As part of my company’s policies and procedures, trainers such as myself need to undergo a trainer’s certification before the company allows us to facilitate training inductions. This meant I had to present the modules to SME’s (Subject Matter Experts) and training managers. No pressure— They were just people who could pinpoint every mistake that I could make. The panel selected five of hardest and most important topics from the training curriculum. If I do well, then I provided proof that I could deliver the training program as a whole. The certification would last three days, the top two modules on Day 1, another two modules on Day 2, and the last module on Day 3. I had two weeks to prepare. Game time. Day 1. It was supposed to be the most difficult modules. The panel was delighted with the presentation. They gave me “Excellent” feedback. My manager told me that the worst part was done and that the remaining modules should be a piece of cake. Day 2. I failed the third module! The panel made it very difficult for me. I lost control of my audience, and the training became very awkward. I knew what I was supposed to do, but I was not able to execute. When the panel gave their feedback, they told me things that I already knew. They rescheduled my presentation. I felt so disappointed with myself. I ran the fourth module in the afternoon. I passed, but I was not happy. I knew very well that I could have done better. It seemed that the events in the morning still affected me. My boss felt my negativity, she sat down and talked to me. She told me “I look at you and you look defeated. I want you to know am not disappointed at you at all! Why are you beating yourself too hard? It’s okay! Let it go! We’ll get them next time!” I went home with my shoulders dropped. My boss’ kind words didn’t help me. I read the articles I wrote on High3r.com and the verses there. I heard the Holy Spirit whisper to me, “You got knocked down today, are you telling me you won’t be able to get up?” The Holy Spirit has ways of explaining things to me that I could understand. I answered, “Of course I’ll get up!” One thing that this experience taught me is that it takes skill to handle victory— being humble, consistency, setting examples and offering glory to Jesus— but it takes something special to stand up when you fall and try again after a loss. Taking a hit is as important as giving one. The road of life is long and hard, and you can’t expect it to be rainbows and butterflies all the time. We will fail, and we need to learn to accept defeat as well as victories. The key is not giving up. I’ll tell you what, I’m going to do that certification again and I’ll give my best shot. If I go down, I’ll go down swinging. I will still praise God. I know He is in control and that He knows what’s best for me. If I triumph, all glory to His name, He who empowers me to do all things. Praise Jesus’ Name! Soar higher with Jesus! Embrace the love of God! Promote good vibes and spread positivity! Proverbs 24:16 The righteous may fall seven times but still get up, but the wicked will stumble into trouble. 2 Corinthians 4:9 We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed.