👊👊Failing Forward:

Why Saving Lives Requires the Courage to Lose

"Failing forward" is a profound concept, and one we deeply need to revisit. 👊👊

We have reached a point in history where to lose has been conflated with being a failure. Out of a fear of causing hurt, we avoid talking about loss altogether. But the reality is that life is difficult. We will inevitably face setbacks and heartbreak.

To build the resilience required to navigate this life, we must learn how to fall—and more importantly, how to rise with the lessons failure teaches us. We have to expect setbacks. While we rarely can predict them, we can learn to appreciate how they deepen the value of our victories.

The Sanctuary of Space

In the ministry of saving lives, understanding this concept is vital because loss is unavoidable. We cannot control other people's decisions, shield them from all pain, or fix every broken situation.

What we can do is help mothers in crisis see a broader horizon. We offer them:

• A Vulnerable Voice: A place to share their whole story, allowing them to hear their own words aloud and receive gentle feedback.

• A Sacred Sanctuary: A physical and emotional space where they feel entirely safe, included, and understood.

• A Moment to Breathe: Time to pause and truly weigh how their choices will impact their own future, their loved ones, and the life of their unborn baby.

Most of the time, when given this space, they choose life. But occasionally, they do not.

When Loss Feels Personal

When they do not, it hurts deeply. Because our mission is life, losing one feels like a profound failure.

Yet, in those moments of heartbreak, we are reminded of a humbling truth: we are only vessels for God's grace. It is a massive honor to serve, but we are not God, and we do not hold ultimate control. We are human. We make mistakes. Through these trials, we learn how to serve more effectively in His eyes.

Recently, I experienced a failure. It was painful, and it was difficult to share that burden with those around me. But while I acknowledge the failure of the situation, I refuse to accept that I am a failure.

I chose not to take it personally, but rather as a personal call to reevaluate how I operate, who I involve, and how we manage these intense crisis situations. This reflection is essential for our growth.

The Victory in the Arena

Looking back, I do not believe anyone did anything wrong. In fact, against overwhelming odds, the very fact that we welcomed a couple into the Life House was a massive victory. Watching our community rally together in the midst of that crisis was extraordinary. Seeing each person step up, driven by their own unique calling from God, was nothing short of amazing.

This tells me everything I need to know about our organization.

We are filled with faithful servants who are willing to listen and do God's work, even when it demands stepping into heartbreak and failure. We are willing to step back into the arena because we know this work belongs to Him.