On March 1, 2025, Graciela Diaz’s life changed in an instant. A serious car accident left her with broken bones, a hematoma, and months of recovery. But the physical pain was only part of the struggle. “My spirit was broken,” she shared. “I had three jobs, took care of my family, and was always there when they needed me. I kept asking, ‘Why me, God?’”

Unable to work for more than two months, Graciela faced mounting bills and uncertainty. When she was finally cleared to return to work, one of her long-time jobs let her go after 16 years. “I felt so broken and angry,” she said. “How could they do this? How could God let this happen when He knew I needed all three jobs?”

Yet in the midst of grief and frustration, God was quietly redirecting her heart. Through her pastor and church family, Graciela was encouraged to share her burdens instead of carrying them alone. That support eventually led her to Crown’s Budget Coaching program. At first, she was hesitant. “I thought, ‘What are they going to do—another Bible study? I need to get these bills paid,’” she admitted. But she chose to step forward in faith.

That decision marked a turning point. “This was the best day of my life when I signed up for these classes,” Graciela said. “What I’m learning is God’s Word—and it’s changing my life. It’s the way God wants me to live, not the way man wants me to.”

Though the journey hasn’t been easy, Graciela sees God’s hand at work—providing encouragement, guidance, and even short-term jobs to help her through the hardest months. At one of her lowest moments, when she felt like giving up entirely, God sent a friend with prayer cards. The first verses she read were Deuteronomy 31:6—He will not leave you or forsake you—and Philippians 1:6—God isn’t finished yet. “That did something I can’t explain in my heart,” she said. “I knew all would be okay.”

Grounded in Scripture and surrounded by wise counsel, Graciela now walks forward with renewed trust. “Proverbs 11:14 says, ‘In the abundance of counselors there is victory,’” she shared. “I will forever look for guidance in the Lord and good people in my life.”

Graciela is quick to say her story isn’t finished—but she rests in God’s faithfulness. “There is much more work I have to do here,” she said. “But it is well with me. I will tell others about this amazing program the Lord has used to help us all—for His glory.”