We were lucky to catch up with Darla Colinet recently and have shared our conversation below.
Darla, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I have faced many trials during my life, and I have no doubt that knowing and experiencing the presence of God and Jesus in my life has helped me overcome them. I knew in my own wisdom and strength I would fail. It was in these times when I knew I needed help, I felt their strength and wisdom that was way beyond me. Knowing that the creator of the universe cares about me and helps me gives me eternal hope and resilience for whatever may come my way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m very excited about this later season in life because I am focusing on my artistic gift. I spent the majority of my younger years just trying to survive and help others who had endured abusive marriages. I was involved with the women’s ministry in our church, which led me to teaching, workshops, writing, life coaching, and becoming a consultant for churches concerning abuse.
Nine years ago, I met my husband, who was a restoration gift from God. We met in Italy on a tour, and I now know what it means to be loved like Christ himself! God’s gift has helped me see where I was deceived by the enemy about the true definition of love. As a result of His revelations, I wrote Quest for Exceptional Love, book and workbook to help other women who were determined to feel loved. Writing my memoir, Under the Staircase, Hearing God’s Voice in the Darkness, and Resolving the Abusive Marriage Pandemic were difficult but intrusted missions I needed to complete.
Now that I have finished these missions and am still helping other women, God has opened doors for me to enjoy His artistic gift of painting.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The most important quality of hope in my maker, God, because this created my skill to see beauty or good in any circumstance. Even in hard times, I learned about myself and others. All I have to do is look up and let the sun, wind, or rain remind me that I’m only a small piece in my Master’s plan and how fortunate I am!
My outlook on each day is anticipating what adventures I will have. Some things seem normal, but I’m often blessed when I am looking and letting myself encourage others. I get the opportunity to live my life in a way that honors my King Jesus, who died for me, and that is a privilege!
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
As I have started painting again, I have only had a few art classes. I knew there were things that I was missing. I believe that if you have a gift, you are responsible for growing it. Last September I started an online course called Evolve Art Academy. The teacher, Kevin Murphy, has made such a difference in my understanding of subjects, values, colors, and so much more. He has connected some of the dots and filled in some of the missing ones I’ve had for years. I look forward to the first painting I will do in complete color, hopefully soon!
To become better at anything, find someone who is good and has the ability to teach you. Learning takes steps and time, so be patient with yourself. Be determined to grow, and you will find a new joy!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.darlacolinet.com/best-sellers
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlacolinet/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarlaColinetSpeaker
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darla-colinet/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMis2kfa-Hh_Y0KmAgbsPaw/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/darlatgm/
Image Credits
Darla Colinet
