Dyslexia, Faith & The Courage to Never Give Up

Sometimes What You Think Is Your Weakness Becomes Part of Your Greatest Story.

Growing up, I never realized I had dyslexia. It wasn't until I went to college that I began to understand why writing had always been such a struggle for me. There were times when putting my thoughts into words, spelling, and writing felt like climbing a mountain.

But one thing I learned along the way: I was never alone. God was walking beside me every step of the way.

I didn't give up, even when things were difficult. And looking back today, I realize just how much I have accomplished.

Today, I speak two languages, English and German, and understand some Spanish. I completed my business degree in Switzerland, where all my studies were in German, which is not my native language. I also took multiple marketing classes, taught myself social media, learned how to build and manage my own website, and continued to educate myself along the way.

And then there is the creative side of me!

Sewing, embroidery, digitizing, teaching art, creating my own designs, and designing for others have always come naturally. Creativity has been a wonderful part of my life, and I have been blessed to turn that creativity into a business and share it with others.

Was it always easy? Absolutely not.

There were moments when I felt frustrated, overwhelmed, and wondered why certain things came harder to me than they seemed to come to others. But I kept moving forward. My faith carried me through the difficult moments, and I truly believe God gave me the strength to keep learning, growing, and believing in myself.

A Little Inspiration That Made Me Think

Recently, I came across a post by Tyson Durfey on Instagram (@tysondurfey), and it inspired me to share my own story.

He talked about having some dyslexia and ADD and how he has come to consider those differences a blessing in his life. He shared how the energy and drive that came with his experience helped him learn and grow.

It made me think about how often we focus on what we struggle with instead of recognizing the strengths, talents, and possibilities we have been given.

You can find his full post and video on Instagram: @tysondurfey. (Instagram post)

Your Learning Difference Does Not Define Your Future

I am sharing my story because I want to encourage anyone who struggles with dyslexia or another learning difference.

Please don't let anyone make you feel less capable because you learn differently. Don't allow a diagnosis, a disability, or someone else's opinion to determine your future.

We all have different ways of learning, creating, understanding, and expressing ourselves. Some things may take us longer, and we may have to find different ways to accomplish them. That doesn't mean we cannot succeed.

Sometimes the road looks different than we imagined, but that doesn't mean we are going in the wrong direction.

I believe God gives each of us gifts, talents, and opportunities. Sometimes we discover them in unexpected ways. What we once considered a weakness may help us recognize strengths we never knew we had.

And remember, you don't have to do everything perfectly to make a difference in this world.

A Bible Verse to Carry With You

One of my favorite verses is:

Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

And another beautiful reminder:

Matthew 17:20 (KJV)

"...if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed... nothing shall be impossible unto you."

These verses remind me that our strength doesn't come from being perfect. It comes from putting our faith in God and trusting Him through the journey.

Keep Dreaming, Keep Learning, and Keep Moving Forward!

If you are someone who struggles with dyslexia, ADD, or any other learning difference, I want you to know something:

You are not your disability. You are not your struggles. You are not the words someone else has spoken over you.

You are a person with gifts, dreams, creativity, and a purpose.

Don't be afraid to try something new. Don't be afraid to go back to school, start a business, learn a new language, create something with your hands, or follow a dream that seems impossible.

You may have to take a different road, but keep going.

I certainly didn't have everything figured out when I started, and I still have so much to learn. But I never gave up, and I am thankful for every step that brought me here.

With God, you can move mountains. Believe in yourself, trust in Him, and don't let anything stop you from pursuing the dreams He has placed in your heart.

Be blessed, keep creating, keep growing, and always remember: God has got you!

With blessings,

Caroline Riepler
Western Border and Co