How Coding Saved Me from Myself
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, filled with heartache, challenges, and moments of self-doubt. But in the midst of these struggles, I found an unexpected refuge—coding. It wasn’t just about learning a technical skill; it became a way for me to navigate life, lean on Christ, and ultimately reshape my purpose.
The Darkest Days
There was a time when I felt lost, dealing with emotional turmoil and heartbreak. As a leader, an IT consultant, and an events organizer, I had always been in control, planning and executing with precision. But when personal struggles hit, I found myself questioning everything. It was difficult to focus, and I felt drained. My mind was constantly battling between pushing forward and giving up.
Discovering Code
One day, as I immersed myself in my IT consulting work, I realized something—coding had always been a part of me, but I had never seen it as more than just a profession. The structure, the problem-solving, and the logic all mirrored what I was going through in life. The first time I fixed a stubborn bug after hours of frustration, it hit me: life was just like coding. Every challenge had a solution, even if it wasn’t immediately visible.
A Newfound Purpose
As I delved deeper into coding, I saw parallels between debugging a program and healing from personal struggles. Just like in faith, patience and perseverance were necessary. Each project became more than just a task; it was a representation of resilience. The process of breaking down problems into smaller, manageable pieces helped me approach my own emotions and situations the same way.
Healing Through Logic and Faith
Coding forced me to think differently. Instead of being consumed by overwhelming thoughts, I started approaching life like a program—analyzing the root cause, finding alternative solutions, and trusting the process. Most importantly, it reminded me that just as code needs a solid foundation, my faith in Christ was my ultimate anchor. Through Him, I found clarity, strength, and the courage to keep going.
Community and Growth
Through coding, I not only refined my technical skills but also found a community—something that resonated with my role as a life group leader. Teaching others, mentoring, and engaging in meaningful conversations gave me a sense of belonging and reminded me that healing comes through connection. Whether it was helping a fellow coder debug an issue or guiding my brothers in Christ through scripture, I saw how serving others uplifted me as well.
Wrapping up
Coding didn’t just teach me how to build software; it taught me how to rebuild myself. It reminded me that even in the darkest moments, there is always a way forward. It became a tool for growth, a metaphor for resilience, and a testament to God’s guidance in my life. Looking back, I see that learning to code wasn’t just about programming computers—it was about programming my heart and mind for a stronger, faith-driven future.