Our story begins before we are born, profoundly shaped by the choices and circumstances of our parents and ancestors. Understanding this context is crucial, as it reveals not only the physical barriers we face but also the broader challenges on our journey. When my mother discovered she was pregnant with me, she also learned she was HIV-positive—a dual burden that compounded her struggles. Yet, what was supposed to be a dark moment turned into a miracle: I was born a healthy 10-pound baby with no trace of the disease.

Born into a world of adversity and untouched by the disease that claimed many, I faced challenges from my first breath. With neither of my parents having completed high school, my starting point was extremely disadvantaged. On a scale of 100, I began at 0. Entering foster care was a byproduct of numerous preceding hardships, reflecting generational cycles that often require significant upheaval before change can occur.

Recognizing this context helped me understand my limitations and the potential costs of my decisions. Growing up in foster care, I couldn’t afford to skip school or rebel like many young people do. Despite others seeing me as smart and wise, the reality was that I was constantly in survival mode, never truly having the chance to explore the world or understand myself. Navigating life’s challenges often meant doing so alone. What many call resilience, I attribute to a profound faith and reliance on something greater than myself. Though my journey has been largely solitary, it hasn’t been entirely a solo endeavor. My story is a testament to the fact that despite the odds, it is possible to thrive and grow, finding your way and flourishing even amidst adversity.

A proverb says, “Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). This raises the question: If a child hasn’t been trained, how do they know where to go? The answer is, they won’t. But hope doesn’t end there. Another proverb personifies wisdom as a woman who cries out loud in the streets. (Proverbs 1: 20-23) Even when we are at a disadvantage, wisdom is ready to reveal herself. Wisdom reached out to me through fictional characters on television, reflecting my own flaws and follies, and through the harsh lessons learned from my own misjudgments.

Nevertheless, defiant hope kept me afloat, believing that the impossible is possible. I don’t know where your story finds you, but if you’ve made it through your darkest days, I’m convinced there is much more you can look forward to. Embrace this hope in your own journey. Discover wisdom as you navigate your path, and never be afraid to believe in what seems unattainable. UrFuture is not just a reflection of my personal journey; it’s a testament to the strength and hope that can be found in adversity. I hope my story inspires you to reflect on your own path, embrace your faith, understand your values, and make choices that align with your destiny.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela