From Hiding to Shining: How God Helped Me Step Into My Calling
“For years, I found comfort in the background. But the day I pressed record, I discovered the courage to step into my calling, and God met me right there.”
For the longest time, I hid in the background because that was where I felt the most comfortable. I rarely showed up on social media. No photos and definitely no videos. That was my safe space.
But everything shifted on September 7, 2023. Almost two years ago, God encouraged my heart in a way that felt both gentle and urgent. It was like He gave me a little nudge, whispering, Come on, Jennifer. Trust me and trust yourself. You can do this. I am right here with you.
So I pressed the record button on my phone and started talking, sharing what I now call a motivational check in with my community. That day, I bravely took a leap of faith and answered the calling God had been placing on my heart. It was a real, beautiful breakthrough moment where I chose obedience over fear. What felt vulnerable became the very space God used to glorify Himself through me.
Living with cerebral palsy has shaped my journey in ways I cannot ignore. I have faced obstacles and moments when giving up seemed easier. Yet through every season, God’s grace and faithfulness has been my anchor. He has been my strength when I felt weak and my courage when I felt small.
Showing up for God and myself, just as He intended, means embracing my calling as a warrior, writer, vessel, and a light for creatives everywhere. It is no longer about hiding but shining. It is about leaving a mark that reflects His glory.
This journey is not just mine. It is for every creative who feels called to rise up and make God proud. I want them to know that obedience, no matter the size of the platform, carries a deeper meaning. My story matters and it is worth sharing not just to bring God glory but to intentionally serve His people through the purpose assigned to me.
Today, my heart is full of gratitude for how far God has brought me. I recently wrote an ebook titled Believe in Your Creative Journey. In it, I lay out eight lessons that have shaped where I am now. Among my favorites are Shine My Light and Leave My Mark. These are not just tips. They are declarations of faith and purpose that reflect God’s glory. My hope is that others will find strength and courage to embrace their own unique calling.
To every woman or creative reading this: your voice, your testimony, your resilience has the power to transform those around you. God’s purpose for your life is real and He will equip you with the essential tools to embrace what belongs to you. Trust His timing. Trust His calling. And remember, even when the path feels uncertain, He is with you—nudging you, encouraging you, loving you every step of the way.
Jennifer, affectionately known as J, is a cerebral palsy warrior, writer, and survivor whose mission is to motivate and encourage creatives to believe, dream, shine, and make a positive impact on the world. She deeply desires to shine her beautiful light wherever she goes because her goal is to make God proud in everything that she does.
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