Purpose Doesn’t Pause for Pain

The Living Genesis Series

Have you ever felt that ache in the middle of your chest which is the kind that never really goes away? A sadness you can’t explain, that lingers even when everything seems fine on the outside?

For years, that was me. When I lost my son Genesis, I felt like a different person. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I didn’t want to get close to anyone. I had to reinvent myself to almost become someone else just to survive.

After several years of therapy, my life coach, Lillie Dulaney, asked me a question that changed everything:

“How are you going to turn your pain into purpose?”

At the time, I didn’t know the answer. Sometimes even feeling happy made me feel guilty, like I wasn’t supposed to feel anything good again. The only thing I knew for sure was that I needed to feel close to my son. I had to do something to make the pain mean something.

Back then, I was working with adults. But something in me shifted. I felt drawn to the kids (especially foster youth) who, like me, were hurting. Many had lost their families, their communities, their sense of self. Without knowing it, I was building something in Genesis’s honor.

The Living Genesis was born out of pain, but also out of purpose.

Grief doesn’t disappear. It comes in waves. Every birthday still hurts. Certain memories still bring tears. But purpose doesn’t wait for you to stop hurting. It invites you to build even with a broken heart.

That’s what we teach our kids: your grief doesn’t make you weak. It can become your super power. Even when you feel lost, your life still holds meaning. Your story can help someone else heal.

That’s why I believe so deeply in therapy, in life coaching, in surrounding our kids with people who help them navigate the journey. We can’t do life alone and we don’t have to.

The Living Genesis isn’t just a name. It’s the love and legacy I live out every single day.

We breathe through the hard moments. We stay rooted in community.

And we keep building because purpose doesn’t pause for pain.

And neither do we.

Still building with love, 

Fritzie 

If this message speaks to you, pass it on. If you believe in our work and want to help turn pain into purpose for the youth we serve, consider joining our village—every gift brings life to this mission. 💛