Both Can Be True

Both Can Be True

I’ve heard the phrase “both can be true” so many times lately. I even found myself whispering those same words as I sat down to reflect on my growth journey. Growing sounds exciting — but the actual work to grow can be brutal.

There have been seasons where I was painfully aware of how I’d been hurt, disappointed, or simply not where I hoped to be. But as I look back, here’s what I’ve observed:

1. Hurt Has a Purpose

The hurt I experienced taught me how to acknowledge my feelings, pushed me into the presence of God, and ultimately led me to forgiveness.

I think about a disagreement I had with someone I love deeply — the kind that leaves you sitting in silence afterward, sorting through the sting. That moment forced me to face my feelings honestly and bring them to God instead of burying them.

2. Disappointment Builds Resilience

The disappointments taught me to slow down, breathe, and build resilience.

There were days I replayed conversations as a wife or mother, realizing I didn’t show up the way I intended. Those moments humbled me. They taught me to pause, extend grace to myself, and keep growing instead of spiraling into guilt.

3. Delay Teaches Surrender

The reality of not being where I desired to be has been one of the hardest lessons. It continues to expose my impatience and call me into surrender.

Professionally, I thought I’d reach a certain milestone in one year — but it took two. That delay stretched me. It reminded me that surrender isn’t passive; it’s trusting that God withholds no good thing from me.

All three of these experiences are part of the growth process. Each step matters. And if we try to skip any of them — even the tedious, uncomfortable, or painful parts — we risk missing what God is forming in us.

Growth is good… and growth can be painful. Both can be true.

But the truth that anchors me is this:

“All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28

And because of that, I can keep growing — even when it stretches me.

Reflection Question

When was the last time you truly paused to reflect?

Was it something you tried to process on your own, or did you take the brave step of letting God into that space?

What did He reveal in the quiet?

Prayer

Father God, bless the woman reading this post. Give her courage to reflect and invite You into her tender spaces. Thank You in advance for all that You reveal as she surrenders in Your presence.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.