Breaking Out of the Cocoon: A Month of Growth and Grace

Breaking Out of the Cocoon: A Month of Growth and Grace

May was a whirlwind of growth for me, like a caterpillar inching out of its cocoon. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and sometimes downright scary—but I’m learning that transformation is beautiful when I lean into Jesus and trust the process. This month stretched me in ways I didn’t expect, from new experiences to wrestling with old wounds. Through it all, God’s been teaching me to give myself grace, to feel my emotions without fear, and to rest in His strength. If you’re in a season of change, I hope my story encourages you to keep going, one step at a time.

Stepping into New Spaces

Early in May, I boarded a plane to North Carolina for the launch of Grace and Grit by Hope*Books, a book I was honored to contribute a chapter to. Writing has always been my heart’s way of encouraging others, but being part of this project felt like a dream come true. The book, filled with nine stories of faith and resilience, is a testament to God’s faithfulness. Standing there at the launch, I joined my first-ever Facebook Live event, sharing about my chapter and the journey behind it. My heart raced, but my husband, Craig, was by my side, and I felt Jesus holding me steady. It was a moment of stepping out in faith, trusting God to use my words to touch others.

Then came Mother’s Day at my church. I was invited to speak at our brunch, sharing openly about my parenting journey as a retired homeschool mom of five. I’ve never spoken publicly like that before. Standing in front of those women, I poured out my heart—mistakes, joys, and all. I talked about the bittersweet ache of my daughter Seraiah’s 24th birthday, which fell so close to the event, and how God’s been teaching me to trust Him through every season of motherhood. It was vulnerable, raw, and terrifying, but the love and support from the women there wrapped around me like a warm hug. If you’ve ever felt nervous to share your story, know this: God can use your shaky voice to speak hope.

Wrestling and Resting in God’s Word

This May, I dove into 2 Corinthians, and oh, how it spoke to my soul. Paul’s words about weakness and God’s strength hit home: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, CEV). I clung to that verse on the hard days. You see, I’ve been learning to face my emotions head-on, especially as I navigate past trauma. They say the body keeps score, and mine sure does. Some days, the weight of old hurts felt heavy, like a storm cloud I couldn’t shake. My personality craves constant peace, so sitting with those feelings? It’s tough. I want to run or bury them, but God’s been showing me a better way—feeling them, naming them, and bringing them to Him.

On those tough days, I had to learn to give myself grace. Rest wasn’t just a luxury; it was a necessity. I’d curl up with my Bible or take a quiet walk, letting God’s peace wash over me. And He was faithful. There were good days, too—days when His strength carried me through. Friends and family showed up with encouraging words, a listening ear, or just a shared laugh that lifted my spirit. If you’re wrestling with your own emotions, can I encourage you? You don’t have to have it all together. God’s grace is enough for the messy moments, and He’ll send people to walk with you.

Trusting the Process

This month, I kept thinking about that caterpillar in the cocoon. Breaking out is slow, painful work. I’m not fully there yet—life on the other side feels unknown, and that scares me. But I know it’s going to be freeing and beautiful if I stay close to Jesus. Studying 2 Corinthians reminded me that God’s strength shines brightest in our weakness. Whether I’m speaking in front of a crowd, writing words that might touch a stranger’s heart, or learning to sit with my emotions, He’s with me. And He’s with you, too.

So, friend, if you’re in your own cocoon season, don’t give up. Trust the process. Give yourself grace to rest, to feel, and to grow. Lean into Jesus, because He’s the one who makes the transformation possible. What’s one step you can take today to trust Him more? Maybe it’s opening your Bible, reaching out to a friend, or just taking a deep breath and saying, “God, I’m here.” Whatever it is, He’s ready to meet you right where you are.

Grace and Grit by Hope*Books is available now—check it out for stories that inspire faith and courage. And if you’re looking for a way to dig deeper into God’s Word, try turning a verse from 2 Corinthians into a prayer. It’s been a game-changer for me!