A Tough Week – But Still Climbing

 Thank you so much to everyone who takes the time to read my blogs. Your support truly means the world to me. This week, I felt led to open up about something different. Not a highlight, not a win—but a hard moment. A moment where life hit hard, and I’m choosing to be real with you all about it. Because life isn’t always filtered and polished—and I think someone else out there may need to hear this too.

I always try to remain positive, to walk in faith, and to trust in my God that everything will work out for the good. That’s not just a phrase to me—it’s something I strive to live every single day. And even through the recent trials—losing my job, facing family drama, battling personal setbacks—I’ve held onto that faith. But even the strongest among us have moments of doubt. And this week, that doubt crept in deeper than I’ve felt in a long time.

The breaking point came when my 2017 GMC Sierra started acting up. I assumed it was a minor issue—a sensor, maybe a loose wire. But the mechanic’s call shattered that hope. Metal shavings in the fuel system. The only fix? Replacing the entire fuel system—for nearly $15,000. That’s not just a bump in the road for me—that’s a mountain. Especially when I haven’t had a closing since March and every dollar right now is stretched thin.

That diagnosis sent me into a spiral. A dark place I haven’t visited in years. Sleepless nights haunted by questions: How am I going to pay for this? How will I get to showings without a reliable vehicle? How will I help my daughters through college? How can I keep growing this business if I can’t even stay afloat today? The weight of it all felt unbearable. And no matter how strong I tried to be, the darkness kept creeping in.

In an effort to stabilize our situation, I’ve started applying for local jobs to supplement our income. With decades of retail leadership experience, a background in the beverage industry, and military service under my belt, I felt confident something would come through. But so far? Crickets. No callbacks. No interviews. Just more rejection, and more fuel for the fire of discouragement.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel broken. I try my best to smile, to look put together, to be the strong man people expect. But inside, I’ve been struggling. Deeply. Depression is real, and this past week reminded me just how heavy it can feel. And yet—I still have hope. I still have faith. I refuse to let this be the end of my story.

We all go through tough seasons. Some of us talk about them, and some silently endure. But it’s in these moments that we decide who we really are. Will we let the darkness win? Or will we claw our way back to the light? I choose to fight. I choose to climb. I choose to trust that my God will guide me, even when the path ahead isn’t clear.

I take responsibility for my life. For my choices. For my failures. But I also give praise to God for every success, every blessing, every moment of grace that keeps me going. This is more than just a tough week—it’s a reminder that I’m still human. That I’m still learning. That I’m still growing.

If you’re reading this and going through your own storm—please know that you’re not alone. Don’t be fooled by the highlight reels on social media. Most of what we see is just the surface. Behind every smiling photo is a story we may never hear. And behind your current pain is a purpose that hasn’t been revealed yet. Don’t stop fighting. You matter. You are needed. You are loved.

I’m praying for all of you. Every single day. And if no one else has told you this lately—I believe in you. Keep climbing. Keep praying. Keep going. Because no matter how dark the night gets, the morning always comes.