Transforming Life's Pain into Purpose through Praise

So many of life’s hardest lessons are birthed in pain. Sometimes that pain is sharp and sudden. Other times, it’s a slow and familiar ache, the kind that comes from walking the same broken path over and over again. But what if the very patterns that have kept us stuck could become the place where God meets us with transformation? Deep, consistent change isn’t easy but it’s always possible when we choose God’s leadership and praise over our own mess.

There’s an often-quoted proverb, “Those who cannot learn from the mistakes of the past are destined to repeat them.” Some attribute it to George Santayana, others to Edmund Burke or even Winston Churchill. Regardless of who said it, the truth remains: ignoring our past often traps us in cycles that perpetuate pain versus a different yet divinely available trajectory.

American singer, actress, and author Portia Nelson, wrote a profoundly impacting poem entitled Autobiography in Five Short Chapters in her book titled There’s a Hole in My Sidewalk. The poem describes five stages of change, from denial and blame, to awareness, action, and eventually transformation. It’s a picture that many of us can relate to and find ourselves in. Maybe you’re still in chapter one or two, falling into the same struggles over and over, wondering why life isn’t changing. I can relate, I’ve had my own “holes” that I’ve fallen into as well. And I’m sure that we have an ally in the person of Leah who would be

nodding right alongside of us too.

Leah’s story in Genesis 29 and 30 is one of longing, disappointment, and, ultimately, praise. She lived much of her life with comparison and rejection. Trapped in a loveless marriage and overshadowed by her sister, Leah’s early choices and reactions reflected her deep desire to be seen, valued, and loved by her husband, Jacob maybe similar to chapters I – III of this poem. But in Genesis 29:35 with the birth of her fourth son, Judah, something radically shifts and this time she declares, “This time I will praise the Lord” (Genesis 29:35). With that choice, something breaks free in her spirit and she chooses a new God-centered path. She lifts her eyes beyond the sidewalk, beyond the holes, and honors the Creator with praise for all that He is, has done and promises to do.

Leah’s story reminds us that transformation is not always linear. We may revisit the similar chapters, and sporadically stumble into the same holes, but God is never done writing our story with His love and grace. At any moment, when we surrender our past and offer Him our present, He uses this choice for His glory and our good. Choosing God’s path may not always feel like the easiest road. It might include facing what we’ve avoided, forgiving what we’d rather forget, and stepping away from unhealthy patterns into an empowering Spirit-

enabled life that leads to real freedom.

So where are you today in this story? Are you still falling into the same familiar traps? Are you seeing the patterns? But most importantly, are you ready to walk down a new street entirely — one paved with praise that leads toward healing and wholeness? Let Leah's journey remind you that change is possible, and that God’s invitation to transformation always stands. It’s never too late to choose a path of praise that honors Him. I encourage you to spend a few minutes listening to this song and allow His praise to recalibrate your heart and mind today: His Glory and My Good.