~ Digging Deep: My First Challenge ~

The first struggle I remember in the military, where I had to dig deep into my faith, was at my first command. I worked crazy watch hours—12 on, 12 off. And if you know that schedule, you understand that “12 off” is not truly time off. Those hours were filled with sleeping, eating, getting ready, turnover, training, and anything else that needed to get done. It felt more like 18 hours on and 6 hours off. This type of schedule drains a person to the core. There were times when I felt like I didn’t know if I was coming or going, and I remember driving home from watch feeling overwhelmed, as if I could just drive right into a wall.

I told my chief about how I was feeling, and they set me up with an appointment at the Fleet and Family Support Center. My counselor suggested I start journaling, and that’s when I began to lean on my faith to navigate the struggles. I didn’t have kids at the time, but mentally I was exhausted. Being a single sailor far from home, I found myself leaning on God and my counselor to get through each day.

**“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (NIV)**

~ A Single Mom in the Navy ~

Another pivotal challenge came when I started going through my divorce and became a single mom. Even though I was on shore duty, it was an arduous one—9-hour days at work with the added pressure of caring for a baby, a toddler, and a 7-year-old. My mornings were a rush: dropping three kids off at three different locations before making it to work on time. I did it without shedding a tear, but I was just surviving. My routine was all over the place; I fed the kids whatever was easy, and each day felt like simply doing what was necessary to get by.

One day, while walking down the hallway, my Command Master Chief (CMC) asked, “How are you doing?” It was such a simple question, but I broke down in tears. All the emotions I had been bottling up poured out. Earlier that day, I’d been dealing with the CDC threatening to kick my kids out because my husband had disappeared and hadn’t submitted his income information. I was going through a divorce, and it felt impossible to find him.

The CMC was a Godsend that day; he let me cry, and he intervened to ensure my kids would continue to have care so I could make it to work. Despite everything, I never neglected my job, and soon after, I was selected as Sailor of the Quarter in a highly competitive environment. 

**“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NIV)**

~  God as My Strength and Anchor ~

If it wasn’t for God and my faith, I would’ve given up. But I hold onto this truth: He didn’t bring me this far to only bring me this far. God gave me comfort, strength, and direction when I felt lost. Whenever life feels chaotic, I return to my faith because God is my strength. I’ve fallen many times, but with Him, I am still here, taking life one day at a time.