Meet Sherine Leslie-Gooden

We were lucky to catch up with Sherine Leslie-Gooden recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sherine, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from a combination of life experience and my faith in God. Over the years, I’ve faced challenges that tested my patience, strength, and even my faith. I remember one particularly difficult season in my life when I encountered a major setback that felt overwhelming at the time. It would have been easy to let the situation define me or lead me into despair, but I made a conscious decision to see it as an opportunity for growth rather than defeat.
I didn’t have all the answers. But I had my faith. And it became my anchor. Faith has always been at the centre of my resilience. Through that experience, I learned to rely not only on my perseverance but also on God’s guidance and strength. Prayer, worship, and staying rooted in God’s Word give me peace in the middle of life’s storms. My resilience also comes from knowing that storms don’t last forever, but the strength God builds in me during them will. Trusting in His plan helped me navigate uncertainty and find clarity in the midst of chaos. My faith reminded me that even when circumstances are difficult, they are not the final chapter of my story.
Each challenge has strengthened my character, taught me patience, and deepened my trust in God. I’ve come to see resilience not as merely enduring hardships but as the ability to rise, learn, and continue moving forward with purpose. My life experiences, coupled with my faith, have shaped a resilience that allows me to face challenges with hope, courage, and determination.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am an author, writer, and entrepreneur, but above all, I see myself as a vessel God uses to inspire and uplift others. My journey has not been a straight path — it has been shaped by seasons of growth, challenges, and divine encounters that revealed my purpose. Writing, for me, is more than putting words on paper; it is a ministry, a way of sharing light, truth, and encouragement with those searching for hope.
In February 2024, I published my first book, Process for Purpose: Learning to Trust God’s Plan and Purpose in Your Season of Waiting. In its pages, I share my story of faith, hope, and resilience to encourage and uplift others. This book was birthed out of my own darkest seasons—times of hopelessness, fear, and discouragement—when I had to press into God, learn to trust His timing, and shift my focus from my situation to Him.
Process for Purpose offers practical strategies to help readers endure seasons of waiting, strengthen their faith and patience, and remain encouraged despite how long the wait may be. My message is simple: don’t let your circumstances define you. With God, you can climb over every obstacle and move forward into purpose.
I am most proud that despite many obstacles and setbacks, I didn’t allow them to silence my story. Instead, I chose to share it so that others might find strength and hope. With every word I write, I hope to ignite faith and resilience in my readers, reminding them of the truth found in Luke 1:37 (KJV): “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
What excites me most about my work is witnessing how something God placed on my heart can touch lives in ways I could never imagine. Whether through my book, article, or simple post, I want everything I create to carry a message of faith, resilience, and purpose.
At the heart of my brand is the belief that we are all called to use our gifts to serve. For me, that means writing and building in ways that inspire transformation — spiritually, personally, and professionally. My prayer is that my work continues to reflect God’s goodness and remind others that no matter where they are in life, He can use their story for His glory.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Your journey isn’t just about success — it’s about faith, resilience, and service. When you trust God’s timing, keep pressing forward, and live to serve others, your story will always make an impact.”
Looking back, I would say three attributes had the most impact on my journey:
Faith and Trust in God – Learning to lean on God, even when I didn’t understand the “why” or “when,” has been the foundation of everything. During my darkest times, I found the power of steadfast faith. My advice is to build a personal relationship with God through prayer and Scripture. Trust that His timing is perfect, and even delays are part of His divine plan.
Resilience and perseverance Obstacles and setbacks will happen, but the decision not to give up has been crucial. Resilience is not about never falling; it is about rising again, stronger and wiser. I advise individuals just starting out on their journey to view challenges as opportunities for progress. Don’t let temporary issues cause you to lose sight of the big picture.
A Heart of Service – At the heart of all I do is the desire to serve others. For me, writing and encouraging others are ministries. When you focus on how your gifts can uplift, encourage, or solve problems for others, you will find deeper fulfilment and purpose. My advice is to shift your mindset from “What can I gain?” to “How can I give?” Service brings alignment with your calling.
I would advise someone just starting out on their journey to be patient with themselves. Growth requires time. Stay anchored in your faith, be willing to keep moving forward despite failures, and always let your work flow from a place of service. When you do, you’ll not only succeed but also make an impact that lasts.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I first take a moment to pause and center myself in God’s presence. I remind myself that I am not carrying life’s burdens alone and that He is faithful to provide guidance and strength (*Psalm 55:22*). Prayer becomes my anchor—a time to lay down worries, seek wisdom, and realign my perspective.

I also take practical steps: I write down my thoughts, organize my priorities, and break tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Journaling helps me process emotions, gain clarity, and see solutions that weren’t obvious in the fog of overwhelm.

Another strategy is intentional rest and spiritual renewal. Sometimes the most productive thing I can do is step back, meditate on Scripture, or listen to worship music, allowing my mind and heart to recharge. Overwhelm often comes when we try to do everything on our own; seeking God first brings peace, perspective, and the strength to move forward.

Ultimately, I’ve learned that overwhelm is not a signal to quit but an invitation to trust God more deeply, lean on His guidance, and pace myself with purpose. By combining faith, reflection, and practical action, I can navigate challenges without losing hope or momentum.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: SherTheEncourager
• Facebook: Sherine Leslie-Gooden

Image Credits

I have rights to the photos.