Rising After a Misstep: Grace for the Woman Who Still Feels the Weight
By Bianca Schaefer
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." — Philippians 1:6, ESV
I’ve made mistakes. I’ve owned them, asked for forgiveness, and even received it. But I’ll be honest—what’s often hardest isn't what others think of me—it’s what I still think about myself.
As women leaders, we often feel the pressure to hold it all together. When we stumble, the shame can feel louder than God’s grace. We begin to question our credibility, our calling, even our worth. But here’s the truth: God hasn’t changed His mind about you.
The Work Isn’t Over
Philippians 1:6 is a steady reminder: God finishes what He starts. Your leadership journey isn’t over because of one failure. The good work He began in you didn’t get canceled by your mistake—it’s being refined through it.
Mistakes don’t disqualify you. They deepen you. They pull you closer to the heart of God and develop in you the kind of humility, compassion, and resilience that strong leadership requires.
Grace Isn’t Passive—It’s Transformational
We often treat grace like a quiet pardon. But grace is more than permission to move on—it’s power to move forward. When you receive God’s grace, it changes how you lead. You stop striving for perfection and start leading from a place of dependence and honesty.
Your mistake doesn’t erase your voice. It just gives you more depth. Your vulnerability becomes a bridge, not a barrier.
Lead with Integrity, Not Image
If your mistake impacted others, rebuilding trust takes time. But don’t confuse trust with image. You’re not called to manage perception—you’re called to walk in truth. People don’t need flawless leaders. They need whole ones. Leaders who are honest, who’ve wrestled with failure and come out stronger.
Your story—yes, even the broken part—is still useful in God’s hands.
You Are Still Becoming
Self-doubt may linger, but it’s not the voice of truth. God is still shaping you. He sees the whole picture. He knows the woman you’re becoming—rooted, resilient, and redeemed.
So, keep taking the next steps. Lead with grace. Lead with courage. And Lead Well knowing that the One who started this good work in you is not finished yet.
Reflection Questions
In what ways are you still allowing shame or guilt to define your leadership?
What would change if you truly believed God is still completing a good work in you—even now?
Prayer:
God, thank You for never giving up on me—even when I struggle to forgive myself. Help me lead from grace, not guilt. Shape me into a woman who leads with humility, strength, and confidence in You. Finish the work You’ve started in me. Amen.