You never truly know how softhearted you are until life presents a challenge that draws tears from your eyes or pierces your heart. And you never realise how powerful you are until you refuse to be tied down by the very challenges meant to break you.
A week ago, while walking on the road, two major events in my life came to mind, both of which still move me to tears. One is the grief of losing my dear older sister, who departed this world over 24 years ago. The other is the gratitude I feel for how God carried me through my difficult days in the tertiary institution.
So, if you are grieving the loss of someone dear, know that many have walked that painful path and understand your sorrow. And if you are giving your best yet still struggling financially, don’t be discouraged. Others have been there too, and they survived.
UNICEF once shared the words of a young survivor of conflict: “I have been through so much loss … but I will not allow anything to get in the way of my dreams.” Those words echo my journey and perhaps yours too; we are stronger than the storms we face.
Jeff Moore, whose quotes I deeply admire, once said, “Every successful person you respect and admire survived a season you didn’t see. It is never as easy as it looks. Keep going.”
Those words remind us that whatever season you are in—grief, lack, uncertainty, depression, or health challenges—it will surely pass.
I can’t count how many times reflective posts like this, which I have shared on WhatsApp and Facebook, have helped someone hold on. One stands out clearly: a former student of mine, then in her third year at university, read one of my late-night reflections and called me around 1:00 a.m. I didn’t know she was battling depression. She cried through our conversation, and by God’s grace, she found relief and strength that early morning.
So, I believe today’s reflection is for somebody. Whenever you come across it, let it remind you that no matter the storm, your victory is certain; you will win against all odds.
As the UN Refugee Agency has observed, people who have lost homes, loved ones, and entire past lives often summon extraordinary courage to rebuild. If they can rise, then so can you. Your present storm is not the end; it is the path to a new beginning.
Quick Takeaways
1. No matter the storm, your present trial is the path to victory; you will win against all odds.
2. Every storm ends, but your strength remains; your triumph is certain.
3. Others have risen from loss and struggle; you too will win against all odds.
© Chinedu Vincent Okoro is a British Council Action Research grantee, Rotarian, educator, poet, and advocate for social change, peace and mental health. He holds a Master of Education in Advanced Teaching from the University of the People, Pasadena, California, USA. He writes from Olumawu School, Abuja.
