving all you need to come out on the other side, radiant and renewed. I will truly bring you safe through every loss.” Dwelling Places, by Lucinda Secrest McDowell. https://lucindasecrestmcdowell.com/books-page/

I’m grateful for her friendship and cling to my faith, praying for Lucinda, her husband Mike, and her grown children and grandchildren.

We have this one precious day. Let us live it with love.