Where Does Your Story Begin? From Loss to Purpose Through Faith

Where Does Your Story Begin?

I'm not asking when you were born, but when you discovered yourself?

What moment in your lifetime becomes the beginning of the next chapter?

The moment you look at yourself and ask, "Who am I?", "What do I want to be?", "Where do I go from here?".

This question isn’t philosophical, but the foundation of how we discover our purpose.

Joyful beginnings:

• Your first day of leaving home for college

• Landing your first career job

• Discovering your hobby

• The joys of having your first romantic relationship

• Holding your firstborn in your arms

• Watching children leave the nest

Painful beginnings:

• The death of a loved one

• Surviving a near-death experience

• Facing an accident that changed everything

• Losing a long-time job

• Dropping out of college

Turning Points That Define Us

• Many events can be the turning point in our lives. What is yours?

• How did you react when it was happening?

• Was it an immediate revelation that things were different and going to change, or did it take years to put the pieces together?

My Story of Coma, Loss, and Rediscovery

My story began when I was 10 years old and fully regained awareness after being in and out of a coma for 4 days. I had a near-death experience. On the fourth day, as I began to awake, my senses felt sharper as though I was relearning the world. I watched everyone and everything as much as I could remember. Unconsciously, I knew what had happened and where I was, but consciously, I couldn't recall anything from that moment. I was physically present and knew everyone. However, I couldn't remember anything mentally.

I could recall general information from the past, but I couldn't remember any specific details. Mentally, I was starting over with reality. I was at the mercy of others to fill in the blanks. I was at my mercy, lost in the process of rediscovering myself. Relearning my likes, dislikes, and hobbies and interacting with others helped me to think and defend myself while finding new qualities.

I was learning to navigate a world where my mom was no longer present, the one person who knew my strengths and weaknesses. I realized that death was part of life and learned how to navigate through the trials. It all came with its challenges, but it wasn't without resilience.

How Faith Revealed My Purpose

My story stopped and resumed sixteen years ago today, on November 30, 2008. While I lost my mom to death, I lost myself to life. I lost only four days, but it was enough to unravel my sense of time and purpose. For me, losing my mom was just a part of my journey that only led me to my purpose in this world. I had a second chance at life, physically and mentally. It may have felt selfish at times, but I was looking for answers to why God spared my life, and I only endured what I did.

Today, I am proud to say that after all the mental, emotional, and spiritual warfare with myself and my loved ones, I can tell my purpose has become more apparent, and it's revealed to me every day. Unfortunately, it has taken over 10 years to discover.

Young woman walking alone on a path, symbolizes the start of a new journey of faith and purpose.

Only through trial, prayer, and forgiveness have I begun to see God's plan more clearly.

With each challenge, God has revealed new insights that have changed my perspective and taught me more about His ultimate plan. However, God revealed each item at distinct moments, knowing I was ready to receive His insight. It took patience and faith, but I was open to receiving.

What About Your Story?

I don't know what you are struggling with or what life's journey has taken you on, whether negative or positive.

Where does your story begin?

What has been the turning point in your story that made you discover or feel a sense of purpose?

If you haven't found your purpose yet, be patient and forgive yourself for not knowing it. Embrace new possibilities, even those that seem unfamiliar or unlikely.

Don’t stay stuck in what could have been. Push forward with patience and faith. The road isn’t easy, but nothing is in vain.

"Your temporary pain can lead to an everlasting gain: your purpose."

"Where Does Your Story Begin?" Video

Written by Nathifa Debellotte, writer of the DeNight Owl and hostess of DeNight Owl Speaks