My feelings are hurt today.

Not because of anything anyone did to me—but because of what I’m witnessing. My circle… they’re reflecting. They’re becoming self-aware. They’re doing the hard, uncomfortable work of growing. And as we come to the end of March and step into a new quarter, I can feel it—this shift, this weight, this stretching.

When Grown Women started back in December, we didn’t fully know what we were stepping into. At least I didn’t. I don’t think any of us truly understood that saying “yes” to growth would require us to actually become grown women in every sense of the word.

We didn’t know it would call us to look in the mirror and sit with ourselves—our patterns, our thinking, how we love, how we show up, the good and the not-so-good. We didn’t know we’d have to confront those things and make a decision: heal or stay the same.

And we chose to heal.

We wrote down our hopes. Our dreams. The things we were believing God for. We shared prayer requests. We were open, honest, transparent. But what we didn’t fully account for… was the stripping that would come with it.

Because in order for God to show us how good life can truly get, there are things in us—and around us—that have to go.

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” — John 15:2

And that part? It hurts.

Lately, my circle has been going through it. Different situations, different stories, but the same thread: growth through pain. And the thing about us is—we don’t go through anything alone.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

When I was breaking off my engagement, I didn’t walk that road by myself. Yes, there were nights I cried alone. Nights I felt the ache deeply. But I was never without covering. I always knew my circle was praying for me, lifting me, standing in the gap.

And now… the roles have shifted.

Now I’m watching them hurt.

And my heart aches because I understand what it feels like. I feel restless. I cry because they’re hurting. But I also recognize something deeper: this is pruning season.

And pruning doesn’t feel good—but it’s necessary.

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace…” — Hebrews 12:11

What I admire most about my circle is this: even in the pain, we don’t waste the lesson. We ask, “What is this teaching me?” We recognize that if something is being removed, it’s making room for something greater. If something feels like it’s breaking, it might actually be aligning.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him…” — Romans 8:28

We understand that this moment is not the end—it’s preparation.

Life is… life.

And when we allow ourselves to be honest, to be open, to be vulnerable before God—that’s when He does His best work.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10

I truly believe He is doing something powerful within this community. Within the women who said “yes” before we even had clarity.

We don’t know what it’s going to look like tomorrow, next week, or even an hour from now.

But we do know this: we are growing.

So to every woman in this season—don’t be discouraged as this first quarter comes to an end. You are not falling apart… you are being refined.

“See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” — Isaiah 48:10

Keep your head up.

Love yourself deeply.

Allow God to sing healing, deliverance, and peace over you.

“The Lord your God is with you… He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” — Zephaniah 3:17

Let His word wash over you until it reaches the broken places.

“That He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.” — Ephesians 5:26

Because it does get better.

And as we continue to hold each other up, to pray, to encourage, to walk this thing out together—remember this:

You are stronger than you feel.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

And in your weakest moments, God’s strength shows up the most.

So let it go.

Release it.

Heal out loud.

And step boldly into this new quarter.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” — Isaiah 43:18–19

We’re not who we were in December—and that’s something to be proud of.

Come on, new season.