Equity through SEL in the Math Classroom
India White • April 26, 2022
Equity Through SEL - Dr. India White
Equity Through SEL- Dr. India White
The term equity refers to the principle of fairness. When pertaining to education, by definition, equity has been known to NCTM as providing reasonable and appropriate accommodations as necessary while being fair and serving all students as needed in the classroom (NCTM, 2000). In a school environment, for instance, equity can be realized as a tool used to help with the principle of cohesion in the learning environment between students and teacher as well as those children of different social and educational backgrounds. Elements such as relationship building, and communication are most important at an early stage of social and emotional development for such an outcome in learning. While it is often used interchangeably with the related principle of equality, equity encompasses a wide variety of educational models, programs, and strategies that may be considered fair, but not necessarily equal. Further, there are elements such as students feeling safe about opening up verbally when talking to others such as how their day went. Effective learning environments will allow for that space for learners to confide in each other and the teacher in a classroom setting.
Socio-emotional Learning and Equitable Supports
SEL or socio-emotional learning is the tool used to allow for communication and relationship building to grow and cultivate into exactly what each learner needs to learn for him or her to succeed. We define social and emotional learning (SEL) as an integral part of education and human developmental process. It is part of that process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel, and show empathy for others, establish and supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. This is known as the CASEL 5 (CASEL, 2021). Each area of this framework addresses five broad and interrelated topics of competence and highlights examples for each: self-awareness, self-management maintain, social awareness, relationship building skills, and decision-making. As these areas interact, they impact the classroom climate, schoolwide culture, practices and policies, partnerships and aligned opportunities for successful learning. Through socio-emotional supports for learners, equitable practices can be established.
The Importance of Socio-Emotional Learning in the Math Classroom
Students who persevere tend to remain persistence are both social-emotional skills especially those children who successful in learning mathematics. The process of identifying a problem, looking for a solution, and persisting despite obstacles is highly relevant to learning mathematics. There’s a deep connection between persistence and math. Being able to encourage persistence is where those social and emotional learning skills come in.
There are several simple ways one can develop such skills in a classroom setting. First, for those children of preschool age, games that teach how to take turns, how to wait one’s turn, and how to win and lose graciously are most important. By playing such games, you are not only teaching those math skills needed to move forward as they develop, but also supporting those approaches to SEL learning.
In addition to games, the Education Development Center revealed how doing puzzles and folding origami figures are great ways to promote the mathematical skills of spatial relationships and geometric reasoning principles (EDC, 2020). Puzzles also help children see the fun and beauty in math and to find satisfaction in solving a challenging problem. These activities also support mathematical habits of mind that are needed to be successful in math, like problem-solving, patience and perseverance—which are also important social and emotional skills.
For middle schoolers, let them solve non-mathematical problems. Kids in this age group are resourceful enough at fixing computer problems, television problems, smart-phone problems, or anything in between because of their innate curiosity. Thus, problem-solving and persistence are both social-emotional skills that are key to success in mathematics (EDC, 2020). The process of identifying a problem, looking for a solution, and persisting despite obstacles is highly relevant to learning mathematics. Parents can use these experiences as an opportunity to talk about persisting in mathematics—especially with students who feel like they struggle to do math.
How to Establish Equitable Practices through Socio-Emotional Learning
When establishing equitable practices in the classroom, it is imperative that teachers know their students. Ask yourself some questions: “Do I know their personalities? Do I have a good relationship with my students?” “Do I truly care about the academic progress and success of my students?” Once you have answered these questions truthfully, take time and make charts, schedules, outlines, in which you are able to categorize students in a way that will be productive, culturally relevant and includes various strengths of each learner. For instance, Dr. Kagan has established various grouping strategies for teachers to keep their classes blended, challenging and fun (Kagan, 2022). Choosing to look through the teacher roster, look at achievement levels, ethnicities, and genders, and intentionally blending these for unique discussions will help maintain an environment that is accepting, and cultivates socio-emotional learning.
Socio-Emotional Learning Supports: What that Looks Like in the Classroom
Can you imagine a classroom with communication flow that is cohesive and respectable all at the same time? Envision for a moment getting your classroom to a place where all you have to do is facilitate with ease because learners respect each other, hear each other’s thoughts and support one another during the learning process. This might sound like a dream out there to many teachers, but it can be a reality for all teachers with hard work. However, how do you implement equitable practices that enhance socio-emotional learning in the classroom?
First, teachers must be clear and concise when establishing classroom rules and procedures. Using conversation tools such as C.H.A.M.P.S. can assist teachers in establishing healthy classroom management that can assist in the learning environment and relationship building that will occur in the classroom (Zielinski et al.,2017). Further, teachers must clarify for learners who might not understand or may have a different perspective. Next, teachers must be able to reinforce rules and procedures in a way that is rewarding and cultivates intrinsic motivation vs. a fear students experience when they are being penalized for expressing themselves. Then, teachers must be intentional about cultivating learning for their students. Once students have norms, rules and procedures and expectations established, teachers must then work towards keeping students focused on the learning objective and criteria needed for gains and academic achievement.
As teachers are consistent with establishing these steps in their instruction, students will naturally evolve into socially and emotionally competent achievers in the classroom. As teachers wrap up their day with assessment, there should be room for reflection for learners to explain what they’ve learned, how they are feeling, and what they hope to accomplish in the future. In her article on Got SEL? Teaching Students to Describe Emotions, Martinez (2017) mentioned how this is described as “emotional literacy”, which is aligned with socio-emotional learning for all students. As they express their concerns and high moments, this will help break down any emotional barriers and continue to build trust in the classroom. Further, as teachers continue to build trust and show that they care, Doerr (2021) noted how these practices have been proven to build support and strong relationships between teachers and their students.
Conclusion
As math teachers strive to establish equity through SEL, they will be effective as they continue to be intentional about knowing their students, remain clear and concise when establishing classroom rules and procedures, and remain open minded and accepting as they embrace cultures and interests of their students.
References
3 ways to promote social and emotional learning through math. EDC. (2020, April 13). Retrieved January 1, 2022, from https://www.edc.org/3-ways-promote-social-and-emotional-learning-through-math
Doerr, E. (2021, August 20). 6 ways to build strong teacher-student relationships with Sel. Social and Emotional Learning - Aperture Education. Retrieved January 1, 2022, from https://apertureed.com/5-strategies-building-relationships-students/
Elizabeth Mulvahill on November 15, 2021. contest- social. share-links svg. (2021, November 17). 26 simple ways to integrate social-emotional learning throughout the day.
WeAreTeachers. Retrieved January 1, 2022, from https://www.weareteachers.com/21-simple-ways-to-integrate-social-emotional-learning-throughout-the-day/
Fundamentals of sel.
CASEL. (2021, October 26). Retrieved January 1, 2022, from https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/
Getting started. Center on PBIS. (n.d.). Retrieved January 1, 2022, from https://www.pbis.org/pbis/getting-started
Kagan. Kagan's FREE Articles - Kagan Structures: A Miracle of Active Engagement. (n.d.). Retrieved January 1, 2022, from https://www.kaganonline.com/free_articles/dr_spencer_kagan/281/Kagan-Structures-A-Miracle-of-Active Engagement#: ~:text=Kagan%20Structures%20are%20instructional%20strategies%20designed%20to%20promote, particularly%20powerful%20tool%20for%20teaching%20a%20foreign%20language.
Martínez, L. (2017, February 8). Got sel? teaching students to describe emotions. Edutopia. Retrieved January 1, 2022, from https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/got-sel-teaching-students-describe-emotions
Nctm.org. (2000.). Retrieved January 1, 2022, from https://www.nctm.org/Standards-and-Positions/Position-Statements/Access-and-Equity-in-Mathematics-Education/
Zielinski, K., Lindsey, Abe, Kristin, Draper, N., Melissa, Thomas, F., Walia, D., & Classroom Behavior: 12 Principles to Live By – Paper Airplanes says: (2017, March 9).
Introduction to champs. Retrieved January 1, 2022, from https://minds-in-bloom.com/introduction-to-champs/
Woohoo! 🎉 We landed safely in Chicago! So excited about this conference and incredibly thankful for all the amazing NCTM-NCTE staff! 🙌 It’s also wonderful to mingle with great friends in our community! Let’s make this an unforgettable experience! 🌟 #drindiawhite #NCTM #NCTE #NABSE #grit #equity #teacher #TEDx #UF
🌟 Join me in Chicago at the NCTM-NCTE Joint Conference! 🌆 Let’s come together to discuss equitable practices and fostering a sense of belonging in our classrooms! 🤝 Don’t miss out—meet me tomorrow at 2:45 PM! Let’s make it happen! 💪 #NCTM #NCTE #EquityInEducation #Belonging #ChicagoConference #drindiawhite #Litmath25 #Litmath2025 #TEDx #equity #belonging
🌟 Day 3 of FCTM has kicked off fantastically! 🚀 My session was packed, even at 8 AM! Teachers and leaders are ready to build gritty thinking classrooms, and I can’t wait to see the amazing things they’ll accomplish this year! 🎉 It’s always wonderful catching up with great friends in our community! Let’s keep the inspiration flowing! 💪 #drindiawhite #fctm #grit #TEDx #UF #NCTM #NCSM #BWXME #NABSE #AASA #NAACP
🌟 Day 2 of FCTM was fantastic! 🎉 We enjoyed an incredible lineup of speakers and had an amazing conversation with Alexander about the power of Grit! 💪 Can’t wait for this morning’s session—join us at 8 AM for more inspiring insights! Let’s keep the momentum going! 🙌 #fctm25 #fctm2025 #grit #drindiawhite #NCTM #NCSM #NABSE #TEDx #UF #btc
🌟 Day 2 of FCTM was fantastic! 🎉 We enjoyed an incredible lineup of speakers and had an amazing conversation with Alexander about the power of Grit! 💪 Can’t wait for this morning's session—join us at 8 AM for more inspiring insights! Let’s keep the momentum going! 🙌 #fctm25 #fctm2025 #grit #drindiawhite #NCTM #NCSM #NABSE #TEDx #UF (I don’t own copyright to music or location)
🌟 Day 1 of FCTM was fantastic! 🥳 We had inspiring discussions about cultivating grit in our students. If you missed out, join me tomorrow at 2:15 PM for a session on building gritty thinking classrooms! Let’s empower our students together! 💪 #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #nctm #ncsm #nabse #BWXME #FCTM #fctm25 #fctmath #fctm2025 (I don’t own music copyright)
Building Gritty Resilience in the Math Classroom: 10 Tips for Teachers In today’s math classrooms, students are not just learning how to solve equations—they are learning how to solve problems. True success in math comes not only from understanding content but also from developing the perseverance and resilience needed to work through challenges. As educators, we must intentionally cultivate grit in our students to prepare them for academic and lifelong success. Dr. India White, educator, author, and TEDx speaker, developed the G.R.I.T. Framework, emphasizing four essential pillars: Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. These pillars equip students with the internal tools to push through mathematical struggles and embrace productive struggle. As Dr. White says in her TEDx Talk, The Power of Grit, "Grit is Great Resilience in Time—it’s not about being perfect, it’s about not giving up" (White, 2021). You can learn more about the G.R.I.T. Framework and access Dr. White’s resources at www.india-white.com and view her TEDx Talk here: The Power of Grit. Here are 10 powerful, research-supported tips to help teachers build gritty resilience in their math classrooms : 1. Foster a Growth Mindset Encourage students to view challenges as opportunities for growth. According to Dweck (2006), students who adopt a growth mindset are more likely to persevere through difficult tasks and experience increased academic achievement. Phrases like “You haven’t mastered it yet” and “Mistakes are part of learning” can reframe setbacks. 2. Teach Resilience Through Modeling and Reflection Model resilience by thinking aloud when solving problems. Share your own struggles and how you worked through them. Allow time for students to reflect on challenges and how they overcame them. This builds grit and self-awareness. 3. Build Self-Efficacy with Intentional Encouragement Bandura (1997) emphasized that self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to succeed—is key to motivation. Set high but achievable expectations, and celebrate each small victory. Over time, these build a student’s belief that they can succeed in math. 4. Teach Time Management with Math Tasks Many students struggle because they don’t know how to allocate their time. Break complex math tasks into manageable parts and teach students how to track time using visual timers, checklists, or digital tools. This builds focus and reduces overwhelm. 5. Stay Focused on Your Goals Resilience begins with a clear vision. Help students set short-term and long-term math goals. Use goal-setting journals or anchor charts. As the National Center for Education Statistics (2020) reported, goal setting is positively correlated with higher academic performance. 6. Believe in Yourself—and Teach Students to Do the Same According to research in Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, belief in one’s ability to improve can dramatically increase effort and persistence (NCTM, 2018). Include affirmation practices in the classroom such as “Math Mantras” or self-check-ins. 7. Dismiss People's Negative Opinions Create a safe space where students aren’t defined by test scores or stereotypes. Help students recognize that opinions—even their own self-doubt—don’t define their potential. This supports equity and combats stereotype threat (Steele, 2010). 8. Join Others Striving for Success Build classroom community with collaborative learning structures like “Think-Pair-Share” and “Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces” from Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms (2021). When students work together toward a shared goal, they build collective resilience. 9. Celebrate Small Wins Often Acknowledging progress—no matter how small—fosters a positive math identity. NCTM (2014) recommends that teachers celebrate effort and strategy, not just correct answers, to support growth and resilience. 10. Embrace Productive Struggle as Part of the Process Don’t rescue students too quickly. Allowing them to sit in “productive struggle” helps develop persistence and problem-solving skills. As Boaler (2016) notes, “Mistakes are where the learning happens.” Final Thoughts Creating a math classroom rooted in G.R.I.T.—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—is essential to helping students thrive academically and emotionally. Teachers who emphasize these traits not only improve math performance but also equip students with tools for lifelong success. To learn more or access resources for your classroom or Grit Calendar for your students or your team, visit www.india-white.com or click on this link. You can also watch Dr. India White’s TEDx Talk, The Power of Grit, here. Let’s continue to build gutsy, gritty, math warriors—one resilient step at a time! References Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman. Boaler, J. (2016). Mathematical mindsets: Unleashing students' potential through creative math, inspiring messages and innovative teaching. Jossey-Bass. Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House. Liljedahl, P. (2021). Building thinking classrooms in mathematics, grades K–12: 14 teaching practices for enhancing learning. Corwin. National Center for Education Statistics. (2020). Indicators of school crime and safety. U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2014). Principles to actions: Ensuring mathematical success for all. NCTM. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2018). Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School. NCTM. Steele, C. M. (2010). Whistling Vivaldi: How stereotypes affect us and what we can do. W.W. Norton & Company. White, I. (2021, November 12). The Power of Grit [Video]. TEDx. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9YQOtryL7w
Finishing the School Year Strong: 10 Practical Tips for Teachers Using the G.R.I.T. Framework As the school year draws to a close, teachers often find themselves pushed to the limit. With final assessments, grading, and the hustle of end-of-year activities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, finishing strong can create a lasting impact on your students and set a positive tone for the upcoming year. By applying the G.R.I.T. framework: Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy and Time Management for Great Resilience in Time—you can not only feel accomplished but also inspire your students to close the year with enthusiasm and purpose. Here are ten practical tips to help you harness G.R.I.T. and finish the school year strong. 1. Set Clear Goals (G) Reflect on the goals you've set for yourself and your students at the start of the year. Take the time to revisit them and set clear, achievable objectives for the final weeks. Encourage your students to set their own goals as well, whether academic, behavioral, or personal. This can help create a sense of purpose and motivation as they strive to meet these targets. 2. Foster a Growth Mindset (R) Resilience is crucial during challenging times, and cultivating a growth mindset can help both you and your students navigate obstacles. Emphasize that mistakes are opportunities for growth. Share stories of perseverance—both yours and those of your students—to inspire resilience and an appreciation for the learning process. 3. Reflect and Adjust (I) Midway through the final marking period, take a moment to reflect on what has worked well this year and what hasn’t. Use student feedback, assessments, and your own observations to identify areas for improvement. Adjust your lesson plans to focus on these areas, ensuring that your teaching remains effective and responsive to your students’ needs. 4. Prioritize Self-Care (I) Integrity in teaching means taking care of yourself so that you can be fully present for your students. Dedicate time to your well-being—whether through exercise, mindfulness, or hobbies that recharge you. When you model self-care, you encourage your students to recognize its importance as well. 5. Maintain Consistent Communication (I) Transparent and consistent communication with students and parents builds trust and accountability. Keep families informed about end-of-year expectations and any changes to the curriculum. This helps manage expectations and fosters a shRared commitment to student success as the year comes to an end. 6. Celebrate Achievements (G) As milestones approach, take time to celebrate both individual and collective achievements. Recognizing hard work and progress, whether big or small, reinforces the value of perseverance. Host a celebration event or dedicate a class session to acknowledge accomplishments, creating a positive atmosphere as the year concludes. 7. Be a Role Model for Grit (R,T) Show your students what it means to embody G.R.I.T. By demonstrating your own tenacity in facing challenges, you provide a powerful example. Share your struggles and successes, and explain how you’ve navigated them. This will not only inspire students but also equip them with the mindset necessary for future challenges. 8. Create Collaborative Learning Opportunities (T) Encourage collaboration among students as they review and finalize their learning. Group projects, peer tutoring, or study teams can create a sense of camaraderie and support. This not only fosters a connected classroom community but also enhances learning through shared experiences. 9. Stay Energized and Engaged (G,R) To maintain energy during the final stretch, infuse excitement into your lessons. Use hands-on activities, varied instructional methods, and interactive elements to keep students engaged. An energized classroom will foster a positive learning environment that motivates students to finish strong. 10. Reflect and Plan for Next Year (T) As the year ends, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned and how you can apply it to future teaching. Set preliminary goals for the next school year, considering how to integrate the lessons from this year’s experiences. Encouraging students to reflect on their growth can help them carry lessons learned into the next academic year as well. Conclusion Finishing the school year with G.R.I.T. creates a meaningful conclusion for both teachers and students. By focusing on Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy and Time Management, you foster a positive environment that not only enhances academic success but also nurtures the personal growth of everyone involved. Let’s finish this school year strong and set the stage for even greater achievements ahead! Looking for more? Visit www.india-white.com for resources to support you as you help your students finish the school year strong!
MCTM 2025 - A Special Message for Minnesota Math Educators Dear Amazing MCTM Participants, First, I want to say how deeply sorry I am that I couldn't join you in person at this year's Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) conference. I was truly looking forward to connecting, learning, and growing alongside each of you. Even though I can't be there, I still wanted to send you a virtual hug and share a little teaser that could spark BIG change in your classrooms: the **G.R.I.T. Framework! What is G.R.I.T.? G.R.I.T. stands for Great Resilience In Time — a transformative framework I created to empower students and educators to break free from the old "sit and get" models of education. It's not just a mindset. It's a movement. Through G.R.I.T., students experience learning without guilt, anxiety, or fear — especially in metacognition. They learn to love the process of thinking, struggling, and succeeding on their own terms. The 4 Pillars of G.R.I.T. 🌱 Growth Mindset Students are taught that mistakes are an essential part of learning. Every misstep is a setup for a comeback. 💪 Resilience We don't shy away from productive struggle. We celebrate it. Students build emotional strength through reflection, retrying, and perseverance. 🧠 Self-Efficacy Students believe that their abilities can grow with effort. They recognize their own potential and gain the courage to take academic risks. 🕒 Time Management Students manage their own learning pace, giving themselves the grace to think deeply without unnecessary pressure. How G.R.I.T. Aligns with Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms Dr. Peter Liljedahl's work encourages us to create environments where students are free to think, explore, and collaborate without rigid restrictions. G.R.I.T. supercharges this process by embedding growth, resilience, self-efficacy, and time management into the very fabric of the classroom. Together, G.R.I.T. + BTC allow educators to: - Break traditional classroom "rules" - Center the learning process, not just the answer - Foster true independence and critical thinking - Remove shame and anxiety from the learning journey Bottom Line: Through G.R.I.T., you can truly set students free to FLOW — courageously, confidently, and creatively. Ready to Get Gritty with Me? I'm so excited to connect with you beyond MCTM! Here's how you can dive deeper into building GRITTY classrooms: 🔗 Explore Books, Blogs, GRIT Trainings, and More: Visit: www.india-white.com 📨 Book Dr. India White for: - Speaking Engagements - G.R.I.T. Academy Trainings - School or District Professional Development - Keynotes - Culturally Relevant Math Workshops Contact : Website: **www.india-white.com Email: india.white.123@gmail.com Stay strong, stay gritty, and keep building thinking classrooms that inspire the next generation! With resilience and gratitude, Dr. India White Founder, G.R.I.T. Academy Author | Speaker | Educational Consultant
Forgiveness: Walking in G.R.I.T. and Grace Forgiveness isn't for the faint of heart. It takes G.R.I.T.—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—to truly walk in forgiveness, especially when you've been wronged, mistreated, or misunderstood. But there's no greater example of gritty forgiveness than Jesus Himself. As He hung on the cross—suffering, bleeding, and abandoned—He didn’t curse His enemies. He didn’t demand justice in that moment. Instead, He looked toward heaven and said: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Let that sink in. The very people who had betrayed, mocked, beaten, and crucified Him were the ones He forgave. And He did it in real time, while the pain was still fresh. That’s Great Resilience In Time. And as followers of Christ, we’re called to do the same. We’re called to forgive those who have: • Abused us—physically, emotionally, or spiritually • Slandered us behind our backs • Taken advantage of our kindness • Lied to us, hurt us, or wronged us in ways words can’t capture Forgiveness doesn’t mean the pain was okay. It doesn’t mean you return to harmful situations. But it does mean we release people into God’s hands. We stop carrying the weight of bitterness. And we trust that nobody gets by—God is just, but He is also merciful. “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” — Luke 5:32 God operates in mercy—not because people always deserve it, but because His heart is for restoration. And if we want God to operate in mercy toward us, we must be willing to pray that same mercy over those who have hurt us. Hence, I want to share with you 5 Tips for Operating in Forgiveness Through G.R.I.T. and Grace: 1. Growth Mindset: Choose to Learn, Not Linger Instead of replaying the pain, ask God what He wants to teach you through it. Every hurt can become holy ground if we allow it to transform us instead of trap us. Forgiveness is a chance to grow. Even when you find yourself lingering in the memories and wondering "What if?", choose to use the moments of hurt as an opportunity to heal and evolve into a greater version of you. 2. Resilience: Bounce Back with God’s Strength Resilience doesn’t mean you don’t feel the pain—it means you refuse to let it define you. Forgiveness builds spiritual stamina. Each time you choose grace, you build strength in your spirit. The enemy wanted that trial, setback, dissapointment to cause you to give up on God and yourself. However, you must believe that no weapon formed against you shall propser. Never allow Satan to take away your song or your purpose, no matter the weapon or vessel he chooses to attack you through. 3. Self-Efficacy: Believe You Can Forgive with God’s Help Forgiveness may feel impossible—but with God, you can do all things. Self-efficacy is about believing in your ability to move forward. Speak life over yourself: "With God’s help, I can forgive." This is not always an easy process but you can do it! Choose to speak positively about your situation. Tell God that you forgive them and take moments to think about what Jesus must have felt at the cross as he died for you. Sometimes, we are made to emulate the light of Christ so that others will have HOPE. That means we must be willing to be curicifed at thier hands for the Glory of God. However, be encouraged, for the Lord will restore you. 4. Time Management: Don’t Waste Time on Bitterness Bitterness drains energy and time. Let forgiveness help you refocus your time and emotional energy toward purpose, healing, and joy. Steward your time wisely—it’s too precious to spend in bondage. Take time for self-care. Cry it out, seek therapy, have an outlet that will help you develop and heal and mature in a healthy fashion. Understand that all of us fall short; people will most likely dissapoint you, so flow in grace. 5. Great Resilience In Time: Forgive Even When It Still Hurts Forgiveness is often a process, not a one-time event. It requires Great Resilience In Time —the ability to keep choosing grace, even when the pain is fresh. Jesus forgave while He was still on the cross. We, too, can learn to forgive even while healing. Through your forgiveness you'll find revelation that will bring your closer to your heavenly Father. Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts you can give—to others, yes, but also to yourself. It frees your heart. It releases your soul. It makes space for God to heal what others tried to break. Jesus didn’t wait for an apology. He forgave in real time—with G.R.I.T. and grace. So today, let’s strive to do the same. Let’s live with: • A growth mindset that says, “God can use even this.” • Resilience that says, “I will not be broken.” • Self-efficacy that says, “I can do this with God.” • Time management that says, “I will not waste one more second holding a grudge.” Let’s walk in Great Resilience In Time and extend the same mercy we so desperately need. Because forgiveness isn’t weakness. It’s worship. So, wipe you tears, forgive, reset, start over, and thrive through G.R.I.T. and Grace. Love, India Want more? Visit www.india-white.com to schedule a meeting or book me for an event. Want a copy of the Grit Workbook for Clergy (Pastors) Click here!