THIS week we are excited to continue our spotlight on inspirational women, to learn about their strengths, weaknesses, and how they overcome life’s challenges by faith. Today’s exceptional woman of faith is Dr Hopelin Hines, respected corporate professional, mentor, mother, and wife.

Q: What would you describe as your superpower?

A: Tenacity/perseverance by the grace of God. My husband once told me that if we were to choose an animal that depicts a key feature of my character, it would be the pitbull. I am very loyal and I know how to hold on for dear life because my God has never failed me yet. I am a never-give-up personality, ever epitomising determination. One of my favourite poems since my teen years is Don’t Quit. Once I believe God has called me to something or placed a responsibility in my hand, even if the task appears daunting and impossible to achieve, I won’t let go though the road be tough, unless I am sure He is telling me to close that chapter.

Q: What would you describe as your main weakness?

A: My main weakness also emanates from my superpower — discerning when to let go of my dream. I am getting better at this as the Lord helps me grow in this area. He has been teaching me not to dwell on the ‘wouldacouldashoulda’ haunts, the victories lost or catastrophising about what’s lost. Instead, He keeps inspiring me to get up back again, brush myself off, and keep walking. Daily I learn that His ways are past finding out and so I need not worry when a goal evolves into something else or is executed perhaps even through someone else, at a later time, or using a very different path from what I envisioned. This builds my faith in my faithful God when I see His faithfulness triumphing in the midst of setbacks or disappointments. This Master Chiseler then creates an innovative masterpiece I never imagined, intertwined with the missed steps, oversights, mistakes, etc. I journal my experiences to help me remember where I’ve been before, where He’s brought me from, what He’s taken me through, and this gives me confidence that He will do it again. Consequently, I have learned to lean on Him in all the situations life throws up, including when I have stupidly missed the mark completely. I learnt in Sunday School very early that God sees the end from the beginning. Proverbs 20: 24, “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?” Once I allow Him to direct my steps, knowing that He holds my world in His hands, I need not fear as all things work together for my good, undeserving as I am. Sometimes I need refresher courses along the journey, but by His grace I am praying that I will need less and less.

Q: Describe one of your greatest challenges during the course of your life and how your faith in God helped you to overcome or to go through it.

A: My greatest challenge was going through a most trying and devastating period of illness for which survival looked very dicey as it took a long time to diagnose what was really wrong. God held me close so I wouldn’t let go of hope in His ability to deliver me against the odds. “Somebodies” prayed for me when I couldn’t pray for myself. Those were very dark days. He opened the eyes of the doctors to finally understand what my complaint was and He lined up all that was needed for the medical interventions required in short order. This was on the brink of my family contemplating seeking help for me overseas. He brought to my rescue the people of God, the unwavering support of my beloved family, extended family and friends, and special work colleagues to pray and stand with my family in practical support and encouragement. This period of my life eroded my confidence and made me very vulnerable as I had to learn to walk again and climb the stairs again, both literally and figuratively. Never knew heels would see these feet again…but God had other plans. Completing my PhD looked elusive as I was so diminished emotionally, physically, and otherwise. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I stand here today only by God’s amazing grace. I give Him all the glory! I sought the Lord assiduously and He heard my cries and gave me daily strength. Consequently, I live in hope, no pun intended. I wanted to know what He was teaching me through it all. It was a day-by-day journey for real. I had no idea how things would turn out but I was assured my God was with me all the way as I sailed those stormy seas. Even in hospital the Lord would give me His quiet assurance that He was with me and would speak to me tenderly, even though the very clouds I could see through my window. My studies looked like they’d take a good hit…but God said it’s never over until I say it’s over!

Join us next week for practical advice from Hopelin for women going through a tough season. In the meantime, feel free to send your comments or questions to familyandfaithmagazine@gmail.com.

Passionate about faith and women empowerment, Shelly-Ann Mair-Harris has served on the board of women’s rights organisations and is the author of several publications, including God’s Woman and The Goodies on Her Tray. A woman of faith for several years, Shelly-Ann is the creator of Family and Faith Magazine and Women & Faith. She is also a podcaster, an award-winning playwright and poet as well as a trained and experienced media, marketing, change management, and strategic communications professional.