scarsandpurpose

[scarsandpurpose]

Book is live again. Sold out yesterday and now available. God is good! https://a.co/d/4NniDrJ

[scarsandpurpose]

Journal Writing 💙

You deserve good things. Sometimes we go through so much that we start to believe good things aren’t meant for us. We get used to surviving, to managing pain, to holding it all together in silence. And after a while, it becomes hard to imagine what it would feel like to truly rest. To be loved without conditions. To receive without earning it through exhaustion. I want you to know, just because your path has been heavy doesn’t mean it always has to be.

You are not only the things you’ve had to heal from. You are not defined by the times you were overlooked, hurt, or left behind. I know you’ve learned to be strong, to push through, to keep smiling when your heart felt anything but okay. And I admire that in you. But I also want you to learn softness again. To let yourself be held. To believe that peace belongs to you too.

But I also want you to learn softness again.

To let yourself be held. To believe that peace belongs to you too. Because it does.

And you don’t have to earn it through suffering.

You deserve to exhale without guilt. To exist without constantly proving your worth. To be cherished, not for how much you carry, but simply because you’re here. God never designed you to only survive, He created you to live. To love and be loved. To feel safe in your own skin. To rest in His promises, not wrestle for His approval.

Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

You are not forgotten. You are not too broken. You are not too late. You are seen. You are worthy. You are deeply, eternally loved.

So today, take one small step toward believing that goodness can still find you. That joy can still rise. That God has more for you than what you’ve lost.

Let His grace carry what you’ve been holding alone. Let His love remind you of who you are. Because you, beloved, are not beyond beautiful things. You’re just beginning to receive them.

-DC

[scarsandpurpose]

I have something life-changing to share…

8 years ago, I started journaling. It was never meant to be a book, it was just a way to survive… to heal… to breathe through the pain.

But today, by the grace of God, I can proudly say…I DID IT! My first book, Scars and Purpose, is officially published and available on Amazon and coming soon to Barnes & Noble!

This book is my heart. My journey. My survival. My redemption. It’s every scar, every tear, every prayer… poured out on pages I once never thought I’d share. But God knew. He knew my story wasn’t just mine, it was meant to bring hope, healing, and truth to others too.

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supported me, encouraged me, and believed in me when I barely believed in myself. And most of all, I thank God for walking with me through it all.

💙 Now that my book is complete, I’m excited to announce the launch of my Podcast is coming next! Follow me, grab your copy, and join me on this next chapter.

📘 Get your copy of Scars and Purpose today!

🔗 Available on Amazon and coming soon to Barnes & Noble.

🎙️ Follow the Journey:

📌 Tumblr: scarsandpurpose.tumblr.com

📌 Instagram: @scars_and_purpose

📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@ScarsAndPurpose

📌 Amazon link: https://a.co/d/4NniDrJ

To God be the glory. 🙏🏽

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[scarsandpurpose]

Journal Writing💙

Healing After Suffering. Held in the Heart of God. Losing someone you love feels like the ground has shifted beneath you, like the world continues to spin, but your heart has been stilled by sorrow. It’s a kind of ache that words can’t fully hold, a quiet kind of suffering that seeps into everything.

And yet, even here, in the place of loss, God is present.

Healing after suffering is not about forgetting. It’s about remembering with grace. It’s about learning to carry love and pain in the same heart, trusting that even the heaviest grief can soften over time. You don’t move on, you move forward, with pieces of them still tucked inside you.

Grief comes in waves. Some days you stand strong. Others, you’re on your knees. But in every moment, God is near, closer than the breath in your lungs. Scripture reminds us in Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” That’s not just poetry, it’s a promise.

You may feel broken right now, but you are not beyond repair. You may feel lost, but you are not without direction. Because God doesn’t just sit beside you in your joy, He kneels with you in your sorrow.

And He understands loss.

He knows what it means to give up a Son for the sake of love. He knows the tears you cry at night, the empty spaces at the table, the memories that replay with a bittersweet ache. And He holds it all, not dismissing your pain, but honoring it. Sitting with it. Healing it, slowly and gently.

Healing after loss is not linear. Some days you’ll feel okay. Others will surprise you with fresh grief. But even in your weakest moments, you are not alone. Heaven is near. God is still writing your story. And the one you lost? Their love didn’t leave, it lives in the way you carry their light, the way you speak their name, the way you love others more deeply now because of what you’ve endured.

So take your time. Don’t rush the healing. Don’t force the smile. Just bring your broken heart to God each day, even if all you have is silence and tears. He understands. And He promises beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and praise for despair (Isaiah 61:3).

You are healing. Even now. And your healing is holy. Because every scar is being touched by the hand of the One who makes all things new.

One day, when the time is right, the heaviness will lift just a little. The memories will bring more smiles than tears. And you’ll realize… you didn’t just survive this, you grew through it.

And God was with you every step of the way.

-DC

[scarsandpurpose]

Journal Writing 💙

If everything is moving too fast and things are getting overwhelming right now, I want you to stop for one minute and take some deep breaths... Take this minute to be proud of how far you’ve come, and how much you’ve grown. Take this minute to acknowledge that until this point, there hasn’t been a single struggle that you haven’t made through. Take this minute to see your kindness as power, your heart as brave, and your soul as beautiful. Take this minute to accept that you have a purpose even if you haven’t discovered it yet, and that you’re capable even if you don’t think so yet. I want you to take this minute to realize that all along you just needed to be here, to slow down, and to just let things be. Trust in God’s plan for you.

And trust that even in the stillness, something sacred is unfolding. Not every season requires movement. Some seasons ask you to rest. To breathe. To release what’s out of your hands and place it back into His. This moment is not wasted just because it’s quiet. It’s not unimportant just because it’s uncertain. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is pause, and let yourself be. Not fixing. Not proving. Just existing, fully, honestly, and human. You are not falling behind. You are not late.

You are exactly where God needs you to be for what He’s preparing in you.

So take the pressure off. Take the weight off. Take the fear off. And remember: the same God who carried you through before will carry you through again. He’s not asking you to have it all figured out. He’s asking you to trust Him enough to keep walking, even if the path feels blurry. Your peace isn’t found in having all the answers, it’s found in knowing Who holds them. So take this minute, Breathe in grace. Exhale fear. And remind your heart: You’re doing better than you think. And God’s not done with you yet. And if today only brings small steps, let that be enough. If all you did was breathe and trust and whisper a prayer, Heaven heard you. God doesn’t measure your progress by speed, but by surrender.

So give yourself permission to slow down. To feel. To heal. To let God reorder the pieces of your life in His perfect time. Because one day, you’ll look back at this very moment, the one that felt heavy, uncertain, and slow, and realize it was sacred. It was holy ground. It was the space where God was quietly building you for everything that’s coming next. Keep trusting. Keep breathing. You’re not behind. You’re becoming. And that is more than enough.

-DC

[scarsandpurpose]

Journal Writing 💙

Life is going to keep getting more beautiful for you. Every day holds the quiet promise of renewal of new chances, deeper love, unexpected joy, and growth you can’t yet see. The pain you feel now is not the end of your story; it’s a chapter that strengthens your heart, sharpens your vision, and prepares you for the light ahead. Even in the darkest moments, hope whispers softly that there is more to come more laughter, more connection, more peace. You may not know exactly how or when, but life has a way of surprising us with beauty when we least expect it. So don’t give up. Don’t stop believing. The sunrise always follows the night, and your brightest days are still being written.

So hold on to that hope, even if it’s only a flicker. Protect it. Nurture it. Let it guide you through the uncertainty. Because the same God who allowed the breaking is the One who promises the rebuilding. He is not finished with you, He is just getting started. There will be days when you’ll look around and realize the heaviness has lifted. When joy returns not in grand moments, but in simple ones, a smile you didn’t force, a breath that feels lighter, a morning where peace greets you before worry. These are the quiet signs of healing, the sacred evidence that beauty is rising from the ashes.

Life is not waiting for you to be perfect. It’s waiting for you to be present. To receive what’s here. To expect what’s coming. To believe that what is meant for you will not pass you by, not because you earned it, but because grace is real and love is near. So keep walking. Keep hoping. Keep opening your heart. Your story is still unfolding. And the best pages… are still ahead.

And when you reach those chapters, the ones filled with light and laughter, you’ll understand why the waiting was necessary. Why the pain had a purpose. Why God needed time to prepare you, not just for what’s coming, but for who you’re becoming. You’ll see how every tear watered something sacred. How every delay was divine protection. How every unanswered prayer was God making room for something better than you could have imagined. So be kind to yourself in the meantime. Rest in the truth that just because you can’t see the full picture yet doesn’t mean it’s not being painted. Some of the most beautiful stories take time to unfold. And yours? Yours is going to be breathtaking. Just wait and see.

-DC

[scarsandpurpose]

Journal Writing 💙

The way you speak to yourself becomes the energy you move with. Believe in your ability to grow, to overcome, to rise. I’ve learned to love the parts of me that no one ever clapped for. The ones I used to keep quiet because they didn’t look impressive. The moments where I fell apart. The choices I made that I thought had to be ashamed of. The mistakes that cracked me open and forced me to grow. The nights I cried myself to sleep but still got up the next morning. The versions of me that kept showing up, even when it felt like no one saw the effort it took. The healing I did when no one was around to witness it. The boundaries I finally started setting. The softness I used to hide because I thought it made me weak. The parts of me that were real and raw and human. The dreams I still believe in, even when they scare me. Even when they feel too big or too far away. Because I’ve come to understand that loving myself doesn’t start when everything makes sense, it starts when I choose not to abandon myself, even in the middle of the mess. That’s what I’m doing now. Choosing to love myself here. In this moment. Not when I’m more successful. Not when I’m more healed. But now. Just as I am. Because the moment you decide it’s possible... it is. And from that moment forward, everything begins to shift.

Not because life suddenly gets easier, but because you start walking with a different kind of power, one rooted in truth. The truth that you are allowed to take up space. That your worth is not waiting at the finish line of your achievements. That your presence, your breath, your being, is already enough. There’s something sacred about the choice to keep believing in yourself, especially when no one else is clapping, when the mirror reflects more questions than answers, when the weight of your past tries to whisper you’re unworthy. But even then, especially then, you keep choosing love. You keep choosing grace. You keep choosing you. Because the quiet miracle is this: you are still here.

You’ve endured heartbreak, disappointment, setbacks, and silence, and still, you rise. Not polished. Not perfect. But present. Open. Becoming. That is courage. That is strength. That is the beginning of everything new. So give yourself permission to dream again. To take up space again. To rebuild with softness and walk forward with hope. Your healing is not a performance, it’s a promise. One that says, “I will not give up on myself.” One that reminds you: no matter how slow the steps, forward is forward.

And as you move, speak life over yourself. Speak peace. Speak power. Not because you're trying to prove anything to the world, but because you finally know you are worth speaking kindly to. This is your season to stop shrinking. To stop waiting. To stop doubting. And to finally become everything you were always meant to be. Starting now. Starting here. Starting with love.

-DC

[scarsandpurpose]

Journal Writing 💙

What does it mean to be truly seen and loved as we are? When was the last time you truly felt safe with someone? What made that space feel safe?

I think the last time I truly felt safe with someone was when I didn’t feel like I had to perform. There were no expectations, no masks, just presence. I was able to speak freely, laugh without second-guessing myself, and sit in silence without pressure to fill the space. That safety didn’t come from perfection, it came from gentleness, patience, and being seen. They didn’t try to fix me, they just stayed. And in that staying, I felt chosen, not for what I could offer, but simply for who I am. That kind of safety is rare, and I cherish it. It reminds me what kind of space I want to offer to others too.

What does it mean for you to be a safe space for someone else?

To me, being a safe space means more than just listening, it means holding someone’s truth without trying to change it. It’s meeting their vulnerability with stillness, not solutions. It’s keeping their secrets without burden, offering warmth without pressure, and making room for their fears without turning away. I think it means being consistent, gentle, and present. Letting them fall apart without fearing I’ll walk away. To be a safe space is to remind someone, “You are not too much. You are not alone. You are loved, even here.” And to do that, I must keep working on being that kind of space for myself too. Because when I offer grace inward, I become more equipped to give it outward.

What does it look like to love ourselves the way we offer love to others?

We often pour so freely into others, showing up, encouraging them, offering grace when they stumble. But what if we turned even a fraction of that inward? What if we gave ourselves the space to be undone and still worthy? To rest without guilt. To speak kindly to ourselves in failure. To celebrate the small wins like we would for someone we love. Maybe that’s where true healing begins, not just in being loved by others, but in learning to be that kind of love to ourselves. Steady, patient, unconditional.

I have said this a lot in many of my writings. We have to love ourselves first before we can love anyone else.

-DC

[scarsandpurpose]

Journal Writing 💙

Just because your life isn’t perfect doesn’t mean you’re failing. Life is not about perfection, and it's important to remember that even in the midst of challenges, you're still moving forward. Take a moment to pause and truly recognize how far you’ve come. Life may not always look how you imagined it, but that doesn’t mean you're not right where you need to be. You are exactly where you're supposed to be in this moment, even if you’re unsure or feel lost. This is your journey, and each step has brought you to this point for a reason.

Consider this: You’re already living at least one answered prayer right now. There was a time when you dreamed of the things you have now—maybe it was growing your confidence, finding the right job, or making changes that seemed impossible. Yet, here you are, making progress, living parts of your dreams. Take a deep breath and allow yourself to feel the weight of that accomplishment.

Growth is never instantaneous. It’s a process that requires patience, persistence, and self-compassion. Often, we get so focused on where we want to go, that we forget to appreciate how far we’ve already come. But if you take a moment to step back, you’ll realize that every small victory, every decision you’ve made to keep going, is a testament to your strength. The fact that you're still here, still pushing forward, speaks volumes about your resilience and determination, even in uncertain times.

So, give yourself a break. Stop overthinking what you could have done better, or wishing you were further along. Instead, celebrate the progress you’ve made. Life is much easier when you take a step back and give yourself credit for how well you've done, rather than constantly comparing yourself to where you think you should be. Recognize the courage it takes to keep going when things feel uncertain. You’re doing better than you think.

Each moment of struggle, every setback, every success is a part of the larger picture that is your life. You may not have it all right now, but you have everything you need to continue your journey. Your life is a beautiful work in progress, and just because you can’t see the full picture yet doesn’t mean it isn’t being painted right now. Life, with all its imperfections, is still incredibly meaningful.

It’s okay if things aren’t perfect. The process of growth can be uncomfortable, and not every chapter will be as smooth as you’d like. But know that the discomfort is temporary, and it's pushing you toward becoming the best version of yourself. Even the moments of pain, frustration, or doubt are leading you to wisdom, inner strength, and a deeper understanding of who you are. They are shaping you into someone who is capable of incredible things.

You are already so much stronger than you realize. And the person you're becoming is someone worth celebrating. Be grateful for where you are today, even if it doesn’t feel like the final destination. It’s just as important to acknowledge the progress you’ve made as it is to envision where you want to go. Enjoy the journey, for it is as much a part of your story as the destination itself.

Your life is a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience. One day, you will look back at this moment and see it as a pivotal part of your growth. Right now, you may not have all the answers, but the fact that you’re still showing up, still growing, still evolving is what matters. Trust in the process. You will get to where you're meant to be, but make sure to take time to appreciate the strength, wisdom, and beauty you already have inside you. You’ve come so far. Celebrate that.

-DC

[scarsandpurpose]

Journal Writing 💙

When Hearts Stay Soft. There’s something sacred about the quiet moments after the storm, when the heart is still tender, and the soul is still sorting through the wreckage of “what if.” Last night felt heavy. I carried the weight of disappointment into the morning, unsure of what today would bring. It’s strange how silence from someone you love can feel louder than any argument. I woke up feeling unsteady, unsure if the love I’ve been pouring into was still being held with care on the other side.

I feared tonight would be the end. The signs were all there, emotional distance, the shift in tone, the withdrawing. I’ve felt them before. I braced myself. I prayed. I prepared for goodbye… but it didn’t come.

Instead, she came to talk.

And in that conversation, something softened. Maybe not everything was healed or fully opened, but the fact that she came, that she was willing to speak, to sit in that space with me, mattered more than she knows. It reminded me that sometimes love doesn’t need fireworks to prove itself, sometimes, love is quiet. It’s the choice to show up. To not walk away. To stay, even when it’s hard.

Yes, there’s still a wall. She’s still guarded. I can feel it. But she stayed. And for now, that’s enough.

I’m learning that love isn’t about perfect understanding, it’s about mutual willingness. I don’t expect her to always get it right, just like I know I won’t either. But I do expect effort. I expect presence. And tonight, that’s what I received. And I’m thankful.

Still, I can’t deny my own feelings. The times I’ve had to bend, to carry the emotional weight, to apologize just to restore peace, those moments add up. And I’ve realized I need love that sees me too. Love that holds me when I’m tired of being the strong one. Love that speaks back, leans in, and chooses me fully, not just when things are calm, but when the winds shift and shadows creep in.

I don’t want to build something beautiful only to be the one carrying the bricks alone. I want shared vision. Shared tenderness. Shared grace.

But tonight, I found a glimmer of that. And it gave me hope, not blind hope, but grounded hope. The kind that says maybe we’re still becoming. Maybe this story isn’t done. Maybe healing is happening in ways I can’t yet see.

God, thank You for tonight, for mercy, for softness, for one more chance. Thank You that love doesn’t always have to be loud to be real. Help me not to lose myself in trying to hold something together. Help me to walk in truth, not fear. I lift her up to You, her heart, her fears, her walls. If she’s meant to walk this road with me, let her be reminded of Your love through mine. But if her heart is elsewhere, give me the strength to release her without bitterness. I don’t want a love that just visits, I want one that abides. So lead me in wisdom. Let peace guard my heart. And let Your will be done above all else. Amen.

-DC

[scarsandpurpose]

Journal Writing 💙

I Keep Going. As men, we wake up each day and step into a war zone.

Sometimes it’s not physical, it’s spiritual, emotional, mental. A quiet storm that rages behind our smiles, under our responsibilities, and within our silence. We carry the weight of provision, protection, leadership, and purpose. And if you’re a man of God, the pressure only multiplies , because now you’re not just fighting for yourself, you’re fighting for your household, your legacy, your calling.

I wake up, and before my feet hit the ground, I feel it, the tension, the test, the target on my back. The enemy doesn’t rest. He doesn’t hesitate. He comes for the mind, the confidence, the peace, the identity. He tries to wear me down quietly. He doesn’t need to knock me out, just convince me I don’t have to get back up.

Some days, I feel it heavy. The exhaustion.

The attacks. The temptation to quit, not because I’m weak, but because I’ve been strong for too long.

But still… I keep going.

I put on the full armor of God, not as a symbol but as a lifeline. The helmet of salvation to protect my thoughts. The breastplate of righteousness to guard my heart. The belt of truth to remind me who I am. The shield of faith to quench every lie. The sword of the Spirit to fight back with the Word. And the shoes of peace, because even when I’m at war, I still walk in divine purpose.

Being a man of God doesn’t mean I don’t feel the hits. It means I don’t give the enemy the satisfaction of watching me stay down.

I’ve cried in silence. I’ve fought battles no one will ever know. I’ve questioned my strength, my value, my purpose. But every time I wanted to tap out, something in me, or rather, Someone in me, reminded me I wasn’t made to break. I was built to endure.

God doesn’t call perfect men. He calls willing men. Men who say, “I don’t have it all together, but I’ll show up.” Men who fall and get back up. Men who lead with both truth and tenderness. Men who love hard, pray harder, and fight even harder.

I keep going because I’ve come too far to fold now. I keep going because someone else’s freedom might be on the other side of my perseverance. I keep going because I know God is still writing my story, even in the battles.

And when the world tells me I’m not enough, I look up, and remember that God already said I am.

So I armor up, again. I show up, again.

I fight back, again. Not because it’s easy. But because it’s necessary. Because I’m not just a man, I’m a man of God.

And even when I feel like tapping out… I keep going. We must keep going.

-DC

[scarsandpurpose]

Journal Writing 💙

I have no desire to fit in. No plans to walk with the crowd. I have my own mind, heart, and soul. I am me and it has taken me years to realize how important that is. I like silence. For I have learned that not everyone who listens to you can understand your soul.

And I’ve grown comfortable with that truth. I no longer seek validation in echoes. I find it in the stillness, where God speaks the loudest. The world may call it isolation, but I call it preservation. A sacred space where I protect my peace, guard my spirit, and water the parts of me no one else sees. I’ve learned that peace is not found in being understood by everyone, but in being fully honest with yourself. I’d rather walk alone in truth than be surrounded by people who only love fragments of me. Because I am not here to be half-loved. I am here to be whole.

So no, I won’t shrink to fit into spaces that were never meant for me. I won’t dim my light to comfort the eyes of those still hiding in darkness. I’ll stand, even if I stand alone, rooted, not rattled. Because I’ve come too far to be anything but real. I’ve been through fires that should have burned me down. Storms that should have drowned my spirit. But somehow, I’m still here. Stronger. Softer. Wiser. Not because life has been kind, but because God has been faithful.

There were times I didn’t think I’d make it. Moments where the weight of silence felt like punishment. Nights where I asked God if being different was a curse. But now I see, it was never punishment. It was preparation. A divine refining of who I am and who I was created to become. I’ve stopped apologizing for my depth. For feeling too much. For thinking too deeply. I wasn’t made to be surface-level. I was made to pierce through the noise and find meaning in everything. That’s my gift, and I no longer run from it.

I no longer look for seats at tables built on shallow foundations. If I have to build my own table in the wilderness with just God and purpose, so be it. I know what it means to dine in peace. And I know the price of protecting that peace is worth more than popularity ever could be. So if you see me quiet, distant, or walking a different path, it’s not bitterness. It’s reverence. It’s sacred. I’m not avoiding the world. I’m listening to something deeper. I’m walking with intention, not distraction. Purpose, not popularity. Healing, not hype.

I don’t need to fit in. I was born to stand out, for something eternal. And I’m finally okay with that.

-DC

[scarsandpurpose]

Journal Writing 💙

If someone truly wants to be with you, they will do everything in their power to make sure that you know. There will be no games, no mixed signals, and no uncertainty about where you stand. When someone is committed to you, their actions will speak louder than their words, and their eyes will reflect what their heart feels. You won’t have to spend time second-guessing, analyzing every message, or questioning their intentions. The clarity will be there because they will choose to show up for you in ways that make you feel secure, valued, and appreciated.

When someone truly wants to be with you, they will put in the effort, not just when it’s convenient, but especially when it’s difficult. They will fight for your connection, demonstrate care in how they communicate, and show you that their intentions are clear. There won’t be room for doubt or confusion because they will make sure you know you matter.

But if you find yourself questioning what they say, trying to read between the lines, or being left in a constant state of uncertainty, it’s a sign that they don’t truly want to be with you. If their actions don’t align with their words, if they are keeping their options open, or if they can’t fully commit, then they are not treating you with the respect and love you deserve. People who truly care about you won’t leave you wondering. They won’t test you or make you feel like you have to prove your worth to them. They will value you for who you are and will make you feel like you are enough, without the need for games or mixed messages.

You are not an option to be chosen among many; you are a priority to be cherished. If you find yourself questioning whether someone is truly invested, it’s time to take a step back and reassess. Your worth should never be in question, and you deserve someone who is all in—who will walk alongside you through the ups and downs of life.

Your life partner is someone who shares in your triumphs and struggles, who supports you when life gets tough and celebrates with you when life is good. They are the person who challenges you to be the best version of yourself, but also accepts you as you are. A healthy partnership is built on mutual respect, trust, and shared values that can weather the storms of life.

Don’t settle for anything less than a relationship where both partners are fully committed, where there is no confusion about love or intentions. Love isn’t just about moments of romance; it’s about a partnership that elevates both of you to grow together. Choose wisely. You deserve to be with someone who makes you feel seen, heard, and loved for exactly who you are.

-DC

[scarsandpurpose]

Journal Writing 💙

Life! There are moments in life when we feel lost, unsure of where we’re headed or who we’re becoming. It’s in these moments that we question everything, our decisions, our purpose, and even our worth. But what if these moments aren’t signs that we’ve lost our way? What if they’re simply reminders that we are in the process of becoming someone stronger, wiser, and more in tune with who we truly are?

Sometimes, we expect our path to be straight and clear, but life is full of twists and turns, unexpected detours, and moments of uncertainty. These are the times when we’re meant to step back and trust the process. Even when things feel scattered or out of control, know that they are aligning in ways you can’t yet see. Every experience, every challenge, every uncertain step you take is shaping you, teaching you lessons, and leading you closer to your purpose.

We often feel pressure to have everything figured out right away, to have our lives neatly mapped out. But growth doesn’t work that way. It’s not about rushing to the destination; it’s about the journey. It’s about learning to trust yourself and the timing of your life. The beauty of life is that it unfolds at its own pace, in its own time, and in its own way. Sometimes the moments of confusion, the feeling of being lost, are simply invitations to slow down and reflect on what truly matters to you.

Trust that wherever you are right now is exactly where you need to be. You’re not behind; you’re right where you should be on your path. The feelings of uncertainty you’re experiencing are not signs of failure, but signs of growth. They’re signs that you’re evolving, stepping into new chapters, and becoming more attuned to your true self. And while it might be uncomfortable in the moment, you’ll look back one day and see how these moments of struggle and uncertainty shaped the person you’ve become.

Remember, there’s no timeline for life. You don’t need to have it all figured out today, tomorrow, or even next year. All that matters is that you keep moving forward, trusting in your journey, and allowing yourself the space to grow. When you feel lost, know that you are simply in the process of becoming who you’re meant to be. Trust that the path will reveal itself, and you will emerge from this season stronger, more confident, and more aligned with your true purpose.

There’s a certain beauty in imperfection, in the moments when life doesn’t unfold the way you expected, or when things feel uncertain. It’s in these moments that we often find the greatest growth. Sometimes we get caught up in chasing perfection, thinking that we need to have it all figured out, that every step we take needs to be precise and flawless. But life, in all its messy, unpredictable glory, is meant to be lived with all its ups and downs, successes and failures. It’s the imperfections that shape us, that teach us the lessons we need, and help us evolve into the people we are meant to become.

Every struggle you face, every mistake you make, every time you fall short of your own expectations, you are still learning. You’re still growing. Each experience, no matter how difficult, is an opportunity to refine your character, to build resilience, and to understand what truly matters in life. The flaws we perceive in ourselves are not weaknesses; they are stepping stones on the path to who we’re meant to be. It’s through these imperfections that we discover our strength, our ability to adapt, and our capacity to love.

If you embrace the imperfections of life and yourself, you begin to understand that it’s okay not to have everything together all the time. You don’t have to be perfect to be worthy of love, success, or happiness. In fact, it’s your vulnerability and authenticity that make you more relatable, more human. When you stop trying to control every aspect of your life and allow it to unfold naturally, you open yourself to greater possibilities, more authentic connections, and deeper joy.

Life isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present. It’s about embracing the journey, even when it’s uncertain, and trusting that each experience is leading you exactly where you need to be. You don’t need to be perfect to live a fulfilling, meaningful life. Sometimes, the beauty lies in the messiness, in the things that don’t go as planned, and in the lessons learned along the way.

So, take a deep breath. Let go of the pressure to have it all figured out. Trust that your imperfections are a part of the greater story you’re living. Know that you are already whole, already enough, just as you are. And when you look back, you’ll see that the most meaningful moments weren’t the ones where everything went perfectly, but the ones where you learned, grew, and loved yourself through it all.

-DC

[scarsandpurpose]

Journal Writing 💙

Always remember. Pain is a teacher. It doesn’t come to break you. It comes to shape you. It bends you. Burns you and tests you. But through it all, it builds you. Every scar carries a lesson. Every tear holds a story and every struggle is carving you into someone stronger than before. The hardest days feel endless. The weight feels unbearable. But remember, diamonds are formed under pressure. Warriors are built through battles and the strongest souls are the ones who kept going when they had every reason to give up. Do not curse your pain. Let it refine you. Let it sharpen your mind. And prepare you for the road ahead. Because one day, the suffering you endure now, will become the strength that carries you forward.

And when that day comes, when the clouds finally lift and the sun touches your face again, you’ll look back and realize that you were never forsaken, only forged. You weren’t being punished, you were being positioned. Every delay had a purpose. Every heartbreak had a lesson. Every closed door was redirection, not rejection. The pain was never the end of your story, it was the pressing that brought out your oil, the crushing that revealed your calling, the fire that purified what was meant to stay and burned away what was never meant to go with you.

So walk forward, not with fear, but with reverence. For you are not who you were. You are becoming who you were born to be. And though the journey may have wounded you, it didn’t waste you. It prepared you. You are proof that pain produces power. And the world hasn’t even seen the best of you yet. Because what’s rising in you now is not just survival, it’s legacy. You were not buried in your pain, you were planted in it. And now, the roots of your resilience run deep. Quietly, faithfully, you’ve been growing in the dark. And soon, you’ll bloom in places that once tried to break you.

You carry wisdom now, not just from books or mentors, but from the battlefield of your own becoming. You speak with a depth that can only come from walking through fire and coming out refined, not reduced. You love deeper, because you’ve known loss. You extend grace, because you’ve needed it. You walk slower now, but with more purpose in every step. So when you feel the weight press in again, when life tries to test you once more, remember who you are and how far you’ve come. You’ve already survived what should have destroyed you. And that makes you dangerous to the darkness.

You are not broken. You are becoming. You are not lost. You are being led. And even in the silence, even in the shadows, God is still writing your story. So rise. Again and again if you must. With trembling hands, tear-streaked eyes, and a heart that refuses to quit. Because this is not the end. This is your becoming. And there is glory on the other side of this.

-DC

[scarsandpurpose]

Journal Writing 💙

I was reading this morning as I always do in my morning routine. I read this Quote and it just stuck with me. “Sometimes when you’re in a dark place, you think you’ve been buried, but actually you’ve been planted.” When you think about it, it just makes you think that even when you’re in the worse, there is always something good in it. So I start this morning journal with the mindset of being Planted, Not Buried.

There are seasons in life that feel suffocating. The light disappears, the silence grows deafening, and everything around you closes in like the walls of a grave. You can’t see beyond the weight of the moment, and hope feels like a language you’ve forgotten how to speak. Pain wraps itself around your heart, and despair whispers that this is the end. You feel buried, forgotten, discarded, consumed by shadows.

But what if this darkness isn’t a death sentence, but a sacred beginning?

What if the heaviness pressing down on you is the very thing meant to root you deeper, not to destroy you but to prepare you for growth?

There is a divine difference between being buried and being planted. Both involve darkness. Both require a descent into unseen places. But only one leads to resurrection.

When a seed is planted, it doesn’t scream when it’s covered. It doesn’t panic in the silence. It doesn’t doubt its purpose because of the dark. It knows, innately, that something is happening beneath the surface. It knows that transformation begins in hidden places. And while no one applauds the seed when it’s buried, heaven celebrates the process it’s entering. A process of breaking, expanding, and becoming.

I’ve mistaken my darkest moments for endings. I’ve cried out to God, asking why I was being buried by circumstances that felt too heavy to carry. But what I couldn’t see was the holy work being done beneath the surface. In my pain, God was preparing new roots. In my silence, He was growing depth. And in my brokenness, He was building the strength I’d need for what was coming.

Growth isn’t always green. It’s not always obvious or beautiful in the beginning. Sometimes it’s messy, hidden, and painful. But buried things don’t bloom. Planted things do.

So I’m learning to see differently. I’m learning to redefine the dark.

The heartbreak didn’t bury me, it planted compassion.

The betrayal didn’t bury me, it planted discernment.

The loss didn’t bury me, it planted resilience.

The silence didn’t bury me, it planted intimacy with God.

And now, I no longer curse the soil. I’ve learned to trust the Gardener.

I may be in a dark place, but I am not forsaken. I am not forgotten. I am becoming.

Roots first. Then the bloom.

And the deeper the root, the higher the reach.

So if you find yourself in a dark season, waiting, aching, questioning, take heart. That quiet ground might just be holy. Your weeping may endure for the night, but the morning will come. And when it does, you’ll rise not just taller, but stronger. Not just visible, but rooted.

God does some of His most powerful work in hidden places. Don’t fear the dark. Don’t despise the dirt. You were not buried. You were chosen to grow.

And what’s growing in you now will one day become a testimony that breaks chains, heals wounds, and gives life to others.

Your darkness is not the end of your story. It’s the sacred start of your bloom.

-DC

[scarsandpurpose]

Journal Writing 💙

My kind of love is intimate. The kind where you can simply be yourself with me. Look at me, I’m not going anywhere. Let me be your safe place. You don’t have to hide. Let me love all of you, even the messy parts. I’m never to busy for you. You can bare your heart, you’ll never be judged here. You can fall apart here, I’ll hold you. You don’t have to explain, I understand. Come closer, let me wrap you in a long tight hug until your worries begin to fade. I have missed you. I believe in you.

I’m rooting for you. No matter what choices you make. Everyday with you is a gift to me. You don’t have to be strong tonight. You are not a burden. You are a blessing that I have the privilege to care for. I’m proud of you for who you are and for everything you have done. I will fight this world with you. I don’t need the perfect version of you. Just you. Let me see the side you hide from the world. I’ll be your soft place to land. You don’t have to fix it all by yourself. I see your heart and it’s beautiful. That’s me loving you intimately, unconditionally, and endlessly.

So when the world grows loud and heavy, come find quiet in me. When you’re tired of being strong, let me be your strength. I want to be the calm after your storm, the hand you reach for when everything feels like too much. You don’t have to carry it alone—not with me. I’m here for the long haul, not just for the moments that shine, but for the ones that shake, unravel, and demand patience.

With every breath, I will keep choosing you. In the silence, in the chaos, in the doubt, I’ll be there. Because loving you is not a duty, it’s an honor. I don’t just want to witness your best; I want to walk with you through the healing, the growth, the layers. That’s where love deepens.

So stay. As you are. Come as you are. There’s nothing you have to prove. Just let me love you the way your soul has always needed, tenderly, fully, and without end.

-DC