Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes' journey to becoming a leading trauma expert is marked by all the required academic qualifications (BA, M.Ed., Th.D., and PhD Candidate), but her unflinching wisdom was forged through profound personal challenges. The 2017 murder of her nephew and her 2021 diagnosis with pulmonary fibrosis and lupus, terminal illnesses requiring a double lung transplant, forged a life story that is a masterclass in resilience and radical self-acceptance. Her experiences convey that while adversity is unavoidable and unpredictable, how we respond is always our choice—but, with the right support, we can turn even our most painful experiences into platforms for growth, advocacy, and joy.