Anything Is Possible

Believe, Education, Faith, Family, Friendship, God, Gratitude, Growth, Houston, Inspiration, Persistence, Progress, writing 1 Minute

In a lovely little chapel on the campus of Houston Baptist, I received kind words, a pen, and a pin. This was the last Friday night in May. I had taken the classes, put in the work, and completed requirements for my MFA.

Now, I hear Frank McCourt in my head, and he says, “Stock your mind. It is your house of treasure and no one in the world can interfere with it.” I notice his two polysyllabic words and the strength of his monosyllables. Now, I will work with my tools, read books, study language, and hone my craft. I will put my bloody manuscript in a drawer and let it rest. Same for me, sans drawer, just rest. I’ve learned that good art takes time.

Even though my angel mother grew up in the Baptist church, the “B” in HBU filled me with trepidation. I leaped with faith anyway. God played a role in my story, and I wanted to do Him justice. Still, I never imagined I would find my tribe of like minds at HBU. Now, I see God’s plan. I’ll be forever grateful for these people—my cohort and professors. They became my friends and family, encouraging and inspiring me with their ideas and insight, persistence and growth, love and prayers. All of this without judgement. Even their criticism was kind.

At HBU, I’ve learned to make time and space for my writing and for me. And I’ve realized we all feel like imposters sometimes. I’ve learned to be scared and do it anyway. And I’ve realized the power of continued progress. Anything is possible with belief and persistence. I’m still learning trust and patience in God. At the same time, I believe He is using my story in a way I never could’ve imagined.

Published by Crystal Byers

When I was young, my dad would always say, "Crystal, you can choose your attitude." One day I chose to believe him.

Published

76 thoughts on “Anything Is Possible”

  7. Congratulations 👏👏👏 A job well done and effort well placed. It will give you satisfaction and pleasure for many years to come! You’ve tilled and planted you’re garden 😀 now you can tend it and watch it grow and come to life! 💐🌹🌸🏵😁😊

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  9. We all feel like imposters at times. Be scared and do it anyway. It’s the second sentence that separates the want-to-bes from the doers.

    You are a brave doer, Crystal. Go get em!

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  13. Congratulations on your journey to uncover your truths and talents! I wish you continued success! 💛🌟

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    1. I’m thinking it will be next summer for me with an upcoming new teaching job in August. But I’m going to figure out a way to study author’s craft with everything we read this next school year.

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  19. Warmest congratulations, Crystal! A transformative weekend.

    Not so much for the “official” recognition of the mastery you’ve shown already for years, but of your future becoming your present.

    Now that you’ve worked hard to reach this milestone. you take your place among the learned. Always a combination of giving and receiving advice. This weekend, though, the balance changes.

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    1. I appreciate your kindness, Keith! Probably the biggest piece of the transformation is realizing I’ve been guided in my learning to this point and now knowing that continued learning is up to me. May the transformation continue. #progress

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    1. Thank you so much, Bridget! It was exactly what I needed after relocating from Dallas five years ago. A couple of years ago I made a new friend also new to Houston. She believed in “blooming where you’re planted.” I carry those words with me. God bless you!

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  22. Great going, I loved the line – I learnt to be scared but keep going anyway. Very powerful realization and to normalize and archive what you’ve done is inspirational. Kudos!

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  31. Thank you for sharing!!.. congratulations and all the best in your endeavors and hope it brings you happiness!… “When you are truly inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project… your mind transcends its limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world! Then those dormant forces, faculties and talents inside you become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.” (Patanjali )…. 🙂

    Until we meet again…
    May flowers always line your path
    and sunshine light your way,
    May songbirds serenade your
    every step along the way,
    May a rainbow run beside you
    in a sky that’s always blue,
    And may happiness fill your heart
    each day your whole life through.
    (Irish Saying)

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  32. You Posted — “Anything Is Possible”

    My Response — Is it possible that you are wrong?

    You Stated — “And I’ve realized we all feel like imposters sometimes.”

    My Response — True, but mostly because we thought someone better was out there and they somehow missed the position we are taking up. That may not be as true as we feel it is.

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