Learn to PIVOT

By Lauretta Scott | ipublishub-Books

Have you ever had to pivot — to make a sudden turn that completely changed the direction of your life?

Have unfortunate circumstances ever left you questioning your purpose or asking, “Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?”

It’s a question I’ve heard many times. People often call it karma — that word thrown around as if people somehow deserve their pain. But life isn’t always that simple. Sometimes what looks like chaos is really God shifting you toward purpose.

Early one morning, as I prayed about what to write, one word came to mind: PIVOT.

When I moved to North Carolina just over a year ago, my entire life took a major turn — a divine pivot I didn’t see coming. And wouldn’t you know it, the first church I attended had a sermon series titled “PIVOT.”

At first, I didn’t fully understand what the word meant in my own life. I was living it — right in the middle of transition, change, and uncertainty. And in that season, I realized God was teaching me how to pivot — not out of fear, but into faith.

A Chapter That Changed Everything

I want to share a story — a true one — from my book Benjamin’s Lady, in a chapter called “Momma, I Love You.”

Though the story uses fictional names, it reflects one of the most life-altering moments of my teenage years.

When I was just fifteen, I came home one day to news no child should ever have to hear:

My mother had passed away.

That day marked the first great pivot of my life — one that shaped who I would become.

In the story, Jada represents me, and her father represents my sister Melinda.

Momma, I Love You

If Jada had known that April 26 would be her last chance to say “I love you” to her mother, she would have said it one million times — and even that wouldn’t have been enough.

That morning, she walked out of the house with frustration in her heart, pretending to go to school, ignoring the gentle words echoing behind her: “I love you, Jada.”

She didn’t realize that those words were her mother’s goodbye.

Jada’s mom, Sue Ellen, was a remarkable woman — her best friend, her anchor, her A.I.G. (short for “All I Got”). They prayed together nightly, and Jada would often sneak into her parents’ bed just to cuddle next to her mother’s side.

Sue Ellen had been ill, battling a brain tumor, yet she poured every ounce of strength into caring for her family and raising Jada with love and moral grounding. Two weeks before her passing, Jada had participated in a beauty pageant — not for fame, but to make her mother proud. And she did. Though she didn’t win the crown, her mother celebrated her as if she had won the world.

But that fateful Friday morning, everything changed.

Jada asked to borrow her mother’s car to drive to school. Her mom said no, explaining that she needed the car for a doctor’s appointment. Angry, Jada stormed out, choosing to skip school instead. As she left, she heard her mother’s voice again — “I love you, Jada.” — but she shut the door and walked away.

Hours later, when she returned home, her house was surrounded by family and neighbors. Her father met her at the door with grief in his eyes and said, “I have something to tell you.”

When he finally spoke the words — “Mom is gone. She died this morning.” — Jada’s world shattered. She screamed, collapsed, and through tears whispered, “She could’ve at least said goodbye.”

But she had.

Her mother’s final words were her goodbye.

“I love you, Jada.”

That moment — that pivot — changed everything.

When Life Forces a Pivot

In life, you never know what moment will shift your direction forever.

The loss of my mother at fifteen forced me to pivot into a season of pain, growth, and ultimately — purpose.

I share this story because pivots aren’t always pretty. They don’t always feel fair. But they’re necessary for transformation.

When life suddenly turns, we can either resist it or trust that God is rerouting us toward His divine plan.

Your pivot might come through loss, disappointment, or a closed door — but every redirection has a reason.

Lessons from the Pivot

1️⃣ Don’t run from the turn.

The detour may be divine. God often redirects before He reveals.

2️⃣ Keep your heart right.

Love people while you can. Say the words that matter — before it’s too late.

3️⃣ Trust the process.

The Potter’s hands may press hard, but His grip is full of love.

4️⃣ PIVOT wisely.

Not every move is meant to be explained — some are meant to be obeyed.

Closing Reflection

Life will always have moments that pivot us — some by choice, others by circumstance.

But every turn carries purpose.

So, love deeply. Forgive quickly.

And when life shifts in a direction you didn’t expect, stand firm and trust that God is still in control.

Remember:

The pivot isn’t punishment — it’s preparation.

Move in faith.

Shift gracefully.

And most of all — PIVOT wisely.

✍️

Written by Lauretta Scott

Author | Founder of iPublishhub-Books & iCaringHands Mobile Phlebotomy Service

Lauretta Scott is a faith-based author, speaker, and entrepreneur whose writings inspire hope, healing, and divine purpose. Through ipublishub-Books, she encourages readers to embrace life’s transitions with courage and faith, trusting that every pivot brings them closer to God’s perfect plan.