When podcast host and founder Kimmah Lewis sat down with CBS Denver reporter Kennedy Cook, what unfolded was more than a conversation about career and calling — it was a testament to faith, family, and finding purpose in the pauses.

When Kennedy graduated college, she imagined walking straight into her dream job. Instead, she found herself back home anxious, unemployed, and wondering if she’d somehow missed her moment. But what looked like a setback became the foundation for everything that came next. A reminder that faith doesn’t protect us from the storm; it prepares us to stand in it.

1. Root Yourself in Your Village

Kennedy is clear: her family, friends, parents, and strong Christian upbringing were her foundation. They kept her grounded and gave her a soft place to land when life got heavy. Her village reminded her who she was when she lost her footing.

But you don’t have to be born into a village to have one. You can find it; in mentors, coworkers, church members, or friends who see your light and reflect it back when it flickers.

A strong foundation doesn’t prevent trials and tribulations; it empowers you to withstand them.

Try this now: Make a list of three people who make you feel safe, grounded, or seen. Send one of them a message of gratitude today.

2. Finding Grace in the Waiting

When Kennedy’s classmates were posting new-job announcements, she was home refreshing her inbox and fighting anxiety. It was humbling and hard — but also healing and holy in its own way.

She learned that grace isn’t about skipping struggle; it’s about staying open in it. Sometimes God’s delay isn’t denial; it’s divine redirection.

Try this now: Think of one area where you feel “behind.” Write down one thing this waiting season has taught you about yourself.

3. Prepare Where You Stand

Kennedy didn’t let waiting make her stagnant. During the pandemic, she launched a YouTube series, interviewing musicians, artists and even her cousins and friends to sharpen her storytelling skills. That nontraditional reel eventually became the foundation for the one that landed her on TV.

Her message? Don’t wait to be chosen. Choose yourself. Start where you are and let practice prepare you for purpose.

Try this now: Take one skill you already have and practice it in a low-stakes way this week — a mock interview, a voice memo, a 30-second story on camera. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress.

4. Be a Better Friend

Kennedy says one of the best lessons she’s learned is not to make friendships about herself. Real connection requires intention. Listening more than talking, being curious instead of corrective, offering laughter instead of advice.

Sometimes the best thing you can do for someone else is simply to hold space for them without making it about you.

Try this now: Reach out to a friend this week without an agenda. Ask how they’re really doing — and then just listen.

5. What’s the Worst That Could Happen?

When fear whispers, “what if it fails?” Kennedy flips it: “What if it works?” Her recipe for going after your dreams is simple: prayer, discipline, discernment, and willpower.

She believes what’s meant for you will never miss you, but that doesn’t mean you wait passively. You move. Even if it’s messy, even if it’s scary, even if it takes time.

Try this now: Write down one dream you’ve been delaying out of fear. Under it, list one step — just one — that would move you closer this week. Take it, scared and all.

Gentle Close

Kennedy’s story reminds us that faith isn’t a feeling, it’s a framework. You can pray and prepare at the same time. You can trust and still take action.

Because what’s for you won’t pass you by but it might require you to build, believe, and move in faith until it finds you.