The Purpose of Pain
Last week, I had the privilege of speaking to a group of veteran business owners in Dallas—about 175 men and women who’ve faced pressure, fear, and loss in ways few can truly understand. My topic that evening was steady leadership — specifically, how to lead yourself so you can be your best for those who follow you.
As I spoke, I could feel the connection in the room. Heads nodded. Eyes welled with tears. These weren’t just business owners—they were warriors who carried heavy burdens. And they intimately understand what it means to lead under fire.
I always close my keynote by posing a challenge to the audience members: make yourself the hero of your story. Use the pain you’ve endured to help others heal. Be the kind of leader who gives hope to people walking through the same battles you’ve already survived.
That night, this challenge really hit home.
As soon as I stepped off stage, a woman approached me, tears streaming down her face. She could barely speak. I gave her a hug and told her she didn’t need to say anything. When she gathered herself, she told me that her son was in the audience—that my message was exactly what he needed to hear. She thanked me for being open about my pain because it gave him hope.
A little while later, she came back—with her son. I could see the pain in his eyes. He thanked me quietly and said, “I’ve got a lot to think about.” I agreed that he did—but he didn’t have to do it alone. I got his number and sent him a text that night: “You’re not alone, brother. Reach out anytime.”
I don’t know if I’ll ever hear from him again. But I know one thing for sure: at that moment, he and his mother found hope. And hope is powerful. Hope leads to action—and action changes lives.
This experience reminded me of something simple but profound: your life’s purpose isn’t about you.
People are hurting. Every one of us is carrying something heavy. And we’ve all been called to use what we’ve been given—our experiences, our scars, our victories—to lift others up.
Your story of overcoming adversity might be the very message someone else needs to keep going.
So here’s the challenge for this week:
Is there a specific WHO included in your purpose statement for your life?
Are you living for others?
Are you being vulnerable enough to share your own story so others can find hope?
Leaders who love others, serve others, and give hope freely are the ones who change the world.
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God Bless!
~ Schuyler Williamson