Your Story Is Not Over

Stories shape our lives.

The movies we watch, the songs we return to, the books we read—these stories shape the ones we tell about ourselves. We identify with certain characters. We see our strengths, our flaws.

Over time, these stories—along with our interactions with others—slowly build our narrative identity: the story we believe about who we are.

After working through the Talent Inventory, you’ve likely uncovered not just your strengths and weaknesses—but the story you’ve been living.

What Is Your Story?

Your story may be one of strength, failure, persistence, or sloth. It may be a story you’ve chosen—or one someone else has written for you.

Ask yourself:

• Is it your choice—or someone else’s?
• Is it a story that propels you forward—or one that drowns you in regret?

When we fail—and we all do—we’re tempted to write ourselves off.
To believe the worst version of our story:

“You’re not good enough.”
“You’ll never change.”
“You’ve already blown it.”

I know this because I’ve lived it.

My Story: From Arrogance to Failure—and Forward

I never wanted to be a teacher. I fought against it.

But when I finally became one, I loved it. Teaching kids and learning alongside them was thrilling. I connected with my students. I became a good teacher. I could teach math, science, and religion effectively.

But confidence slowly became arrogance. I taught what I wanted to teach. Some parents loved it—others didn’t. My goal was noble, but my methods needed refinement.

The school saw my pride and chose to go in another direction. It was time for a change.

I still remember putting on my HVAC technician uniform after leaving the school. I felt like a complete failure.

Not because I was a technician—I deeply respected the men I worked with.
But because I felt like I had failed my calling. I was not the teacher—or the man—I was meant to be.

But Stories Can Change

“You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.”
— Rocky Balboa

To move forward, I had to forgive myself and take back the pen.

Yes—I was arrogant and imprudent. That was real. But I didn’t have to stay that way. I learned. I grew.

That failure became a blessing in disguise.

I would write the next chapter.

What About You?

We’ve all failed.
But that’s not the end.

God knows we will fall. That’s why He gives us the chance to rise again—stronger than before.

Failure is not your final story.
It’s part of the forge that shapes you.

But:

• You must forgive yourself to keep moving forward.
• You must pick up the pen to write the next chapter.

Forge Ahead

You are not stuck with the story you've been living.

The man you’re called to be is still possible—but only if you choose to move forward.

Write the next chapter.
And if you need help starting—ask a brother to walk with you.

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Reflect: What part of your story are you rewriting right now?

Anvil: the place of formation.
Arrow: the mission we’re sent on.