When I got married, one of my main goals was to make a difference, so much so that I married a pastor. I knew I was not capable, firstly because I was very young and newly married, and secondly because I did not have much experience... Even so, I'd always look for ways to make a difference - I'd make friends with everyone, share my experiences with them, etc. But over time, I realized that I was not as appreciated as I thought. I was beginning to have the experiences that I'd prayed for - and it was not easy. And so, instead of using them to make a bigger difference, I decided to give up.

I gave up on people, I gave up on friendship and I gave up on trying to please others - which only hurt me because that was totally against my nature. I was struggling with my good intentions. I was denying my own nature, trying to be someone I was not, pretending I didn't care... I honestly wished I were born someone else.

But one day, my father said to me, "I would not be here if it were not for your mother." It was a revelation... I was important, even though many people did not think I was.

Everything changed from that day on. I changed the way I saw myself, and so I began to change my world.

If you want to change yours, start with yourself!




In faith,

Cristiane Cardoso