What I Learned About Trust After I Lost Everything

In 2008, when the financial crisis hit, I lost everything I had built in real estate. It was a devastating blow, not just financially, but to my own sense of identity and the trust others had in me. As I began the long journey of reinventing myself, first as an educator and then as an online entrepreneur, I learned that personal transformation is one thing. Rebuilding trust is another.

Do you ever feel this way?

•You have changed, but others struggle to trust your new direction.

•People from your past question your transformation or doubt your consistency.

•You want to restore trust but are not sure how to bridge the gap.

The truth is, trust is not built overnight. It is rebuilt through consistent action, honesty, and patience. As Proverbs 10:9 says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” Trust is restored through integrity and consistency.

Why Trust Was Challenged After My Transformation

•People feared my change was not permanent. After the failure in real estate, some friends and family needed time to see that my commitment to online marketing was real and not just another venture.

•My new path created emotional distance. The language of funnels and affiliate marketing was foreign to many who knew me as an engineer or a teacher. It felt like I was in a different world.

•My most important relationships required reassurance. I had to have honest conversations with my wife, Melvina, to reassure her and ease her doubts as we navigated this new, uncertain path together.

Biblical Example: Peter Restored After His Denial

Peter denied Jesus three times, a profound failure of trust. But Jesus later restored him, reaffirming his role and trust in him. This shows that even after failure or distance, trust can be rebuilt with love and purpose. “Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’” (John 21:17). Restoration comes through grace, action, and commitment.

5 Steps I Took to Rebuild Trust in My Relationships

1.How could I show consistency? I committed to my new path daily. I showed up and did the work, even when it was hard, proving to myself and others that this was not a fleeting interest.

2.What honest conversations did I need to have? I had to be transparent with Melvina and my family about my vision, my fears, and my plan. This transparency helped them understand my journey.

3.How could I be patient with those who needed time? I had to accept that their skepticism was not personal. It was a natural reaction to a major change. I gave them grace and time to adjust.

4.What could I do to demonstrate reliability? I focused on letting my ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and my ‘No,’ ‘No.’ (Matthew 5:37). I followed through on my commitments, big and small.

5.What scripture reminded me that trust can be restored? “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7)

How to Restore Trust with Grace

•Be Patient and Understanding. Others may need time to trust your growth.

•Live Out Your Transformation Daily. Actions speak louder than words.

•Apologize and Make Amends When Necessary. Owning past mistakes fosters healing.

•Pray for Reconciliation. Ask God to heal and strengthen relationships.

As Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Trust is restored through love and grace.

Your Turn: What is one step you can take today to rebuild trust in an important relationship? Act with integrity and patience.