By Bethany Theulen

Exactly one year ago, I felt completely broken—broken beyond repair. I had been introduced to Rare Faith about a year before that and was actively learning mindset techniques and how to truly rely on, and act in, faith. In that pursuit, I followed a powerful prompting to uproot my small family and move clear across the country—from Arizona to a tiny town in Southwestern Iowa. The only people I had nearby were my husband’s mom, brother, and sister—each of whom I love dearly and who have truly been my rocks.

But almost as soon as we arrived, everything started to unravel. Despite the undeniable miracles that had led us here, everything around me seemed to fall apart. And because I couldn’t doubt the divine guidance that brought me, I came to one painful conclusion: I must be the problem. I believed I was so broken that even God Himself couldn’t do anything more with what was left of me.

I wanted to die. Honestly. I prayed for it daily. I scared my husband so deeply that the sheriff’s department showed up at our door—not once, but twice. And both times, I had to think fast and say exactly what needed to be said so I wouldn’t be taken to a mental hospital. It was a game I already knew how to play.

And yet… somehow, I kept going.

I made a decision: I wouldn’t let my past dictate my future. It wasn’t easy. The path was filled with setbacks, obstacles, and deep pain. But every single day, I chose to put one foot in front of the other.

And today? Exactly one year later? ……

Yesterday, I came home from completing my training to become a Rare Faith Program Facilitator. That may sound simple, but it was no small feat. Today, I’m surrounded by love, by a network of friends and family who never gave up on me. I’ve found peace—even in the chaos. And I am closer to my Father in Heaven than I have ever been. Ever.

At one point, I made a quiet promise to God to remain rooted in joy. But then—on the final day of training—I was asked to do something I never could’ve imagined: stand at a microphone, in front of a room full of peers, and shout out loud that I am committed to finding joy in the journey! That’s not something I ever imagined I’d have the courage to do.

Here’s what I’ve learned: none of it was random. Every moment, even the darkest ones, was for my good. Even the “down” times. My job isn’t to avoid them—it’s to recognize there’s a time and season for everything. A rhythm. And when things feel bleak or heavy, it brings peace to ride the wave instead of fighting it.

Stephanie Bennett-Henry once said:
“There was that broken year, on that broken road, with that broken me, and thank goodness I’m not on that road anymore, but I still reminisce sometimes to remind myself what roads not to take, the lessons from my mistakes, and most of all, how far I’ve come since this time last year.”

Life moves in ups and downs, in ebbs and flows—and that’s normal. A wise friend once messaged me:
“If you think about it, when roller-coastering, you start that downhill run and it accelerates very quickly, and then you immediately sling-shot back onto the upward climb which is slow and steady and full of great anticipation! So yes, you are allowed to go up and down, like a roller-coaster…quickly sling-shotting into a long upward climb of joyful anticipation! Just stay on the track, no going off the rails.”

So please—don’t give up. If I can go from where I was a year ago to where I am today in just 12 months… so can you.
Just stay on the tracks. Don’t go off the rails.

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