Hi Family,
How are we feeling?
Is It Hardship, Bad Luck Or Something New?
Before I left Jamaica for Canada several years ago, life felt like one storm after another. In less than six months, I went through heartbreak, a car accident, and even a robbery.
In this video, I shared the dramatic birth of my daughter, a similar situation ensued for my son.
During that season, I sought God more than ever. I prayed and read the Bible daily, the I inquired and got therapy, I exercised, took time to rest, and gave generously. By the end of that year, I was in Canada, fulfilling a dream I had long carried, pursuing a PhD.
That’s when I learned: not all storms come to destroy us. Some come to clear the path, to prepare us for the next dream or to move us closer to the place we truly belong.
Fitting In VS Being In The Right Fit
This year, I began working for a non-profit close to my heart. I only go into the office one or two days per week, and I was “fitting in.”
But here’s what I realized: just because we fit in doesn’t mean it’s the right fit.
Years ago, I worked for a government agency. I was given opportunities to travel, which I loved.
Lima, Peru.
Vienna, Austria
But whenever I returned to the office, I felt drained, almost suffocating. Looking back, the difference was clear: although I loved the sciences, the job at the government agency was mostly about paying bills and loans, while the non-profit work is something I would do, even without pay, because I’m passionate about it.
So the question became: how can we do work we’re passionate about, get paid for it, and still avoid being trapped in a place that doesn’t align with who we are?
What Do We Want to Do With Our Life?
People often ask me this question. For years, I didn’t know how to answer. I had multiple skills, I loved to learn, but I couldn’t always put my gifts into words. People would say, “You’re bright” or “You’re brave,” but what did that mean?
Since moving to the US, most of the job interviews I have had were for scientific writing positions. I was rejected or ghosted, then when I finally got a positive response, I turned it down because they wanted me to write two articles per week and I thought I could not handle the load (say what?). Also for years I told myself that I could not write. It is one of the reasons I didn’t want to be a professor. These were lies I told myself.
What lies have we told ourselves that is hindering our growth from fulfilling our dreams?
During the final years of my PhD, I recognized that I had a lot of general knowledge as well as specific knowledge and I thought being a consultant would be a good fit. Perhaps this was a dream from God, but as usual we try to rationalize it with our thinking. When I did my research, I was told this job involved long hours sometimes working in different time zones, which means that sometimes I would need to wake up at odd hours for meetings. I thought, that might not be a good fit, because my son was small at the time.
As mothers or parents we often make decisions based on our children, and that is ok except when it goes against the knowledge of God. If God wants us to do something, we need to submit to His will, even when “reality” tells us otherwise. Therefore, when we know what to do, our stance should be, like Jesus – “thy will be done.”
What Area Do We Have Dominion Over?
Genesis 1:28 says:
Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Dominion means authority. Jesus was given all authority after enduring the cross. So what have we endured, and where are we using our gifts, skills, and experiences to take authority?
It is said that it takes 10,000 hours, about 5 years full-time or 10 years part-time—to become an expert in a subject. But even when we become experts, we must ask: Is this the right field for me, or just preparation for something bigger?
And for those of us building something of our own, let’s be honest—we often put in far more than 10,000 hours.
What Do People Come to Us For?
One way to discover our strengths is by noticing what people seek you out for. On LinkedIn, I saw patterns in the opportunities I received, which helped me realize I had expertise I hadn’t recognized. But let us try to know ourselves first before putting ourselves out there.
As Kingdom citizens, we know true clarity comes from God.
I do like platforms like Faithly—a faith-based alternative to LinkedIn. The connections we make there are often confirmations of who we really are, even before it is manifested in the natural.
And beyond platforms, we need to pause and ask God directly. That’s where transformation begins.
Also, it was after volunteering in the food pantry and the media team at my last church that I moved up in leadership position. I had no idea that God wanted me to serve in that capacity, it was the furthest thing from my mind.
Otherwise, people come to me for all kinds of advice—prayer, fashion, hair, writing, volunteering, mentorship. Lately, people have been asking me for financial help. At first, I didn’t see the pattern. Then it clicked: one of my spiritual gifts is generosity.
What do people come to us for?
Do We Really Know Ourselves?
The truth is, I’m still learning about myself—it’s an ongoing process until we leave this place.
But here’s what I believe: God gives us dreams to guide us toward the place we’re meant to be. Some dreams only unfold in certain locations—whether in a new city, country, or even a spiritual “place” where our values and purpose align.
This place is called destiny, purpose, or calling. It’s not only about geography. With today’s technology, “place” can be virtual too. Ultimately, it’s a spiritual alignment—where our core values reflect Jesus’ model of living. And when we reach that place, we thrive. As Proverbs 11:28 says:
“The righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”
How Do We Know the Place Where We Belong?
When we search for jobs, relationships, or even partnerships, the decision shouldn’t be based on money, status, or talent alone. It should be about values.
When our personal and professional values align, that’s true work-life integration. That’s when we’re not just working—it becomes what we were born to do.
And while it still requires growth and refinement, it feels natural. It feels like home.
Have We Found Our Place Yet?
I’m still on this journey, just like you.
Hi, I’m Sanchia, Consultant and Life Coach. My passion is helping people discover their unique strengths and align their personal and professional life with their God-given purpose.
Are you ready to find the place where you truly belong? Let’s explore it together.
📩 Reach out: info@sanchiagayle.com
With grace and growth,
Sanchia and team.
Audio Version
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One Response
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