This series is based on a past workplace experience that had a significant impact on me. I’m sharing it because the insights that emerged helped me make sense of patterns that are often hard to see clearly at the time. My hope is that others might find language or clarity for their own situations through it.

I didn’t stay because I lacked discernment. 
I stayed because I believed in love.

I believed God could redeem people. 
I believed patience mattered. 
I believed faith meant perseverance.

When something hurt, I explained it away:

- stress


- pressure


- misunderstanding


- wounds God was still healing


When I raised concerns, I was met with words: “I’m sorry.” 
“I’ll change.” 
“I didn’t mean it.”

And for a short while, things would improve.

I took that improvement as evidence that God was working.

What I didn’t understand then was this:

Sincerity in words is not the same as safety in reality.

I wasn’t staying because it was good. 
I was staying because leaving felt like failing God.