Overcoming Struggles: A Father’s Perspective on Faith

The Weight of Trying Alone

I tried to do everything independently for months, relying on my strength. I believed in God, but He wasn’t at the center of my life. At 22 years old, I chased after other things, hoping they would fill the emptiness before finally surrendering to Him. Deep down, I knew He was there because at least once a week, I asked Him, “Why is this happening to my little girl?”

For many months, I wondered what I had done to deserve this punishment. I wondered why God would allow this to happen. Instead of asking Him, I would try to find an answer at the bottom of the bottle of whiskey. I tried to suppress all those emotions with alcohol and try to toughen it out. It wasn’t working because I just kept repeating the cycle. 

A Prayer Answered in an Unexpected Way

One night of routine drinking, God answered a prayer I didn’t ask for but I needed. A close friend of mine invited me to church the next morning. I had nothing to lose. I had tried things my way, and it had just gotten me in trouble, hangovers, and a lot of resentment. I stepped foot in Life Point Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and felt I needed to be there. And then, in one Sunday service, I heard the answer to my question: 

 "Jesus answered, neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him." 

John 9:3 NKJV

And that could not be truer. My 22q warrior has been an example of God’s grace and power.

God’s Purpose Through My 22q Warrior

It took her a little while to walk, but that just meant I could hold her a little longer. By this point, I had already missed more than half of her life due to military commitments. I realized I would take advantage and just hold her and love her before she got older and didn’t want cuddles.  

I also remembered the words my mom would tell me when I struggled at Marine Corps boot camp: 

“God gives his toughest battles to His strongest soldiers.”

And I believed it. My perspective shifted. My 22q warrior is not a punishment; she is a warrior and a blessing—not just for me but for everyone who meets her. 

Faith Over Fear

I am not a perfect person or father. I fall short, A LOT! I still have many questions about life and how I should be raising my daughter. It has been tough! I have learned the hard way: when I try to lean on my own understanding, I end up back in a vicious, toxic cycle.

But when I connect to the Lord, I feel a peace that makes no sense. I have clarity. I can see what I need to do to advocate for my warrior. And to be right by her side as she goes out of her comfort zone playing soccer, flag football, or cheerleading; she always surprises me and reminds me that the works of God are being revealed in her.