Tag: Overcoming Obstacles

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma

You Were Made to Overcome – Believe in Yourself and What God Planted Inside You

Brandi Crum, MA, LMFT

You Were Made to Overcome - Believe in Yourself and What God Planted Inside You

You Were Made to Overcome – Believe in Yourself and What God Planted Inside You

There will be days when you feel small. When the mountain in front of you looks too big. When fear whispers, “You’re not enough.” But let me gently remind you—there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle you’re facing.

That something?
It’s not your willpower.
It’s not your achievements.
It’s not your ability to hold it all together.

It’s God.

And He planted greatness in you before you even took your first breath.

“The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
— 1 John 4:4 (NIV)

Believe in Yourself—Because God Does

You are not a mistake. You were created on purpose, for a purpose. That doesn’t mean life won’t be hard. It means you have the power to walk through hard things and come out stronger, wiser, and softer—not because of your own strength, but because of who walks with you.

You may feel broken, weary, unseen… but your worth isn’t up for debate. And your story isn’t over.

Obstacles Aren’t the End

Obstacles are invitations—to lean into faith, to grow in character, to discover your resilience, and to find healing. When we believe we are powerless, we stop showing up. But when we believe God has placed something holy and unshakeable inside of us, we start to rise.

That doesn’t mean pretending everything’s fine. It means showing up even when it’s hard, because you know the One who holds you will never let go.

A Gentle Challenge:

What if you believed—truly believed—that what God says about you is true?

📝 Try this: Write down three things you love about who you are. Not what you do. Who you are. Keep them close for the days you forget.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma

Never Confuse a Single Defeat with a Final Defeat

Brandi C

puedo y lo haré

Never Confuse a Single Defeat with a Final Defeat

Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. One moment, we’re moving forward, full of hope and determination, and the next, we find ourselves knocked down by disappointment, failure, or heartbreak. In those moments, it’s easy to believe that a single loss defines our future. But as F. Scott Fitzgerald wisely said, “Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.”

This quote is a reminder that setbacks are just that—setbacks, not endings. They are chapters in our story, not the conclusion. Too often, we allow our struggles to convince us that we’ve lost the whole battle when, in reality, we’ve only lost a skirmish. What we do after defeat is what truly defines us.

The Power of Perspective

Defeat stings. It shakes our confidence and sometimes makes us question everything. But perspective is everything. When we see failure as an opportunity rather than a roadblock, we give ourselves permission to grow. Every great success story includes moments of defeat, but those who rise again refuse to let those moments define them.

Consider Thomas Edison, who famously said he didn’t fail—he just found 10,000 ways that didn’t work before inventing the light bulb. What if they had accepted defeat as final?

Resilience in the Face of Defeat

Resilience is the ability to push forward despite hardship. It’s about seeing defeat as a lesson rather than a label. Maybe a failed job interview is redirection to something better. Maybe a broken relationship makes space for healing and personal growth. Maybe a dream deferred is simply a dream delayed.

Instead of asking, “Why me?” try asking, “What can I learn from this?” Defeat isn’t a full stop—it’s a comma. It’s a pause that gives you a chance to regroup, reassess, and restart.

The Final Defeat Is Only When You Stop Trying

The only true defeat is the one where we stop showing up, stop believing, and stop trying. As long as we keep going, failure is just a stepping stone on the way to something greater. Whether it’s in relationships, careers, personal battles, or dreams yet to be realized, we have the power to write our own endings.

So the next time you face a setback, remember: It’s not the end. It’s just a plot twist. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward. Your final chapter hasn’t been written yet.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma

Keep Moving Forward

Brandi C

circle of hope counseling services (5)

Keep Moving Forward and You Will Never Have a Reason to Look Back

Life has a way of throwing challenges in our path. Some obstacles leave scars—both seen and unseen. The weight of the past can feel overwhelming, making it tempting to dwell on what was, what could have been, or the pain we’ve endured. But true growth happens when we shift our focus from what’s behind us to what lies ahead.

Why Moving Forward Matters

Looking back too often keeps us stuck. Regret, guilt, and fear can act as chains that hold us in place, preventing us from embracing the future. But when we choose to move forward, we give ourselves permission to heal, to grow, and to discover new possibilities that we never imagined.

How to Keep Moving Forward

✔ Accept the Past – Acknowledge what has happened, but don’t let it define you. ✔ Forgive Yourself and Others – Carrying resentment only weighs you down. ✔ Set New Goals – Focus on what excites and motivates you. ✔ Surround Yourself with Positivity – Be with people who uplift and encourage you. ✔ Take Small Steps Every Day – Progress isn’t always huge leaps; even small movements count.

The Power of Forward Motion

When you keep moving forward, you shift your mindset. You become more focused on growth rather than pain, more centered on opportunities rather than losses. The road ahead may not always be easy, but every step forward is a step away from the things that no longer serve you.

No Need to Look Back

Keep moving forward, and you will never have a reason to look back. Not because the past doesn’t matter, but because the future holds so much more for you. Walk boldly into it—you are stronger than you think, and your best days are ahead.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Not All Storms Disrupt

Brandi C

circle of hope counseling services (8)

Not All Storms Disrupt—Some Clear Your Path

Life can often feel like an unpredictable storm—chaotic, overwhelming, and full of uncertainty. We face challenges, setbacks, and painful experiences that make us question the direction we’re heading. But here’s an important truth: not all storms are meant to disrupt your life. Some come to clear your path and prepare you for something greater.

At first, storms can feel like an obstacle. The winds of change can be scary, and the rain of hardship can make us want to give up. But sometimes, these very storms are what push us toward the growth we need. They strip away the things that no longer serve us—the habits, relationships, or situations that were holding us back. What we may perceive as a disruption is, in reality, a clearing of the space for something better to come in.

Here’s why storms can be a blessing in disguise:

  1. They reveal what’s important. When everything is shaking, it’s easier to see what truly matters in life.
  2. They force us to grow. Storms challenge us, pushing us out of our comfort zones and forcing us to find strength we didn’t know we had.
  3. They clear away the old. Just as a storm clears debris, the difficulties we face can remove obstacles from our lives, making way for new opportunities.
  4. They build resilience. Each storm we face makes us stronger, teaching us how to navigate future challenges with more grace and courage.

When life feels stormy, don’t be quick to think it’s the end of the road. Sometimes, the storm is just clearing your path for something new, something better, and something that will lead you to a brighter future. Trust the process. Keep moving forward, and remember that every storm has its purpose.

Reach Out

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Faith Journey, Quotes

Take a Deep Breath and Try All Over Again

Brandi C

@circle of hope counseling services (3)

Take a Deep Breath and Try All Over Again

Some days don’t go as planned so you need to take a deep breath and tray all over again. You wake up with the best intentions, but life throws curveballs—stress, setbacks, exhaustion, or unexpected challenges. It’s easy to feel frustrated, defeated, or like you’re failing. But here’s the truth: you are not failing. You are learning, growing, and doing the best you can.

When things don’t go the way you hoped, pause. Take a deep breath. And try all over again.

Every single day is a fresh start. A new opportunity. You are not defined by yesterday’s struggles, last week’s mistakes, or the moments where you felt like you weren’t enough. Seriously, you are allowed to reset. You are allowed to begin again. And again. And again.

Trying again doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff—it means choosing to keep going despite it. It means giving yourself grace, adjusting where needed, and remembering that progress isn’t linear. Some days will be harder than others, but every time you get back up, you prove to yourself just how strong you are.

So, if today feels heavy, breathe. If you feel like you’ve messed up, breathe. If you don’t know how to move forward, breathe. Then take one step forward—no matter how small.

You are not stuck and you are not failing. You are trying, and that is enough. Keep going. Keep showing up. And when you need to, take a deep breath… and try all over again. 💛

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Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Guest Blogger, Suicide Awareness and Prevention

The Reality of my Nightmare

Brandi C

The Reality of my Nightmare

In The Reality of my Nightmare, my guest blogger writes about her interpretation of the trials that surrounded her. She writes it as if she were me. I read it the morning of my friend’s funeral. She is pretty spot on in all that she said.

The Reality of my Nightmare

Writing this seems like a nightmare

I am waiting to wake up from this nightmare because of how real it feels. But when I open my eyes, it will all go away. No. This nightmare is real. I can’t believe this is happening to me. Why? Why me? What did I do wrong to cause these people to knock on my door? Who has been watching me and observing my every movement? 

I am afraid

Afraid to raise my voice even the slightest bit because someone might be watching. Also, I am scared to take my child to the other room for fear that someone might think I will punish them. Afraid to go out in public with my child for fear that someone will judge me the wrong way and call them again. Why me? 

Raising Kids

Raising kids is hard, especially 7 of them. They are all so different in so many ways. Yet, I would not change a single hair on their head because I love them so much. I love my kids with every fiber of my being. I would gladly take any strife or burdens off their shoulders. I will put them on my own if it helps them and their future. 

My kids are special.

Some have mentally challenging issues. Then, others have some physical problems that need my constant attention. Being a mom is hard. It is tiring even. Yet, I am glad God chose these beautiful children to be mine. 

I love fiercely and will do anything in my power to protect them from the world and its temptations. Sometimes, I help others before I think about myself and my needs. I have run ragged, going in different directions to help those in need as God calls me to do. Honestly, I try to open myself up to other moms in various clubs and organizations my kids participate. I try to help them and converse with them when they need a friend or a shoulder to cry on. 

But You

You took care of my child when he played sports on your team. He became best friends with your kids. I thought you loved him like one of your own. He stayed at your house and slept over so many nights. Every time, he had a blast when he came home beaming from ear to ear. He would tell me all about how fun it is at your house. 

Invitation then Betrayal

I invited you into my home, which we manage to keep clean amongst the chaos of having multiple children and animals in the house. And yet, you betrayed my trust by calling them. Why? Why me? 

You know my child is well-fed. We give him clothes and things to toys. Furthermore, we keep him involved in sports. Importantly, we teach him the love of Jesus in everything we do. We fight for him daily because he is different. And that’s okay because I love him so much.

How Would You Feel

You are a mother with kids of your own. How would you feel if someone called them? They showed up at your doorstep asking to be invited in. Then ask you probing questions about your home and relationships with your kids? And what if you found out that it was a supposed “friend” who called them on you. 

How would you feel? 

Betrayed? 

Confused? 

I should hope so. 

That is how I felt. 

Terrifying Agony

The terrifying agony that my kids could be ripped away from me with no warning. Sadly, the wailing and uncontrollable sobbing happened in my car when I got the call. My heart can’t take it anymore. I am so tired of having to justify myself to these people. Justify every action that I do and every word that comes out of my mouth. 

How would you feel? 

Would you demand an explanation from your “friend” and say some nasty things to them in retaliation? Would you constantly look over your shoulder to make sure no one was watching you if you ever had to punish your child in public? Or are you one of those parents letting their children run amuck and do whatever they want? 

Either way, I want you to know that it is understandable if you did not know the family or had never been in their home and seen how the family operates. It would be understandable if you didn’t know my son or me. 

But you did know us. 

I was at every game. I talked to you all the time. And yet, you still called. I could trust you. You have betrayed my trust. But I choose to let God be in control of my situation. I prefer to let God judge your actions when you get to Heaven instead of judging you, which I am not called to do. 

Honestly, I choose to love like Jesus with skin on and be the city on a hill for you. I prefer to let God listen to my sorrowful prayers and collect my tears in a jar. Furthermore, I choose to let God pick me up and comfort me because he knows I am the mom He called me to be. I am not perfect. But God does not call us to be perfect. He calls us to be his disciples and to love our neighbor in his word. 

My house may be messy sometimes, and my kids may drive me crazy most days, but in what reality is home always tidy and the kids always clean and well-behaved? I would love to meet those people and that family. 

Haven’t you ever made a mistake as a parent? 

Because if you say no, that is a bold-faced lie. We fail daily at things. The key is learning from those mistakes, moving on, and leaving the past behind us. Those failures are also successes. I have put several of my kids through a full education (and I have homeschooled them for many years as well). Two of them graduated with honors, which is a huge accomplishment.

Mama Pride

One of my kids is married with a baby on the way. I could not be happier for my sweet child. My smallest child is excelling at what doctors told us would be impossible. Yet, with me by his side, he has survived those odds. 

The moments of pride I feel for the children I raised surpass the moments of sadness I think when things like this happen. I choose to find the beauty in the ashes. I will stand tall and not be shaken by people’s opinions of my family and me.

My Choices

So I will also choose to continue to stand by my children and attend every activity, club, and sporting event they are in. And if you other moms judge me or whisper tall tales about me that are not even true, I will smile and turn the other cheek as God has called me to, even if it is the hardest thing I have ever done.

Cruelty of Others

People can be so cruel nowadays, and they always look at the plank in someone else’s eye rather than focusing on the speck of dirt in their eye. Words can slice through a person and bring them down when we should be standing together as moms and supporting one another rather than bringing them down and jumping to conclusions by calling the organization before they have the facts straight. 

No, we moms are not perfect. But we are doing the best we can with the circumstances we are currently in and the children with whom the Lord has blessed us. I will continue to be the city on a hill and shine my light bright for my kids and you. 

And I know deep down in my heart that God will be pleased with my strength and integrity, and when I get to Heaven, He will say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” I can not wait for that day to come. 

In the meantime

I will continue to be the most fantastic mom to my kids and a faithful spouse to my husband. I am showing them the light of God. Continuing to shield them from the world will be a lifelong journey, but I would not change one thing about it, not for you or any other mom who says a spiteful word towards me. 

I will pray for you even though it is painful. Because in my darkest moments, I cling to Jesus the most, and when my faith is tested, I come out stronger than ever because my Redeemer is with me. No more hiding. No more fear. I will not be afraid. 

 

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Guest Blogger, Suicide Awareness and Prevention

No Thanks to You Part 3

Brandi C

No Thanks to You Part 3

No Thanks to You Part 3

No Thanks to You Part 3. It was such a shock to me. It came without warning. I honestly don’t understand. Because that morning, it was business as usual. We were doing quality assurance and fixing simple mistakes on the computer. What was that you said to me? 

If you did your job right the first time, your mistakes wouldn’t be on this list? I could count maybe five mistakes out of hundreds that I could claim. And they were as simple to fix as checking a box. But you felt the need to the point that out to me. You worked me to the very end. 

 

That was hurtful. 

 

When you said that to me, I cried silently at my desk. It wasn’t the first time. I cried silently because of the stress you put me under, and this job put me under. The anxiety and the depression were insurmountable at the time. As one does, I put on a brave face and carried on. I didn’t let you see me sweat. 

 

His face, as you fired me, was that of sorrow. That he didn’t want to be in this position, he looked at me with pity while it seemed you were doing a victory dance. Was I that bad of an employee for you to find joy in letting me go? You were so callous it was almost cruel. At least he had some sense. He knew I was a good worker, and I don’t think he truly understood your decision. 

 

Jealous Co-Worker

 

Because she was always in your ear about something, she was intimidated by me. She hated me. Therefore, you had to hate me. I blame you and her. I do not blame him. He did nothing wrong. He was just a poor, unfortunate person to be in that situation. 

 

I can’t believe that you joked and laughed as I was cleaning out my desk. I was crying, and you were laughing. That is unbelievably cruel. He walked me out, and he was genuinely sorry for the situation. But you, you were cruel. 

 

What Happened Next

 

So, I need to educate you on what happened to me after you fired me. What is the aftermath of your decision to let me go from my job? No wonder people hit such deep lows when they lose a job. That hurts if you put 100% of your efforts into a career and are just dumped. 

 

I had very little money. What money I did save went to get a new apartment. I had to move. I couldn’t stay where I was anymore. It took everything I had. I didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning. I felt like such a failure. Even with the meds, I was depressed. I didn’t know how much longer I was going to be able to live with myself. 

 

Choices

 

Choices are a funny thing, and we make them every day. But our choices affect those around us. Your choices affected me negatively in a bad way. I was already depressed, and your choice made it so much worse. When it rains, it pours, and you were the last thundercloud. The straw that broke the camels’ back. 

 

I was a broken human. Frankly, I didn’t even recognize myself anymore. I remember being so sad. So numb. I didn’t feel anything anymore. Nothing made me happy. I was in such a bottomless pit I didn’t think anyone could save me. Honestly, I want you to know that. I hope my life will be a lesson to you, what man meant to harm, God intended for good. 

 

It wasn’t good for a long time. 

 

God knew that it was only by His grace that I survived that period of my life. He knew that was the worst possible job I could be in. He knew that was a bad fit for me and my personality, though I was good at it. So really, it became a blessing. But don’t think for one second that I don’t still hold resentment towards you. Even my ex-co-worker can’t stand you. No one can. Because you are rude, you talk over people and rub people the wrong way, not many people like you. 

 

Without your poor choice

 

I would not have made it to the job I have now. I wouldn’t have met my forever love. My job now is awesome, and I am very good at it. I am highly respected by everyone that knows me. And well-liked by many in my profession. I tell people how it is, I do not judge them, I do not micro-manage, and I am not micromanaged. 

 

I am free to do things my way. And my way works. I am still medicated, but I am medicated for the best. It helps me cope with those dark days. Those days are so uncertain, and I never know when one will come up. But they are manageable now. 

 

My life is better now, no thanks to you. 

 

 

 

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Guest Blogger, Suicide Awareness and Prevention

No Thanks to You Part 2

Brandi C

 

 

No Thanks to You Part 2

No Thanks to You Part 2

I didn’t do things the way you wanted me to. Honestly, I like to make notes. I don’t shred things as often as you would like because I fear losing something important. Frankly, I still do that to this day. I am good at returning phone calls, but you insist that I write down every number and every message, so I don’t forget to call them back. Lastly, I can do several things at once, and you didn’t like that. 

 

You are very controlling, too much micromanaging my work. Honestly, you knew I did a good job, so why didn’t you let me do things my way? You told me everyone does things differently and gets their rhythm. I had my rhythm, but you wanted to change who I was as a person and employee. I took issue with that. 

 

Depression Over my Job

 

I got so depressed at this job and anxious over doing a good job that I had to get medicated. Every time you walked into the room, I wondered what I had done wrong now? You started making a point to notice every tiny detail of something I missed or got wrong. That is not how a boss should be to his employees. You didn’t praise me anymore. You didn’t show any sign that I was enough for this job. 

 

You expected more and more from me. When I needed help, you were conveniently not around. I tried to get your help with a matter, and you were not available to help me. I made a mistake. I acknowledge that. But your biggest mistake was not being around when I needed you—and not training me as you should. 

 

Another Low Blow

 

I cannot believe that you tried to take my unemployment from me. That was one of the lowest things that you did to me. I was mortified. And when I explained this to the woman at the unemployment office the situation, she quickly understood that it was not me but you. I am glad she saw it my way. 

 

You kept meeting with me with a disappointed look in your eyes. And you dragged him into this? The look on his face was regretful for having to deal with your misogynistic, sexist, backward, lying actions. Telling me we can fix this, and if you get yourself medicated, it will be fixed. You made me feel like the problem was with me and not you and that it was all my fault for the very few mistakes I did make. 

 

You made me feel less than human. 

 

I was just a troubled, sad person who couldn’t perform well at my job without being medicated. Do you have any idea what I was going through at that time of my life? That I was going through a break-up months from getting married? My grandfather almost died, and you didn’t bat an eye. I was so sad. And you made me feel like, at least in the beginning, that we were a team and you would help me through anything. 

 

But you didn’t even bother to ask. You just assumed I was okay and moved on. Frankly, you didn’t care what happened to me. You didn’t watch. And that was hurtful because you said I could trust you. 

 

Smack in the Middle the Lies Began

 

Then, you let me go in the middle of all the shit I was dealing with within a week of the end of my probationary period. I had nothing. Nothing. Nothing to live for anymore. You were the last straw in my life. I was already dealing with so much pain and agony, and you treated me this way. After all the work I did for you. All those extra hours I worked. 

You told me that I was rude to inmates and that I talked over them. That was all a lie. You said to me that a clerk filed a complaint against me. That was also a lie. I don’t even know what I did to offend her, but life continues. The judges liked me. They still do—funny thing how lies work. I have never had a single issue in that courthouse in my job now. I am respected and well-liked by everyone. 

 

You told me that I wasn’t a good fit. 

 

Then why waste my time and yours? You could have let me go a lot sooner. If I were that lousy employee, you would have cut your losses sooner. Isn’t that what you told me about Charlotte in Frankfort? That you should cut your losses and fire me. 

You told me that to scare me. I don’t even think that woman knows my name or anything about me. I was a week from being a tenured employee. And you decided to cut me then; you milked me for all the work I was good enough for. Then you dumped me on the curb like yesterday’s trash. I was no longer your prodigy. 

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Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Guest Blogger, Suicide Awareness and Prevention

No Thanks to You

Brandi C

No Thanks to You

No Thanks to You

No Thanks to You. I held such resentment for you. I still have some resentment for the way you treated me. At first, you made me feel like I was a prodigy, that I could do it all. You knew my family and me; their reputation preceded me. I was hired on pretty quickly and showed you all my potential. 

You made me feel special, that I was doing so well. I worked well with you, judges, lawyers, inmates, and jail staff. I was good at my job. I did my best to be impartial, no matter the charge. I never gave anyone reason to believe that I disliked them. I was calm and collected. 

 

Everyone loved me. 

 

The jail staff, my co-workers, and the court staff, everyone loved me. I had no complaints. No one came to me or had any issues with me. My co-worker vouched for me so many times because she knew how good of an employee I was. So what I don’t understand is why you turned on me. After you hired your new protege, I fell by the wayside. 

 

I was still doing exemplary work and detailed assessments, and nothing escaped me. I did well in court, was respectful to all, and did my job. And it was a stressful job, with many things at stake, and I worked without complaint. 

 

You Promised

 

You promised me that you would train me further, that I would be attending all these pieces of training to make me better. But you failed. I did not receive those pieces of training. Therefore, I had to learn a lot of things myself. Every time I had an issue, I told you that I did not feel right every time someone asked something of me. 

 

When she became a supervisor, she also fell in this time. She disliked me for some reason. I tried to be kind, still told her all my issues, and filled her in on essential details. She is so fake. I can’t understand why you listened to her over me. 

 

Choosing One Over the Other

 

I never gave you a reason not to trust me. She gave you every reason. It was always my word against hers, and it was always the issue with her. She is a snake in the grass, and I am surprised not more people see that in her. She pretends to be a good person and would play Christian music at work, but I could see that she was faking it. Her actions did not prove she was a good person. 

 

She went behind my back to you over an issue I struggled with. I knew the protocol. I knew what would happen. She was standing over me, talking in my ear with another person, standing over my shoulder, behind me, waiting for me to call. I may have been short with her, but I did as she requested. 

 

Honest Truth

 

I don’t do well when people are behind me. I don’t do well with people barking orders at me and micromanaging me. When I later asked her if there were any issues, she assured me there weren’t. And foolishly, I believed her. Then, like the snake, she went to you without telling me. And that was the knife in the back that hurt me. 

I do not trust very quickly. You and she are two of those reasons. First, you told me that you would help me and train me further, that I could trust you. I relied on you to help me because you said that you would. But you didn’t; you failed in that regard.