Unchartered territory has always fascinated me. Whether flying to a different country or going on a road trip, taking a back road is exciting. What will I find? Where does it go? Will I get lost? It’s happened before! It’s the mystery of the unknown that urges me to venture off the intended path.
There’s a back road around every corner whether we notice it or not. Our GPS is always programmed to take the shortest route, but there may be traffic, or God forbid, an accident that adds 2 hours of drive time. It’s crazy how I automatically trust Waze’s route change, yet I sometimes question God’s detour. Why is that?
As humans, we like knowing WHY. We are ok taking a different exit if we have an explanation for why a back road is needed. Staying in our comfort zone feels good because we know what the outcome will be, but comfort is stagnant and doesn’t challenge us to leap forward into our full potential.
Recently, I felt led to add more meaningful content to blog posts and all social media I publish to the world. I literally woke up one morning with a conviction to use my platform for transparency and encouraging others. I resisted because I wasn’t sure if that’s what my audience wanted; the fear of venturing away from what (I thought) was working frightened me. I asked myself:
“What if I offend someone with scriptures and spiritual analogies?”
“Fashion can’t be mixed with inspiration…that’s just silly and inappropriate.”
“I’m not equipped to be an expert on how to live life.”
Funny how God answers:
“If you offend someone, those people aren’t your target audience.”
“I gave you the passion for fashion, and it’s your artistic expression.”
“I’ve equipped you to be an expert on vulnerability, so open up about your life experiences and wisdom.”
Shop the outfit here:
I’m bravely taking the back road that wasn’t too far from what I was already doing. God didn’t ask me to take my blog in a completely different direction; he just suggested a similar but different path. He doesn’t force us to do anything; he just presents a different back road – we ultimately make the decision.
What back road are you being challenged to travel? Comment below or email me. I would love to hear about your journey and how you’re taking the back road!
Jasmin says
Such a thought-provoking post! Loving it. I’m not sure about the backroads I’ve been taking recently, but I think the uni+work combo just to avoid the easiest one, the student loan, is one kind of a backroad haha. Work hard or go home, right?
Hello Whitney says
Thanks, Jasmin! Yes, absolutely; good luck with all you’re balancing!
Kanishka Acharya says
I love how you are taking the direction that makes you feel more alive and calls out to you! your outfit looks amazing too!
Hello Whitney says
Thanks so much! It’s one of my favorites 🙂
Katja says
Sometimes we have to walk the longer road to get to our destination – i certainly have – but if we didn’t go the long way round, we wouldn’t learn all the things we need to learn when we finally get there – where ever “there” is.
Katja xxx
Hello Whitney says
You’re absolutely right – that’s where the best lessons are learned!