BREAKING NEWS: Following Dawn Staley twist, She stated that the lessons I’ve learned throughout my life have come to me in a variety of ways & from a variety of places. It was important to me to share these moments in… see the full message below…

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The lessons I’ve learned throughout my life have come to me in a variety of ways and from a variety of places. Some of them were born out of joy, others from pain. Some came to me in the quiet of solitude, others in the midst of chaos. There were lessons I learned from mentors and elders, lessons I learned from strangers, and even lessons I learned from children. But each one left a mark, shaping the way I see the world, the way I interact with others, and the way I carry myself through every season of life. It was important to me to share these moments in my book, and I hope you find them helpful in your own life.

One of the earliest lessons I remember learning was about resilience. I didn’t know the word for it at the time, but I knew what it felt like. Life doesn’t always go according to plan. There are disappointments. There are moments when doors close, opportunities disappear, or the path you thought you were supposed to take suddenly vanishes. I’ve lived through moments like these—unexpected losses, personal failures, times when everything felt like it was falling apart. But over time, I learned that it’s not always about preventing the fall. Sometimes, it’s about learning how to rise. How to take the broken pieces and make something beautiful with them. Resilience is about endurance, but it’s also about imagination—the belief that something good can still come from what went wrong.

I also learned the value of grace—both giving it and receiving it. There were times I didn’t get things right. Times I spoke too soon, judged too harshly, acted out of fear or pride. But life has a way of humbling you. And in those moments, I was met not with condemnation, but with grace. Whether it was a friend choosing to forgive, a parent extending patience, or God meeting me in my weakness with love rather than shame, I learned that grace is one of the most powerful forces in the world. And because I’ve received it, I’ve also learned how important it is to extend it. To meet others with compassion instead of criticism. To understand that everyone is carrying something. Everyone is learning, trying, growing. Grace makes room for that. It’s not about ignoring wrongs or avoiding accountability. It’s about allowing space for redemption.

Another lesson that has stayed with me is the importance of listening. In a world that’s so quick to speak, to post, to respond, listening is a radical act. I’ve sat across from people with different backgrounds, different perspectives, and vastly different experiences than my own. And in those conversations, I’ve learned that listening—truly listening—is one of the most transformative things we can do. It doesn’t always mean agreeing. But it does mean being present, being curious, and being willing to understand. Listening opens doors. It builds bridges. It teaches empathy. And it reminds us that we all want the same things in the end: to be seen, to be heard, and to be valued.

I’ve also come to understand that identity isn’t something that’s given to you by others—it’s something you grow into. For a long time, I tried to fit into boxes. Tried to meet expectations, chase validation, perform for approval. But eventually, I realized that true peace only comes when you stop performing and start living as your whole self. That means owning your story. The good, the hard, the beautiful, and the complicated. It means embracing what makes you different and finding strength in what once made you feel insecure. Identity isn’t static. It evolves as you do. But the more I embraced authenticity over image, the more I found clarity and freedom. You can’t be everything to everyone. But you can be fully you—and that’s enough.

Faith has played a huge role in shaping how I view life, purpose, and hope. I’ve had moments of deep belief and moments of doubt. Times when I felt close to God, and times when I wondered if He was even listening. But what I’ve learned is that faith isn’t always about certainty. Sometimes, it’s about choosing to trust even when you don’t have all the answers. It’s about believing that there is meaning, even in the mess. That you are loved, even when you feel lost. That there is favor on your life, even when it doesn’t look like it from the outside. Faith doesn’t take away the hard times—but it does give you strength to walk through them. It gives you a perspective that goes beyond the moment. It reminds you that you are never alone.

One of the most practical lessons I’ve learned is to never underestimate the power of small steps. Big dreams are beautiful, but they’re built one day at a time. There were seasons in my life when the future felt overwhelming. When the goals I had seemed too far away. But I learned to focus on what I could do right now. Show up. Be consistent. Keep learning. Keep loving. Keep believing. Those small choices add up. They create momentum. They build character. And before you know it, you look back and realize just how far you’ve come.

Relationships have also taught me so much. I’ve learned that love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a commitment. It’s not always easy. It requires vulnerability, patience, humility, and a willingness to grow together. Friendships, family ties, romantic partnerships—they all require intentionality. But they’re worth it. The people you walk through life with help shape you. They challenge you. They hold you accountable. And they remind you that we’re not meant to do this life alone.

There were also moments that taught me the value of rest. In a world that glorifies hustle and constant productivity, I had to unlearn the idea that my worth was tied to how much I could do. Rest is not a reward—it’s a necessity. It’s what allows you to recharge, reflect, and reconnect. I had to learn to slow down, to say no sometimes, to protect my peace. And in doing so, I found that I became more present, more creative, and more grounded.

There are so many lessons that didn’t make it into this short reflection. Some were too personal. Others are still unfolding. But the heart behind sharing them in Uncommon Favor was simple: to be honest, to be real, and to hopefully encourage someone else on their journey. Life is full of challenges, but it’s also full of grace. It’s full of beauty, even in the struggle. And no matter where you find yourself today—whether you’re in a season of joy, grief, transition, or waiting—I hope these lessons remind you that you’re not alone. That your story matters. And that favor can show up in the most unexpected places.

Learn more about these moments and many others in Uncommon Favor, on sale now.