OVERCOMING ADVERSITIES — AN ENTRY FOR THOSE STRUGGLING

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES

Somedays, I just feel small. I think about the large size of the world and its complexities, and the feeling of such little power in the grand scheme of things overwhelms me with a burden. 

I am reminded of Jeremiah 29:11, which assures us that God has a plan for us and that His plan is one of prosperity, free of harm. When everything around me just seems too much, I focus on Him and the blessed assurance that comes from His spirit residing within us. 

In our world, people are hurting. Society is plagued with challenges, like poverty, oppression, and injustice, across numerous lines. While politics and other differences can sometimes divide us, there is also incredible potential for connection and reconciliation when we approach each other with understanding and empathy.

My grandmother often reminds me that flowers do not grow on the mountaintop. Her words resonate deeply, especially during these challenging times.

The mention of mountains brings me back to my home region of Appalachia. Here, amidst the beauty of rolling hills and deep valleys, many people face uphill battles with addiction. For them, the summit is a goal often clouded by pain, but their perseverance shines as they fight to overcome these challenges.

Recently, with the release of the Hazard movie, our local television station featured my dear friend, Mandi Fugate Sheffel, in a heartfelt sit-down interview. Mandi courageously shared her journey through addiction — a path marked by moments of despair but also incredible resilience. Her story isn’t just about recovery but transformation. She now channels her struggles into helping others, becoming a beacon of hope for many in our community.

Just as flowers grow in the valleys before reaching the mountaintop, our struggles have the potential to shape us into stronger, more compassionate individuals. My faith, my community, and inspiring people like Mandi remind me that even in the darkest moments, hope is never far away.

We all have a role to play — whether it’s lifting someone up, finding strength in our own battles, or simply believing in the power of a brighter tomorrow. So, let’s keep climbing, one step at a time, knowing that every summit reached brings us closer to the light and beauty that life has to offer.

How will you take your next step forward? Together, we can inspire hope in one another.


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