
Have you ever heard anyone say they’re in “thrive mode” when life hits hard? Probably not. Most of us operate in “survival mode” when we experience suffering. I’ve been there, and I bet you have too.


Have you ever heard anyone say they’re in “thrive mode” when life hits hard? Probably not. Most of us operate in “survival mode” when we experience suffering. I’ve been there, and I bet you have too.

Shortly after the explosion of the Space Shuttle Colombia in 2003, I heard an interview on the evening news. The anchorman was talking with a former astronaut, and asking the man’s feelings on future space travel.

Have you ever felt typecast into one story? Oh, girl, I sure have.
If you’ve been listening to the 4:13 Podcast for long, you know that I’m blind. Well, with blindness, I’ve struggled with feeling pigeonholed over the years.

What do you like about yourself?
Oh, girl, sometimes liking ourselves is tough to do. It’s often easier to pinpoint our weaknesses.
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Are you ever afraid to be vulnerable about your struggles because you worry that if you do, you’ll be identified by them?
Oh, girl, sometimes I’ve felt that way.

“Mom, do I have to get up?”
“Yes, Jennifer, you have to get up. You are the Mom!”