Unlocking Resilience: How Debbie Adams Turned Her Pain Into Purpose and Faith-Fueled Empowerment

Debbie Adams is no stranger to hardship, faith, or the power of perseverance. A quiet, book-loving girl who once doubted the strength of her own voice, Debbie has evolved into a bold, faith-filled author and speaker whose story continues to inspire thousands. With three powerful books under her belt—Unlocking the Code to Bliss, Divine Promises, and Straighten Your Crown—Debbie now uses her platform to empower others to move through fear, embrace their inner strength, and lean into resilience. Her journey from shy observer to passionate encourager is a testament to what can happen when we say yes to healing and keep marching forward.

In this heartfelt interview with Stacey Chillemi on The Advisor, Debbie opens up about the true meaning of resilience, the role of faith in overcoming fear, and the importance of boldness in navigating life’s darkest moments. She speaks candidly about her experiences speaking on stage, writing from the heart, and helping others realize that no matter the wilderness they’re in, there is always light on the other side. Whether you’re facing personal trials or simply seeking renewed strength, Debbie’s wisdom will leave you feeling seen, encouraged, and ready to rise.

Thank you so much for joining us, Debbie! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Thank you for having me—it’s good to be back! I’ve always had a deep love for books. Growing up, I was that quiet girl with her head in a book—what some might call a “nerd” today. I never imagined I’d one day be speaking on stages or writing books. But life had a way of molding me. I went through a lot—heartbreak, loss, challenges that forced me to dig deep. I didn’t see it at the time, but all of those moments were shaping me into a resilient person. When I finally began writing and sharing my story, people started saying, “Wow, you’re so resilient.” That word stuck—and I began to understand its power in my own life.

What inspired you to speak about resilience at the Georgia conference?
After becoming an author, I was invited to speak at a conference in Georgia, and the theme was resilience. At first, I didn’t even recognize myself as someone resilient—I just thought of myself as someone who had survived. But preparing for that talk made me reflect. I realized I had lived resilience. And boldness, too. They go hand in hand. Resilience is what keeps you climbing, and boldness is what gets you moving. That experience was powerful, not just for the audience but for me too. It confirmed I had something to say and a purpose to fulfill.

How would you define resilience, especially for those who feel stuck in life?
Resilience is that inner strength that pushes you forward no matter what. It’s not about pretending things are easy. It’s about continuing on despite the hardship. When fear tries to paralyze you—and it will—resilience is the force that keeps your feet moving. It’s climbing the mountain when you don’t even know if you’ll reach the top. And that’s why boldness is so essential. Boldness gets you started; resilience keeps you going.

Can you share how fear has played a role in your own life?
Fear has absolutely held me back at times. There were seasons where I felt stuck, afraid to make a change, afraid to speak up, afraid to trust. But then I’d feel that nudge—that voice from God saying, “Wake up. I’ve got more for you.” That was my breakthrough. Because when you let fear control you, you’re not moving, and when you’re not moving, you’re not growing. Fear and boldness can’t coexist. You have to choose boldness and push through.

What was it like getting up to speak at that first in-person conference?
I was nervous! Up until that point, I’d only done podcasts and virtual interviews. A speaker told my publisher I seemed really quiet before getting on stage. But when I stood up there—I felt a fire ignite in me. That was God, without a doubt, guiding my words and calming my nerves. And the second time I spoke, I felt even more confident. It just reminded me how far I’ve come—from the shy, quiet girl to someone who now loves encouraging others from the stage.

Have you always been this outspoken?
Not at all! As a child and even into adulthood, I was very quiet and shy. It’s only been in the last five to ten years that I truly found my voice. God showed me that I had something to say—and I haven’t stopped talking since! My family jokes about how I’ve changed. But it’s more than just talking—it’s about purpose. I now use my voice to uplift others, to tell them they can get through anything. That’s why I write and speak.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to speak or write but feels unqualified or scared?
Start small. You don’t have to leap into a big stage or write a 300-page book on day one. Begin by believing in yourself. Shut out the negative voices, whether they’re internal or from others. Surround yourself with people who lift you up—mentors, friends, family, spiritual leaders. Each small step builds that resilience muscle, and eventually, you’ll look back and realize just how far you’ve come.

Why is community such an important part of building resilience?
Because we’re not meant to do this alone. When we’re going through something tough, we need someone to say, “I’ve been there, and you’re going to get through this.” Whether it’s a friend, mentor, or someone you’ve never met who shares their story—community gives you strength. And when you’re open about your struggles, you also help others. That creates a cycle of healing and encouragement.

How do your books tie into your mission of helping others?
My books are my heart on paper. They share my personal experiences—how I’ve navigated pain, how I found joy, how I leaned on faith. Writing them helped me heal, but it’s the responses from readers that keep me going. When someone says, “Your story helped me feel seen,” that’s everything. My next book is about being in the wilderness—that place where you feel lost, like there’s no way out. But I believe it’s in that wilderness where we grow the most.

Tell us more about your next book! What inspired it?
The title came to me during a difficult time—it felt like God whispered it into my spirit. I realized that so many of us go through seasons where it feels like we’re in the wilderness, unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve lived that. And I want this book to be a message of hope for anyone stuck in that space. I’ve only written the introduction so far, but it’s powerful. I believe this book will touch a lot of lives.

How do you stay resilient in today’s world, where there’s so much uncertainty?
It comes down to faith, purpose, and mindset. I believe God created each of us with strength already inside us—even when we don’t feel it. You have to hold on to that. And I remind myself daily to smile, even when things feel hard. You never know what someone else is going through, and sometimes a small act of kindness can create a ripple of hope. We’re all in this together.

What does boldness look like in everyday life?
Boldness doesn’t mean doing big, dramatic things. It means not letting fear stop you. It could be applying for that job you think you’re not qualified for, or setting a boundary in a relationship, or even just waking up and choosing to smile when everything feels heavy. Boldness is the courage to act when it’s easier to stay still.

Do you have a motto or daily affirmation you live by?
Yes—“Say yes and keep marching forward.” That’s my motto. Life will throw obstacles your way. But when you say yes—to healing, to growth, to purpose—and keep moving forward with resilience and boldness, you’ll find the light at the end of the tunnel. Every single time.

How has your faith shaped your resilience?
My faith is everything. It’s my anchor. Even in my darkest moments, I knew God was there. He never left me. And even if someone doesn’t know Him personally, He still created them and loves them. I believe anyone can call out to Him. That’s why I always say—you don’t have to go through life alone. He’s walking with you every step of the way.

Where can people find your books and follow your work?
All of my books—Unlocking the Code to Bliss, Divine Promises, and Straighten Your Crown—are available on Amazon and other major online bookstores. You can also visit my website at DebbieAdamsAuthor.org, where you’ll find detailed book descriptions, purchase links, and my blog, which I update regularly with encouragement and reflections. I’m also active on social media and always happy to connect with readers who are looking for support, inspiration, or simply someone to walk alongside them on their journey.

What final message would you like to leave with our readers?
Resilience is the heartbeat of transformation. No matter what life throws your way, don’t give up. Keep saying yes to your growth, trust that brighter days are ahead, and believe in your ability to overcome. Be bold, be faithful, and keep marching forward—because even in your hardest moments, there is a purpose unfolding, and you are never alone.

Debbie, thank you so much for being here and sharing from such a heartfelt place. This conversation was powerful and encouraging.
It’s always a blessing to be here. Thank you for having me. I’ll definitely be back sooner next time!