Year 1 of my Phd Journey: Trust & Strategy

Hey girl. Happy Friday. If you get the chance, I’d love for you to check out my latest YouTube video about year 1 of my PhD Journey. It has been an interesting experience thus far, and one key component of this journey has been the new ways I’ve had to learn how to trust in the Lord and release my worry, stress, and my own plan. My favorite scripture since I was in high school is Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” 

The interesting thing about this journey is that it is one built on intelligence, yet my intellect alone can by no means get me to the finish line. The pedestal is nonexistent, and instead, it is quite humbling to live in harmony with the truth that no amount of achievement or intellect can take away my need for God. We need Him to direct our paths, and staying overly committed to our own way is often what leads to chaos and disappointment. 

There are many formulas for maneuvering the journey of life, but this scripture of wisdom reminds us that faith and surrender give way to the most beautiful roadmap. While on the journey, what we need more than the destination is presence, trust, and strategy. Being present with the Lord, trusting His plan over our own, and seeking out wisdom to help us operate with strategy, the most excellent strategy always comes from God. 

About a decade ago, I had the opportunity to interview Jeff Johnson (iykyk), and he told me two things I’ve never forgotten: to learn how to play chess and get my passport. Because the destination tied to the passport made the most immediate sense, within a few weeks, I went down to Walgreens for my picture and then to the Post Office to send off my application. Chess, on the other hand, I’ve been avoiding like the plague. I’m not competitive, never played sports, and just honestly couldn't care less. Over the years, I’ve downloaded a few ‘learn to play chess apps’ on my phone, watched that Netflix show about the girl who was brilliant at it, but for some reason, the need to really learn has continued to nag me. 

Now, being a year shy of 5 years of full-time entrepreneurship under my belt, I am realizing that true success comes from making the right moves over a long period of time, and to do so in a world that moves quickly towards the next shiny thing, you have to have a presence, trust, and strategy. The chaos of being in school and running a business has rendered me completely helpless at times, and I am able to see ways in which presence, trust, and strategy can have a symbiotic relationship. My role is to seek His will through prayer, quiet time, surrender, growing in wisdom, walking in faith, and He does His part by leading the way, and anytime my view gets foggy, I can trust that He is right there holding my hand. 

So, needless to say, I have ordered a chessboard and will make room to learn and train my brain to slow down, be present, and think things through before making the next move. That wisdom was imparted to me over 10 years ago and has not left me, and perhaps that nagging is actually a little nudge from God saying, "Hey, I’m trying to teach you something. Will you slow down and trust me enough to learn?" 

You see, oftentimes the new shiny thing is the destination that looks so appealing, and when that doesn't come quickly, we tend to lose our way and our faith. But allow Proverbs 3:5-6 to speak to your heart and ask the Lord how He wants to lead you in this season? 

Until next time.