LIFE'S JOURNEY TO YEAR 36: A TESTIMONY OF GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IN EDUCATION, MARRIAGE, AND MOTHERHOOD

As I enter into my 36th year, I can’t just glance back over my life without acknowledging the fingerprints of God all over my story. I had a hard time deciding how I wanted to share this milestone. I thought about listing “36 lessons” or even writing about my goals for the year ahead. But in my spirit, I knew it needed to be something more. What better way to honor God than to share my testimony?

My journey hasn’t been easy. It’s been filled with ups and downs, closed doors, open windows, and countless moments of grace. But through it all, I see God’s hand leading me, shaping me, and carrying me.

Education: From Almost Held Back to a Doctorate

Growing up, school was not my strong suit. Reading comprehension was my biggest struggle. While other students breezed through chapters and discussions, I found myself stumbling over words and fighting to understand. Reading out loud in class terrified me. Teachers told my mother I should be held back a grade because I wasn’t keeping up. But my mother—my greatest advocate—refused to let that happen. She got me tutors, filled our weekends with extra workbooks, and pushed me when I didn’t believe in myself.

Looking back now, I see God’s provision even then. He gave me a mother who fought for me and planted resilience in me when giving up seemed easier. What the teachers saw as a limitation, God was already preparing to turn into a testimony.

It’s funny to me now, because while I didn’t like reading, I loved to write. And what do they always say? That a good writer must also be a reader. I struggled with reading—but years later, God allowed me to write and publish a book. Isn’t that just like Him? To take the very area of weakness and use it to show His glory? 

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

By the time I was a high school senior, the girl who once struggled with reading comprehension was sitting in AP Literature—taking a college-level English class. That shift still amazes me. From nearly being held back to excelling at the highest levels of education. This is why I know my story is not about me—it’s about God’s faithfulness.

When I thought about college, it was never a clear path for me. I had passing thoughts of going, but nothing solid. I knew I loved to write. I knew I wanted to own a business. At one point, I even thought about becoming a psychologist. But when it came time to choose a major, my mom told me she wasn’t paying for me to go to school for writing. She suggested Business Management—because it was versatile. And so that’s what I chose. Ironically, I still became an author without a degree in communications.

And here’s the kicker: I initially dismissed psychology because I thought anything above a bachelor’s degree was out of reach. I didn’t like school, wasn’t “good” at it, and the idea of a Master’s felt impossible. Yet, years later, I earned not only a Master’s but a PhD—with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Only God.

Entrepreneurship: The Road of Refinement

Even while education was a journey, I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I didn’t know exactly what kind of business, but I knew I wanted to build something that helped others. In college, I founded my first nonprofit—Endless Dreams Foundation. It was born out of my own experiences of uncertainty after high school. I wanted to give students and parents the guidance needed to make the right choice for them.

For over a decade, we served the community—helping students with employability skills, college prep, entrepreneurship, and life skills. We hosted college fairs, back-to-school drives, and workshops. That was my first taste of building something from the ground up. I had no road map, no blueprint, but I had vision. And God honored that.

But entrepreneurship is not a straight road—it’s one of testing, faith, and refinement. Years later, I pursued a dream that was very personal to me. During my PhD program, I launched Grind On The Go, a coffee business born out of my love for coffee shops as places of community and productivity. I dreamed of a coffee shop that doubled as a co-working space, but since I didn’t have the capital, I started with a coffee truck.

We raised the money. We had investors. The truck was fully equipped. It felt like things were finally coming together. And then—disaster. The truck was stolen. Just like that, everything I worked so hard for was gone.

I remember laughing in disbelief when I got the call. Not because it was funny, but because I couldn’t believe it. Yet, strangely, I wasn’t anxious. My faith had grown to a place where I knew God was still in control. 

Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

That was the peace I felt.

To make matters worse, even after insurance approved the claim, my bank thought the payout was fraud. They closed my business account, leaving me without access to thousands of dollars. I spent weeks and months battling with the bank, explaining to investors, and trying to keep the vision alive. Eventually, I offered my investors a buyout. One accepted, the other stayed, still believing in the vision.

By then, I was pregnant and realized I couldn’t carry everything at once. I shifted to an online model, selling coffee beans and accessories. But sales were slow, expenses were high, and the stress was heavy. I downsized, moved inventory into my home, and prayed for clarity.

At the time, I couldn’t understand why God allowed so many roadblocks. But years later, I see His protection. If the truck had survived, we would’ve faced even greater challenges when employees were called back into the office full-time with no flexibility for remote work. I wouldn’t have been able to manage it with a newborn. The employees we had lined up would no longer be able to commit because the flexibility of their previous schedules were gone. God was saving me from a deeper loss. 

Romans 8:28 reminds me that all things—even stolen coffee trucks and closed bank accounts—work together for my good.

And the story isn’t over. That vision is still alive, and I believe God will complete it in His timing.

Marriage & Motherhood: Grace Upon Grace

Amid all of this, God blessed me with love, marriage, and the gift of motherhood. I planned a wedding, got married, carried a child, and gave birth—all while finishing my PhD with a 4.0 GPA. That season showed me what it means to fully lean on God’s strength.

Marriage has refined me. Motherhood has stretched me. Both have grounded me in grace. They remind me daily that I cannot do this in my own power. But as Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Every part of my family story is God-built, God-sustained, and God-covered.

The Testimony: God Writes the Best Stories

If there’s one truth my life testifies to, it’s this: It doesn’t matter how you start—God determines how you finish.

Philippians 1:6 says, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

The girl who couldn’t comprehend is now Dr. Rutledge.The child who hated reading became a published author.The young woman who was told she wasn’t college material graduated with honors.The entrepreneur who lost a food truck gained unshakable faith.The woman who doubted herself now walks as a wife, mother, leader, and change agent—only by God’s grace.

Gratitude

At 36, my heart is filled with gratitude. Gratitude that God saw fit that I have the most supportive husband who believes that I can conquer all things. Gratitude for my son who teaches me love and patience. Gratitude for my mother, who never gave up on me. Gratitude for the HBCU that showed me what Black excellence looked like up close. Gratitude for the investors who believed in my dreams. Gratitude for the friends and mentors who prayed me through. But most of all, gratitude to God—who saw the end from the beginning and never left me.

Ephesians 3:20–21 captures my story perfectly: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory.”

Every struggle became a setup for His glory. Every setback was redirection toward His purpose. Every “no” made room for His greater “yes.”

And if He did it for me, He can do it for you.

Give yourself permission to pause, but never give up. God’s not finished with your story.