If I could go back and talk to the younger version of me, I’d say this loud and clear: Stop playing it safe. Stop doubting how gifted, intelligent, and called you are. Stop waiting for permission to try.
I spent so much of my life trying to be “good.” Not in the holy way — I mean “good” like fitting in, staying in line, not rocking the boat. I didn’t want to disappoint anybody, so I slowly started disappointing myself instead. I let fear speak louder than purpose.
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” — Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)
I remember wanting to go to school for coding and coaching — tech and sports. That was the dream. But since I didn’t know anyone else doing both, I played it safe and went with education. And while that path has still shaped me, I look back and wonder what could’ve been if I had just moved in faith, not fear.
Even now, I catch myself hesitating, second-guessing, wondering if I’m wasting my time. Afraid of failing. Afraid of how I’ll look if it doesn’t work out. But here’s the truth: How can anything grow if you never plant the seed?
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
I’ve confused fear with wisdom. I’ve mislabeled doubt as discernment. But I’ve learned that faith doesn’t mean the path is clear — it just means you trust the One who called you.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
So here’s my new mindset: Try. Fail. Try again. Do it scared. Because the goal isn’t to impress people. The goal is to walk in purpose — and watch what God does with a surrendered yes.
“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
So to the younger me — and maybe to you, reading this: It’s time to stop playing it safe.
Take the risk. Build the thing. Write the code. Speak your story. Walk in purpose — even if your voice shakes.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to start.
#ElevateYourSoul
— Phillip