02/13/2026
Conversations with Calandra
“They Talked. I Trusted. God Won”
By: Calandra Barrett
How many attempts did it take before you finally reached your goal? How many tears fell before success showed up?
How many doors were slammed in your face? How many voices tried to convince you to quit?
Be honest. Giving up crossed your mind.
There were moments when I felt like my dream of becoming a published author was slipping through my fingers. Times when the effort felt invisible. Pointless. In vain. And yet… here I stand.
One published devotional and more than 100 “Conversations with Calandra” columns later. I am grateful I didn’t quit, and neither should you. Now is not the time to fold or give up. Now is the time to lock in.
Forget the noise around you trying to discourage you. Forget who won’t help. Forget everything that doesn’t align with what God has told you. You don’t need permission or validation from anyone. God has you covered and that is more than enough.
Here’s the truth: on the road to purpose, you will fall. You will get knocked down. You may be laughed at, misunderstood, even talked about. That isn’t a sign to stop. That’s often the price of progress.
Some people will try to discourage you simply because they’re uncomfortable watching you chase what they abandoned. But remember this: they mocked Jesus. They persecuted Him. They crucified Him. And still—He won the victory. You can win too.
Psalm 37:4–5 reminds us:
“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will do this.”
When you put God first, your path becomes ordered. Your steps become intentional. Your delays become preparation.
Philippians 4:13 declares:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
That is not motivational fluff. That is divine truth. Through Christ, you are equipped to face obstacles, overcome resistance, and walk boldly in your calling.
And Jeremiah 29:11 assures us:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Failure does not define you. It refines you. God is not denying you—He is developing you. Before your parents ever dreamed of your existence, God had already written victory into your story. You were created with intention. Designed with purpose. Equipped to win. You are not becoming a winner.
You already are one.
If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, this is your moment. Reach out and I will walk with you step by step.
Have an extraordinary week. Never forget—you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God with divine purpose.
With love,
Calandra B.
