Faith, Family, and Strength in Hard Times

Faith, Family, and Strength in Hard Times

Living with faith, family, and strength

Life is full of challenges. But faith, family, and strength can lead us through the darkest seasons. For William D. McCreary, these three values are not just words. They are his daily reality. From raising a child on the autism spectrum to navigating loss and building a meaningful life, his story is one of perseverance. This interview offers real-life insight for anyone learning to walk by faith and create a life of purpose. This article shares how faith, family, and strength shaped one man’s journey and how they can guide yours as well.

Picture of William D. McCreary
Credit: William D. McCreary

How personal experiences shaped my outlook on life

The birth of my son in 2020 changed everything. When he was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, I faced a whirlwind of emotions. I questioned myself, asking if I had done something wrong. His delay in development left me searching for answers and filled with determination. I wanted him to connect with me.

That journey sparked something deeper. Watching him grow from being silent to singing, reading, and counting filled my heart with hope. One early morning, between 3 and 4 AM, I felt led to write. It started with personal stories about my son, and it turned into my purpose.

That story later became “A Little Boy and A Dragon,” my first book inspired by my son’s journey. Writing it helped me process what we were experiencing and gave me a voice I didn’t know I had.

How my faith helped me through life’s hardest moments

Faith in Yeshua is my foundation. It gave me the courage to start writing, even when doubt crept in. I didn’t know if my words would touch lives, but I believed they could. The Holy Spirit reminded me I was never alone.

Writing that first book wasn’t just a career move. It was a calling. Through it all, the highs and the lows, my faith stayed strong. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

As 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” That truth has guided me repeatedly.

Finding clarity through spirituality in crisis

Life doesn’t warn us before it changes. When my dad caught COVID and then had a stroke, everything paused. My heart was heavy. I turned to God in prayer, begging for more time with him.

That moment tested everything I believed. But my prayers were answered, and my dad is still here today. I saw clearly then how powerful prayer can be. Sometimes, peace isn’t in the answer but in the act of asking.

Psalm 34:17 NIV reminds us, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”

How faith and mindfulness affect relationships

Faith shapes how I love, grow, and lead. It helps me show up fully in my relationships. Walking by faith, not by sight, pushes me to love beyond logic and hope beyond what I see.

In hard times, I choose peace over panic. I speak life over silence. That’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. My relationships grow stronger because I let faith guide my words and my actions.

Aligning daily life with spiritual values

Daily alignment isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. I make time to pray, reflect, and listen. I ask the Holy Spirit to speak for me when I don’t have the words.

This practice protects my heart. It keeps me from running on empty. My faith is like fuel. Without it, I stall. But with it, I move forward with purpose.

Romans 12:12 NIV encourages us to “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Spiritual practices that keep me grounded

Driving 18-wheelers across the country opens your eyes to many things. It also tests your patience and your peace. For me, praying twice a day is essential. It’s how I reset and refocus.

The road is unpredictable. But prayer brings balance and meaning to the routine. No matter where I go, I take my faith with me.

Advice for those struggling to connect with faith

If you’re feeling distant from your faith, begin with a simple prayer. Don’t worry about saying it right. Just speak from the heart. Ask God to meet you where you are.

Stay positive. Look for the light in your journey. Even small steps toward faith can lead to significant breakthroughs. Use what you have. Trust the process.

Remember, you are not alone.

Wisdom I’d seek from a biblical figure

If I could speak to any biblical figure, it would be David. His courage in facing Goliath amazes me. I’d ask him what it felt like to believe when no one else did.

I want that same courage in modern life. The kind that rises up when challenges look impossible. David’s story reminds me that giants fall when faith stands.

Lessons I’ve learned from faith and spirituality

I’ve learned that consistency matters. You get what you give. Hard work mixed with faith creates real results.

It’s easy to give up when you don’t see progress right away. But faith teaches patience. It teaches grit. It shows you that the reward is often on the other side of the struggle.

Finding joy and purpose in the simple moments

Life doesn’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. I’ve found joy in laughing with my son, spending time with my family, and the peace of knowing I’m doing what I love.

Purpose lives in everyday moments. When you recognize them, gratitude grows. Faith helps me see those moments clearly.

My favorite quote and why it matters

Picture of William D. McCreary
Credit: William D. McCreary

“Walk by faith, not by sight.” That quote has carried me. It reminds me to keep going, even when I can’t see what’s ahead.

Letting my audience experience my work is an act of faith. I believe it can inspire. I think it can help. I believe in what God put in me.

Where you can keep up with me

You can connect with me online on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and my official website: tdd-dropshop.com/vap. I love engaging with others and sharing what inspires me. Let’s grow together.

Closing words on faith, family, and strength

Faith, family, and strength are more than values. They are lifelines. They have shaped every part of my journey, from the sleepless nights with my son to the open highways I travel for work. If you’re walking through something hard, hold on to what anchors you. Let faith guide your steps.

Whether you’re just starting your spiritual journey or looking to reconnect, remember that your story matters. Keep moving forward. There’s a purpose waiting to unfold.

About the Author

William D. McCreary is a professional truck driver, born and raised in Southern Alabama. During high school, he attended Normal Community West in Normal, Illinois. After graduation, he served in the United States Army for three years and later studied at Heartland Community College in Normal, IL.

In his free time, William enjoys playing golf, reading, and spending time with his family. His inspiration behind the book “A Little Boy and A Dragon” came from his son, whose journey continues to shape his life and purpose.

If you liked this article, leave your comments below.

About Dr. Teresa A. Smith, aka Dr. TAS
Dr. Teresa A. Smith, known as Dr. TAS, is an assistant professor in Higher Education Leadership, a nationally certified counselor, an award-winning best-selling author, and an empowerment speaker. As a personal development coach and podcast host, she inspires others to live with purpose and resilience. With a background in counseling and education, Dr. TAS is passionate about helping individuals and communities grow through faith, empowerment, and practical strategies. You can read more about the author here.

Browse Our Archives