By Domenick Epps

Valley moments are what many in America are experiencing right now.

The stock market, especially oil shares, is falling, jobs are disappearing and the economy is bracing itself for another recession. Divorce rates are increasing, and crime is more sensationalized than ever. We are approaching what could be another historic election, right in the middle of a valley.

Truthfully we all are in, approaching or coming out of a valley experience.

No one, especially those who are used to the mountaintop, enjoys the valley experience. It’s a humbling experience. It’s a place where one’s faith is tested, organizational and stewardship skills — or lack thereof — are exposed, and one’s heart is revealed.

The valley and all that it presents to mankind is useful, and though its reward is seen in hindsight, it has a great purpose. But one must be willing to go through it while refusing to faint or quit in the process.

Yes, it’s tough. Relationships are being challenged, but looking through the correct lens reveals the challenge is preparation for the glory that lies ahead and not a punishment or a sign that one married the wrong individual.

As a football coach, one of the drills I find out players dislike the most is the crab or bear crawl. They dislike it with a passion. In this drill, the player is low to the ground, on all fours, and has to proceed forward without his knees touching the ground. They do this for 50 and sometimes 100 yards down the field. Some groan and moan as the whistle sounds.

In the beginning they perceived the drill as punishment, instead of preparation, not realizing that proper conditioning is vital to the success of the team.

God in His infinite wisdom allows us to go through valley moments not as a means of punishment, but for preparation. Being low is not a sign of weakness but a sign of conditioning. What you are experiencing is not meant to break you, but to build you up and to make you stronger.

Realize that you are much further than you have ever been, so don’t quit when you could be in arm’s reach of completing that specific task.

God bless you!

Domenick Epps is a Suffolk resident, real estate agent and youth pastor. Email him at DomenickEpps.Realtor@gmail.com.