It’s now my fourth year as a principal. I still cannot believe I am where I am, and the work God is doing through me. Being a principal has been the best job I have ever had. I love being with my students and seeing the direct impact that my leadership has on my school. Also, I can see my vision come to life every day. 

However, leadership has its challenges. Leadership can be very lonely. When you are the sole person responsible for the outcome and success of your school, it can bring a lot of pressure. In the principal role, it is easy to be depleted trying to meet everyone else’s needs. 

Since moving to Little Rock and starting my principalship, I have overcome numerous challenges. In my first year alone, I had to deal with a student being shot right across the street from my school, the chaos of a student protest, several staff members resigning, a teacher being accused of inappropriate sexual conduct and several investigations of staff members and coaches. Being a first-year principal already comes with its challenges including: learning the culture of the school, the daily demands of the job, finding people you can trust, and all the responsibility that comes with the job. So, the challenges I had to handle as a first-year principal almost took me. But I knew God brought me here for a reason, so I have persevered through each challenge. 

The most difficult challenge I have had to overcome is being hurt and betrayed by some of my colleagues and staff members. This has been my current reality. I have felt discouraged, depleted, and betrayed. I never anticipated having to deal with something like this and it has felt very personal. I have felt like the situation was unfair and I have thought about throwing in the towel many times. 

But God continues to show Himself faithful and mighty through it all. Today He reminded me that I am stronger than I think I am. He gives me the courage and strength to keep showing up each day because this is what He has anointed me to do. 

Amid these challenges, God has revealed so much to me: God has sent some amazing people in my school district who encourage and pray for me. And He reminds me that I have so many more people for me than against me.

Through it all, He is helping me grow and learn. He reminds me that He doesn’t make mistakes. He is not unaware of what I have been going through and He continues to be with me even in my darkest hour. He has given me everything I need in this season to keep moving forward. I know all of this is just preparing me for the next season and where God is leading me too next. 

Friend, whatever you may be going through, I want to encourage you. YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK. Keep moving forward and trusting God. He will take care of you.