Over the last two years, I’ve been intentional about saying “no” more often and truly aligning myself with God’s plan for my life.
I’m learning to shy away from relationships and opportunities that aren’t aligned with His mission. I’m no longer craving the glossy temptations of the entertainment industry—building genuine community is now my focus. My discernment is steadier. I’m seeking less external validation for my self-worth and work. Despite delving in these uncharted waters in my faith, I’ve never felt more grounded and free.
However, there were a few things I had to learn though to get here:
1. I had to slow down.
2. I had to seek divine alignment.
Slowing down seems like it should be a no-brainer. But in practice, it’s very difficult.
If you’ve read my other BABL editorials, you’ll know I’ve struggled with consistency in my creative output (honestly in pretty much every facet of my life). It’s because it’s challenging for me to discern what I’m supposed to be vs. what I’m supposed to be doing. I operate in black or white—there’s no gray area of balance. Very perfectionist of me.
Growing out of staying up late multiple times a week to work on content pieces for my website and social media pages has been a huge win for me. The unsustainable rate I was working at caused collateral damage because the work suffered in the process. My attention to detail just wasn’t there because I’d strained my sleep-deprived eyes to the limit.
What was the point of sacrificing rest if my output would be subpar? The math wasn’t mathing. I was trying to burn the candle on both ends with no candle wax. Rest had to and has become non-negotiable.
Actively seeking divine alignment to understand God’s purpose for my life was unchartered territory. I’ve prayed countless times for God to direct me according to His Will. But that’s not what I truly wanted. I wanted God to align Himself with my plans. God wasn’t letting that happen.
So He’d sit there and watch me beat my head against the wall until I had no choice but to submit to Him. If I’m being honest, I often did and do this begrudgingly because I’ve conditioned myself to be self-reliant. I needed to be in control—I didn’t want anyone to have the power to disappoint me or hold me back.
But God weeds through our selfish ambition and understands we’ve developed flawed coping systems to navigate through the trials of life. But there is a reason the adage, “Let go and let God,” continues to ring true. There is freedom in letting go of the hurt, disappointment, and anxiety and casting it at God’s feet (but it is also important to be acknowledge these things as well, otherwise you’re doing a disservice to your healing). He knows our hearts.
Pray about it, prepare yourself, and get out of the way. He wants to let you know that He is God, not you.
BABL 