What It Means to Be in the Road of Trials

If you’re not familiar with the concept of the Hero’s Journey, it’s something we talk about often at the school we started. Our learners—our students—are called heroes, because each one of them is living out their own adventure.

The framework follows a familiar rhythm:

You leave the comfort of home.

You enter unknown territory.

You hit challenges, resistance, and growth.

You meet mentors and fellow travelers.

You walk through a dark season…

And you emerge transformed.

This week, I realized: Michael and I are deep in the road of trials—the part of the journey that stretches you the most.

We’re learning how to speak with investors for the first time ever.

We’re figuring out the ins and outs of becoming developers—because that’s what’s required to keep growing our Acton Academy and build the campus we’ve dreamed about.

And we’re doing it all because we believe this mission matters.

This season reminds me so much of when we started KJ Education. We had no idea how to build an online course platform, or scale, or grow a team—but we learned.

And now we’re doing that again, just in a whole new arena.

A Faith-Filled Reminder: We Were Made for More

One night this week, we let Evy and her cousin Micah stay up late to watch an episode of The Chosen with us. (It was a special treat—and a parenting highlight.)

In the episode, Jesus tells a group of children that they may grow up to be tradesmen or farmers… but they were made for so much more. That line stuck with me.

Because it’s not just true for our kids. It’s true for us, too.

We were made for more.

More than comfort.

More than ease.

More than playing it safe.

We were made for calling. For love. For showing up in the hard, refining, deeply good work that God sets before us.

And that’s why we’re still saying yes to the road of trials—because we believe what’s on the other side is worth it.

A Good Cry in the Car (Because Sometimes You Just Need One)

Now let’s get real for a second.

The road of trials isn’t just full of visionary work and deep purpose.

It’s also full of sick kids, mold repairs, parenting friction, and full plates.

We’ve had a few hard days in our house this week—kids not getting along, emotions running high, and me feeling like the glue holding it all together.

So what did I do?

I drove to the chiropractor, took the long way home, and cried.

Like, full-on car cry.

Not because anything catastrophic happened—but because sometimes, the weight of everything just catches up with you.

And I want to normalize that. Because we all need space to release what we’ve been holding. And that car ride was healing.

The Lesson God Keeps Whispering: Let Yourself Be Needy

If there’s one thing the Lord is teaching me right now, it’s this:

Neediness isn’t weakness. It’s sacred.

I’ve always been a fixer. An achiever. Someone who steps in and makes things better for others.

But lately? I’ve found myself having to ask for help in new ways.

Ways that make me cry.

Ways that challenge my pride.

Ways that feel unfamiliar and holy at the same time.

This season is showing me just how much I need the Lord… and how much I need people, too. Fellow travelers. Encouragers. Listeners.

And I’m learning to stop apologizing for that.

Why am I telling you this?

Because the other side of vulnerability is connection.

And I think there’s someone reading this who needs to know: you don’t have to be the strong one all the time.

A Parenting Win in the Middle of the Mess

In the midst of the heavy stuff, there was a moment of joy that made me pause and smile.

We were making dinner—butter chicken in the Instant Pot (shoutout to my sister-in-law for the recipe!). And Evy saw the leftover ginger, tomato paste, and broth on the counter.

She asked if she could make her own recipe.

I started to say no (we were trying to get dinner on the table, after all), but then I paused and handed her a pot.

She made a soup! Added noodles. Ate the whole thing!!!

And now she’s totally hooked on experimenting in the kitchen.

She’s making eggs for her brother. Trying out grilled cheese.

And all because I let go of control for five minutes and said yes to her curiosity.

If You’re in the Stretch, You’re Not Alone

If you’re reading this and thinking, me too—you’re not alone.

Maybe you’re also deep in the road of trials.

Maybe you’re holding a lot.

Maybe you just need permission to cry in the car, ask for help, and take the long way home.

I hope you’ll remember this:

God isn’t absent in the overwhelm.

He’s right there in it—writing your story, too.

Thanks for being here and following along with this Where I Am series. I hope it reminds you that growth and grace can live in the same week!