A Story of Perseverance and Faith

Greetings, Vocal readers and subscribers! Today, October 20, is National Day on Writing. This yearly observance has been celebrated on this date since 2017. The intention behind this day is to highlight the importance of diversity of writing in everyday life. I've been a writer on Vocal since 2018, at a time when I wasn't in a good position in life. Since joining this platform, I've written and published over 500 stories, a few of my stories selected as Top Stories, and earning my first Honorable Mention win from a Vocal Challenge. I reached the 500-story mark two months ago. I'll link the full story of that down below for your reading pleasure. I'll be sharing a personal story about how 2026 gave me some perspective about the true meaning of life.

When the calendar turned from 2025 to 2026, I had a fear of dread about how this year would turn out for me. I've been working at my current job for the past eight years and love every minute of it. Around the first full week of January, I was called into a meeting. I thought to myself, "Have I done something wrong?" That meeting would turn into something great for me. After seven years of hard work and being a part-time employee, I was promoted to a full-time employee. The hard work finally paid off, and I credit my constant perseverance of taking on more tasks as the main factor behind this wonderful news. Having a rewarding career was and still is a blessing. Nearly a month later, I took my first vacation in almost 15 years to Texas. I spent two days down in Arlington, which is where I grew up and originally from, enjoying some sightseeing and some me time for myself free from distractions. Since then, I've gone back home two more times for some rest and relaxation. Soon after I returned to Arkansas from my first trip back to Arlington, I've gained a sense of appreciation and gratitude. Being thankful for the smallest, simple things in life. I may not wear the most fashionable clothes or own the best shoes, but at the end of the day, I'm blessed that I have a successful career, food to eat, a roof over my head, and people who love and support me. After losing my beloved grandfather four years ago, I needed someone to help me get through those difficult times. I contemplated walking away from a job I loved so much several times, but a voice in my head told me to keep working harder. Had I quit, I would've regretted that decision for the rest of my life. I'm still at the same job and eager to finish 2026 on a positive note. Happiness is a choice, so I chose to be happy and be optimistic about the outlook of life. Kindness and compassion are the two things I display every day.

That "someone" I mentioned just now was Jesus. Being an openly gay man and someone who believes in God might sound strange to you. However, it's neither a trend nor phase. Being both doesn't mean they make me less of a person. I love people and accept people as they are. I don't believe that one's morality should determine who goes to heaven or hell, because that would be unfair. In fact, it doesn't determine if someone's a good or bad person. No one is perfect just because of what they believe in. I can love Jesus and be gay at the same time. We're all imperfect in our own ways and no one is better than anyone. We may come from different backgrounds, but no one is superior to other individuals. I had no doubt as a kid that God was real, because I used to go to church almost every Sunday with my family. One of the Bible verses that helped me get through life's challenges was James 1:12, which said, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, for they will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him." I mainly use this verse as daily motivation. Another verse that's another source of daily motivation and also to help me finish the year strong is Joshua 1:9. It says the following: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I'm not much of a preachy person or rarely share my faith online, but I thank God for being by my side in times of trials and tribulations in life. I've been blessed in many ways, and He has taught me how to love everyone. I rather have a kind heart and be generous towards others than always fearing the worst. They say that the Lord works in mysterious ways and this year so far is living proof of that. Whether you believe in a higher power or not, life isn't always going to be fair or work out the way you expect it to. There's no such thing as a perfect life, because being imperfect is what makes us human. However, keep the faith and fight the good fight. Love each other and treat them with dignity and respect. You may not be perfect, but God is. Hope everyone ends this year on a positive note and may God bless you.

500th Story: A Message to Vocal Writers | Writers