Life can sometimes feel like a relentless tempest, threatening to sweep us away. Over the past six and a half years, I’ve faced two cancer diagnoses, three major surgeries, countless medical procedures, the heart-wrenching loss of my beloved mother, and most recently, a cancer diagnosis for our eldest son. These trials have tested my spirit, yet through them, I’ve discovered a profound truth: in our deepest struggles, God’s grace reveals our hidden strength. As a Catholic, I’ve leaned on faith to navigate these storms, finding courage in surrender, hope in suffering, and power in weakness. This is my story of resilience, woven with the timeless wisdom of our faith.
The Weight of the Cross
Adversity doesn’t announce itself politely; it crashes in, uninvited. Since my first cancer diagnosis, I’ve endured physical pain, emotional grief, and moments of paralyzing fear. The sudden passing of my mom—my rock and guide—left a void that words can’t capture. Now, watching my son face his own battle with cancer, I’ve wrestled with the age-old question: Why, God? Despite my deep Catholic faith and my efforts to surrender to His will, despair has often crept in. I’ve cried rivers of tears, questioned His plan, and felt utterly unworthy of the label “strong” that others so kindly bestow.
Yet, people see something I often miss. “Joni, you’re a strong woman; you’ll get through this,” they say. Their words, offered with love, have prompted me to reflect: What do they see in me that I don’t? In my weakest moments, when I feel like giving up, God’s grace shines through, revealing a resilience I didn’t know I possessed. Like St. Paul, I’m learning that “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Grace Under Pressure: The Swan Within
As a Senior Vice President, I’ve navigated high-stakes environments where poise matters. During a production meeting in New York, a colleague introduced me to a new team with a vivid metaphor: “Joni is like a swan—graceful on the surface but paddling furiously beneath.” The room turned to look at me, and in that moment, something shifted. Their perception of me changed, and so did mine. I embraced this image, naming my inner swan “Audrey” after the elegant Audrey Hepburn, whose grace became my guiding star.
This swanlike grace wasn’t new, though. It’s been part of me since childhood, forged in the crucible of loss. When my dad died when I was 11, I learned to compartmentalize my pain, carrying on with a smile while grieving inside. My mother, a woman of unshakable faith, modeled this strength. Despite her own sorrows, she focused on raising her children with dignity and devotion. Her secret? A deep trust in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which carried her through life’s storms.
The Paradox of Strength
St. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:9 resonate deeply: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” This paradox lies at the heart of our Catholic faith. Suffering isn’t punishment; it’s a path to closeness with God. When we’re on our knees, vulnerable and broken, we’re most open to His grace. Like iron sharpened by iron, our trials refine us, teaching us resilience and trust.
My mother embodied this truth. Her faith in God’s providence gave her the courage to face widowhood, financial struggles, and my health challenges with unwavering hope. She didn’t deny her pain; she offered it up, uniting it with Christ’s suffering on the Cross. Her example reminds me that strength isn’t about avoiding weakness but embracing it as a vessel for God’s power.
Dose of Wisdom: Your Courage Lies Within
Finding courage amid adversity isn’t easy. We often feel small, inadequate, or overwhelmed. Yet, we have to remind ourselves that courage doesn’t require grand gestures. It can be found in stillness, small acts of love, and even in charity towards our enemies. Here are some lessons I’ve learned for facing life’s storms:
- Surrender What You Can’t Control: Life’s unpredictability can unsettle us, but we can’t control everything. I’ve learned that when things don’t go my way, I work on accepting it for what it is, and do my best to surrender it to God, and trust in His plan. When trials come, I focus on what I can do, offering the rest to Him.
- Master Self-Control: Our attitude shapes our character. When others provoke or problems pile up, I breathe deeply and pray for patience, striving to reflect Christ’s calm in the storm (Mark 4:39). Let them scream and shout…you maintain self-control!
- Seek Help in Community: Strength doesn’t mean going it alone. There’s power in numbers so don’t be afraid to let others know that you need help, or that you don’t feel well. As Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.”
- Smile Through the Pain: A simple smile, even when your heart aches, is an act of hope There’s something magical about a smile. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity bringing people together and reminding us that suffering isn’t the end.
Tiny but Mighty: A Lesson from Archie
Last year, a new source of inspiration entered my life: Archie, our five-pound Maltese-poodle puppy. His name, meaning “truly brave,” fits perfectly. Despite his size, Archie carries himself with the boldness of a lion, protecting me with fierce love. He reminds me of David facing Goliath—small but mighty through faith (1 Samuel 17). Archie’s courage, rooted in love, teaches me that strength isn’t about size or power but about heart.
A Call to Persevere
Friends, if you’re on the brink of giving up, know this: you are stronger than you think, and braver than you feel. When you are brought down to your knees, bring yourself back up, dust yourself off, and keep on going. Don’t let inner or external voices bring you down, rather use the adversity in your favor and lift yourself up! You’ve got this, and I’m here with you!
#YouAreNotAlone #BeLikeArchie
