Acetra Russell

How many of you feel empowered to do all things through Christ? How many thought you could plan your whole life perfectly from birth to death? What if I told you life would be different? That was me years ago. I followed the rules: school, college, marriage, kids, and a new home. Everything seemed perfect. But on July 2, 2007, I received devastating news—my 7-year-old daughter had an aggressive brain tumor. Despite our hopes, she was with us for only 9 years. Six months later, my 16-year marriage ended. Three years after that, my ex-husband committed suicide. These were the hardest years of my life, but I survived because God had a purpose for me. I used to say I felt like Job. But I realized I needed to stop speaking heartache and start speaking life. I put on my big girl britches and created a new life as a single parent of one, determined to be great. My focus shifted from sadness to determination. I followed three must-dos: be resilient, determined, have a great attitude.