Lights & Truth

Tag: motivation

Seeds & Embers

December 12th, 2025

Our time on this earth is a gift from the Most High. At any given moment we have the freedom to choose how we will interact with this world. The way we move through life determines how we are known by others, and our perspective shapes how we understand ourselves. In an ideal world, everyone would choose to be a creator—never having to carry the burden of hardship—but realistically, many find themselves caught in a constant state of consumption, unaware that the way back is always inward.

It is easy to become immersed in the feeling of consumption and assume the identity that forms around it. But creation and consumption are actions, not definitions. They direct us, but they do not determine who we are. We will all cycle between the seeds of creation and the embers of consumption from time to time. How we move forward from these moments becomes the true testing ground of our growth.

The embers of consumption, if left unchecked, can grow into an overwhelming blaze—one capable of destroying whole sections of your life. Destruction is never the intention for us, yet God still allows us to experience it when we’ve buried ourselves too deeply in false identities. It is not divine order for God to forcibly change our circumstances, but because of grace, even in our darkest hours we are given the chance for redemption. This is the unique nature of God: though darkness is allowed to exist, embers remain that inevitably point us back in the right direction.

Ultimately, we must choose purpose over vanity. Many still will not find their purpose, but not because it is withheld—only because it is often misunderstood. We are conditioned to believe purpose should feel grand or extraordinary, but that feeling is temporary. The spark we call “purpose” is simply the celebration that welcomes us back to the path. Like the prodigal son, grace receives us. And every so often, we choose instead the path of the older brother—we become bored within grace, jealous when others return home, and convinced that what we lack exists out in the world. This is when we fan the embers of consumption. Yet the beauty of this path is simple: when the flames finally consume all that they can and die out, truth remains.

Pine cones fall from their branches and cover the forest floor—forgotten, ordinary, overlooked. But when a forest fire sweeps through and seems to consume everything in its path, something unexpected happens. Long after the flames fade, a new forest of evergreen begins to rise. This is because the seeds within many pine cones only release when exposed to intense heat. Their design carries an internal knowing: new life cannot emerge while distractions remain.

The same is true for us. We are born with a unique seed, yet as circumstances shape us, we build identities to protect ourselves—constructing entire inner worlds and defending them at all costs. Over time, the seed becomes trapped and forgotten. Our exteriors harden. And it often takes the flames of consumption to burn away everything unnecessary, bringing us to humility and forcing us to look inward. When that moment comes, embrace it with gratitude, and look ahead.

As we close this week’s series, remember this: you have purpose. You may not recognize it yet, but all things unfold in their time. We were never meant to understand everything, nor were we given unlimited time here—so we must use the time we have well.

If you feel you’ve been wasting time, do not be discouraged. Some answers wait for the moment we are ready to see them. If you are choosing creation, thank you for contributing to the world. Continue to spread light, and be praised by your work (Proverbs 31:31).

And for those feeling the flames of consumption—understand that you are not beyond healing. You are not destined for pain. You can turn around at any moment. And if the flames seem to have destroyed everything, know this: beneath the ashes of what once was, seeds remain for a brighter future.

This weekend, choose a single “seed” in your life—one small place where a new forest can begin—and commit to tending it. Creation starts with the smallest spark.
Power, Purpose and Will

December 5th, 2025

People are not intrinsically evil, though sometimes we may believe that we are. Though we are not all-powerful, we are still very powerful—and yet we often call ourselves powerless. We assume identities in our daily lives that do not truly belong to us, and when others contradict those identities, we are quick to defend them. This is the dilemma of human existence. We do not fully recognize the power given to us, yet we place ourselves atop our own lives, deciding what is important, what matters, and what we can achieve. The irony is that everything we truly need has already been given to us—but the fall of man shows that we seek more even when we already have it all. This is the symbolism of Adam and Eve. They existed in a perfect world, yet they wanted more than what was made available. Still, this yearning for greater things is not evil—it is the will of God. It is only when we pursue self-propagation for its own sake that we begin to experience the fall.

Human beings are the most unique species in the known universe—not simply because we are bipedal or capable of invention, but because we are a product of both heaven and earth. That union forms the human soul. Unlike other creatures, this is a gift uniquely given to humans. We are truly the image of God, yet that does not make us eternal. The “breath,” as Scripture mentions, is the life force that comes from the Source above all things. God is often described as a being, but He is Being itself—existence itself. It is impossible to prove or disprove God, because to do so we would need to quantify existence itself, which is beyond human reasoning. We see the world only through a subjective lens, which limits us. Yet within these limits, humans have achieved incredible feats. History shows that in every generation there are dreamers who believe in the impossible—and their dreams are realized when they think beyond themselves. This is what it means to act in His will.

As we move through our lives, it is helpful to hold one thought in our hearts through every situation:

“Not my will, but Your will.”

The creation story gives insight into that will. We are called to produce, to increase, and to be stewards of the earth—to govern it, care for it, and bring good into the world. We were given power for a purpose. It is time to begin seeing ourselves as powerful individuals with intent. Giving honor to Him often comes through helping others; it is our actions, not our possessions, that matter most. We have been given a promise of inheritance—not a fleeting reward on an arbitrary day. What we deserve is already within our grasp; we need only surrender to this truth and accept the gifts that await.

What will you do for Him today? How will you use the power already given to you to produce, to serve, to create?
Finding Light in the Fracture

November 19th, 2025

We live in a fractured world, but not in the way you might think. Some believe they live completely in the light because they were born into it. Others have grown comfortable with what the shadow brings and decide to remain in the dark. Often we imagine there is a war between these two extremes, but as you will see, the battle is always internal. The truth is, no matter what walk of life you come from, we were all created in God’s image, and everything that God created is good — Genesis 1:31. Today we hope to explore what “good” truly means, and help our readers deal with the fracture that exists within their lives.

Being born in the light — or what we consider the light — does not make us incapable of darkness. There is only one true Light, and unfortunately it is rare for a human being to be born with it. Instead, we are often born with ignorance of what truly is. And because of this, we sometimes weaponize our “light” against others to build up our identity. Or even worse, we choose not to see those in need — 2 Corinthians 11:13. This is what we like to call being blinded by the false light. But we must remember: false light is not the true Light. True Light is not subject to our preferences. It will either comfort us or confront us. Truth tends to destroy our ego so that we can be renewed. So the question remains: if you think you are living in the light, are you actually living in darkness?

The shadow of death is the darkness most of us live with daily. Many have lived with it so long that we’ve begun to call it good — Isaiah 5:20. Some of us fear the darkness and try to ignore it, yet it continues to grow and eventually manifests into something powerful: the delusion mentioned above. This is the concept of the shadow we wrote about before. It is also why we use the shade of black to represent “truth” in our blog. Because it is not true black, it does not absorb all light. We love this representation because it means that within most of us there still exists a tiny bit of light — the true Light — just like the parable. It is up to us to see it and allow it to grow.

The battle between the false light and the shadow of death is that both fight for a seat on the throne. This shows us that neither of these attributes are truly who we are. Yes, they resemble parts of us, but our true being exists beyond what we can presently think or see. “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” — Jeremiah 29:11. This does not simply mean a future of financial wealth. It means that by discovering God’s plan for us, we discover purpose. We are sometimes meant to dive into the sea of darkness in order to find the truth. It is not wrong to accept wealth into your life — believing this will cause fracture. We are meant to do the will of the One who brought us here and be content in that. When we do so, and when blessings come, we are able to use them to help those in need instead of hoarding them for ourselves.

No matter where you are in the world, and no matter what your past is, remember: there is still light in you. Yes, there are ways to lose that light, but for many of you reading, you have not reached that point — and I thank you for sticking with me through these writings. Pain is a precursor to the fracture. You may have been hurt by someone calling themselves a light worker. But I invite you to sit with that pain, even if only for a few minutes a day, to discover what you are truly feeling. Is this pain directed at your ego, or something deeper? Often our initial response is not the true response. This is why we should not be quick to become angry — Ecclesiastes 7:9.

As we wrap up today’s post, I’d like each of you to reflect on one word: patience. Through patience we discern what is truly happening inside us. We all live in a fractured world, so again I ask you — love one another. And we do this by practicing patience.
Shine Brighter

July 28th, 2025

For those who were chosen to lead

Blood Before Fruit

To be chosen sounds like a blessing.
And in many ways, it is. But like all sacred things, the role comes with a price.

Those who are chosen to be first are chosen to lead.
To lead is to walk a path that no one has cleared for you.
No one has swept the stones.
No one has warned you where the thorns are.
No one has mapped the terrain.

You will bleed before you ever taste fruit.

That’s why preparation is spiritual. It’s mental. It’s physical.
Because only the Most High knows what lies ahead of you.
And if you trust that, you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.

Becoming the Servant

Eventually, after the pain, the trials, and the discipline—you harvest fruit.
But the fruit was never the reward. It was the evidence of the journey.

Every fruit contains seed. And every seed must be replanted.
As one of the chosen, your mission isn’t to hoard what you’ve gained.
It’s to share it, to guide, and to help others rise.

The sweetness of the fruit is only yours for a moment.
You were never meant to keep it. You were meant to distribute it.

This is divine order.

Seeing the Purpose

Some are called to carry truth. Others are simply meant to walk in it.
Either way—truth doesn’t need our protection.
It is eternal. It cannot be owned.

When we try to secure the truth, we distort it.
We begin to protect our version of it.
And over time, we drift further from the essence of what it was.

Truth isn’t meant to be captured—it’s meant to be followed.
And the beauty of following the path is that it helps
even our fallen selves remember how to return home.

The Revelation

There are many reasons we stumble, but two stand out:

1. We distort the plan by forcing others into it.

Sometimes we bring people into our journey who aren’t aligned with it.
They haven’t walked what we’ve walked.
They haven’t earned the map.
So we alter the path to keep them with us.
And in doing so, we both become lost.

2. We want to be first, but fear what it takes.

We love the idea of being chosen, but shrink from the cost.
We want the reward without the ritual.

But if we do reach the mountaintop, it’s not a place to stay.
It’s a place to see further—and to send down seeds.

Because the fruit is not the reward.
The journey is.

Call to Action: Shine Brighter

You were chosen. And you were called.
Don’t let fear of the journey dim your light.

If the path is hard, that’s confirmation—not rejection.
If you’re ahead, don’t wait—lead.

Remember, the fruit is never the goal. It’s the proof you’ve been walking.

So today, keep walking. Keep planting.
And shine brighter.
The Path

December 28th, 2024

The Journey of Free Will

Rather you believe in God or not, it is evident to most that each being walks a path. We begin life at a certain point, and in the very end, we all will reach a particular destination. In the beginning, we were given the power, in the form of free will, to quite literally do anything we put our minds to. There is not a single external force that exists that can take this truth away from us.

Even in the most extreme conditions, for example, slavery in the US, individuals were able to overcome oppression at such a high form and achieve things they once only dreamt about. A group of people who seemingly had no human rights or freedoms were able to obtain that which was once unobtainable through sheer will alone.

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Enjoy The Small Things

November 7th, 2024

The Power of Diligence in Growth

Remaining diligent—staying focused, consistent, and committed to one’s responsibilities—is an invaluable trait. Diligence isn’t just about putting in effort; it’s about doing so in a way that reflects discipline and attention to detail. To be diligent means to keep showing up, especially for the tasks that might not bring immediate rewards. Often, when we stumble or encounter setbacks, it’s because we’ve grown complacent, or overly comfortable, in our actions. While it’s true that failure can be an excellent teacher, there’s a fine line between learning from failure and accepting it as an endpoint. Growth requires both resilience and the willingness to revisit overlooked details or minor tasks, even if they don’t seem pivotal at first. In the end, these “small” actions can have an immense impact on our progress and development.

For example, think of an athlete training for a marathon. If they skip stretching or hydration because these steps seem less critical than the run itself, they risk injury or burnout. Similarly, by consistently showing up for the smaller actions—like preparing, resting, and refueling—we gradually build a foundation that sustains us in the long term.
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Failing Is Okay

November 4th, 2024

Success and Failure: A Necessary Partnership

The path to success is paved with bricks of failure. This may sound counterintuitive, yet there’s no escaping the truth in it. Many of us chase success while avoiding failure at all costs. Ironically, this avoidance often comes at a high price. We’re willing to pay it, not just once but over and over, despite how elusive success remains for most of us.

The reality is that success, as we envision it, is often a mirage. We become so fixated on achieving a particular image of success that we never truly experience what it feels like. This post is an attempt to dispel myths about success and failure, so you can approach life with fewer obstacles and more fulfillment.
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Power of Discipline

October 28th, 2024
Unleashing the Power of Discipline

We are beings that are powerful beyond all measure. History has shown time and again that we are capable of accomplishing what once seemed impossible. We’ve soared through the sky like birds, dove into the depths of the ocean, and unlocked entire worlds hidden beneath the surface. But our greatest power often lies dormant, waiting to be awakened by a single force: discipline.

Discipline is the quiet strength that enables us not just to act but to refrain—to resist indulgence and focus on our true goals. It’s easy to think power is simply about doing whatever we please, but true power shows itself when we master restraint and stay the course, even when faced with setbacks.

Lessons from My Own Journey with Discipline

I’ve faced times in my life where discipline seemed to slip through my fingers. During these moments, I’d often dwell on the feeling of failing, wondering if I’d ever find the strength to regain control. Looking back, I realize that lingering in that mindset almost kept me from seeing my own progress. Yes, I wasn’t where I wanted to be, but that didn’t mean I hadn’t taken steps forward, even in failure.

In my journey, I’ve learned that discipline isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. We’re on a path, not at a destination. Each step, each effort, and even each stumble propels us forward. So long as we continue moving, we’re living the life we seek, even if it doesn’t always look the way we imagined.

Holding Steady Through Doubt and Challenges

There are times when staying disciplined feels like trying to hold onto a thin thread while facing a storm. Progress may not always be visible, and the urge to let go, to stop trying, can feel overwhelming. Many have taken that route, but it’s in our nature to rise again. No matter how far we fall, there’s something within us that pulls us back up, that whispers, “try one more time.”

For those of you who may have let go, remember, it’s never too late to pick up that thread again. If you’re still breathing, you still have a chance to do whatever you were meant to do. And for those of you who are holding on, weary and unsure, try to hang on just a bit longer. Look back at where you were, and let yourself be proud of the distance you’ve traveled, no matter how small it might seem.

Practical Steps for Cultivating Discipline
1. Set Small, Achievable Goals: It’s easy to feel defeated when our goals are vague or too big to measure. Start small, setting manageable targets that you can build on over time. Progress builds confidence.
2. Practice Self-Compassion: Discipline thrives on resilience, not self-punishment. When you slip up, acknowledge it, learn from it, and move forward. Let go of guilt, and focus on what you can do next.
3. Create a Support System: Share your goals with someone who can help hold you accountable. Whether it’s a friend, mentor, or even a journal, having a space to express your struggles can make a difference.
4. Reward Yourself for Progress: Celebrate the small wins! Recognizing your own progress, even if it’s just a small step, reinforces the habit of discipline and motivates you to keep going.
Keep Faith in Yourself

Sometimes I feel deeply compelled to share these reflections, and today is one of those days. If you needed to hear these words, then I’m grateful I could be of service. I believe each of you holds a strength within, capable of overcoming challenges and reaching the heights you aspire to. Discipline may not be easy, but it is worth it. And remember, as long as you stay true to yourself, nothing can stand between you and your dreams.

Reflect and Act

Take a moment to consider where discipline has played a role in your life. When have you let go, and what pulled you back? Where can you strengthen your resolve, even if it’s just one small step? Discipline isn’t built overnight, but every effort counts. Trust the journey, keep faith in yourself, and stay strong.
Let Go

October 27th, 2024
Embracing Darkness for Growth

Today’s truth topic is one that resonates with me on a deeply personal level, and it’s one of the hardest to discuss. Together, we’ll explore the real journey of personal growth and the inevitable challenges we face when reaching new levels of understanding. While it’s natural to seek happiness and light, sometimes darkness plays an essential role in our growth. This doesn’t mean seeking harm or negativity; rather, it means that real growth requires letting go of familiar identities and sometimes even people who no longer align with our path forward.

Becoming Who You Need to Be

I once heard, “You cannot become a successful person by being the person you are today. If that were truly your path, it would have worked by now.” This truth resonated powerfully, echoing through the room as the audience absorbed its weight. To achieve our goals, we often need to look within and adjust what’s no longer working. But remember, transformation doesn’t have to happen overnight. Sometimes, it’s the smallest shifts in mindset that bring about the greatest change.

Tiny Shifts, Big Impact

The Pareto Principle suggests that 80% of outcomes result from 20% of causes, showing us that even small changes can have a big impact. However, we sometimes struggle to release the things—or people—that reinforce our current identity. When we keep seeking reassurance about who we think we are, we end up repeating familiar cycles rather than experiencing new possibilities. As I often say to those seeking advice, be the proponent of the change you want to see in your life. Though it’s only the beginning, this shift is a powerful catalyst for growth.

The Role of Giving: Knowing What to Hold Back

Throughout my life, I’ve faced times when I thought, “I’ve finally made it.” Yet each time, I found myself slipping back into familiar patterns. I’ve long considered myself a giving person, which shaped my identity in profound ways. But I learned that giving too much of myself—whether it was time, money, or energy—often kept me tethered to situations I’d outgrown. Giving is vital, but what we give and to whom we give it can make all the difference. Boundless generosity, without boundaries, can sometimes keep us rooted in places we’re meant to leave.

“Don’t lose yourself in giving so much to others that you forget what you need to flourish.”

The Importance of Walking Away

Some people close to me have heard me say that I don’t believe in an outside force “holding us back.” More often than not, the challenges come from within our own circles or our own minds. Science tells us that opposite forces repel one another, so when we experience conflict, it’s usually between forces on the same pole, moving in opposing directions. As we rise to new levels of thought and understanding, we sometimes have to make the difficult choice to leave behind relationships, situations, or identities that feel comfortable but ultimately don’t support our growth.

“To truly transform, you have to be willing to walk away from the person you were and the people who held you there.”

The Power of Letting Go

Walking away is often one of the hardest things we can do, but sometimes it’s the most necessary step forward. For me, it took years to accept that walking away from certain relationships—including jobs, friendships, and even family members—was essential to my personal growth. This decision can feel taboo, especially when it involves family. But I believe that sometimes our strongest sense of belonging comes from creating space for who we are becoming, rather than clinging to what we’ve known. For a long time, I felt out of place within my own family, but I didn’t allow myself to fully acknowledge or act on those feelings until adulthood.

Questions for Reflection

If this resonates with you, here are some questions to consider:
- Have you ever thought about leaving a long-standing relationship but hesitated due to familiarity or obligation?
- Are there friends or family members in your life that you stay connected with more out of duty than genuine connection?
- Do you find it difficult to let go of roles or habits that keep you rooted in your comfort zone?
Reflecting on these questions may reveal areas in your life where change is waiting to happen.

A Call to Action: Choosing Growth Over Comfort

Growth is not a destination—it’s an ongoing journey that requires courage, honesty, and sometimes the strength to walk away. I invite you to reflect on where you may be holding on too tightly to the familiar, whether in relationships, beliefs, or habits. If you feel inspired, take a moment to write down your thoughts and share any insights or experiences in the comments. Letting go can be a transformative step toward the life you envision.

Embrace change. Embrace growth. Embrace the unknown.
Fall In Love

October 24th, 2024

The Power of Consistency: Finding Success through Love and Process

To reach meaningful success, it’s essential to embrace consistency in our actions and mindset. Simply aiming for specific goals isn’t enough; we need to find love and purpose in our pursuits. “Love” is a term used frequently, yet its true depth is often overlooked. Many interpret love in various ways, sometimes mistaking it for fleeting emotions or shallow connections. But love, in its fullest sense, goes beyond these definitions—it’s a profound commitment to growth and self-discovery. In our journey to succeed, we find that consistency, grounded in love, unlocks our potential and keeps us on track.

Understanding the Energy of Consistency and Love

As Nikola Tesla once said, “The key to understanding the universe is to think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.” Tesla’s insight reminds us that when we align our actions with our values, we begin to resonate with our goals. It’s not just about setting a target; it’s about building a method that harmonizes with our aspirations. Without consistency and a roadmap, our goals are likely to remain out of reach.

To inspire consistency, consider simple but meaningful habits that foster progress. Actions like journaling your goals each morning, setting aside 15 minutes for mindful reflection, or practicing a daily skill related to your goals (like reading or exercise) are powerful ways to stay connected to your purpose. These actions may seem small, but over time, they compound to build a foundation of progress and fulfillment.

Fall in Love with the Process, Not Just the Results

Often, we get so focused on achieving a result that we miss the beauty of the process. Real fulfillment doesn’t come from a single achievement; it grows from the journey itself. Think of an artist who pours hours into refining a painting. While the completed work may be celebrated, the real joy comes from each brushstroke, each decision that brought the painting to life. When we fall in love with the process rather than the results, we find that every step contributes to our growth and satisfaction.

Reflecting on this, the Bible offers a reminder: “For the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10 KJV). Chasing success solely for rewards can lead to emptiness. True happiness comes from doing what fulfills us, not from chasing outcomes. When we focus on what brings us genuine joy and operate through love, challenges seem less daunting, and solutions often emerge naturally. Personally, I believe this is the essence of the “kingdom of heaven” that Christian teachings describe—a state of contentment that consistency and love can help us achieve.

Staying the Path: The Rewards of Consistency

“When you practice the Way, it is not just training in technique; it is spiritual forging.”

Awa Kenzō.

This advice is a reminder of the power in staying committed to our journey, regardless of whether we’re winning or facing setbacks. I once attended a commencement where Paul Allen urged graduates to “celebrate your achievements tonight, but tomorrow get up and act like nothing has happened.” His words resonated as a powerful reminder to stay grounded. Consistency requires resilience; it means pushing forward no matter what.

When things are going well, staying humble keeps us growing. When times are tough, remaining consistent keeps us moving forward. It’s this steady effort, not overnight success, that brings true rewards.

A Challenge: Building Habits of Success

Thank you for reading. I’d love to hear your thoughts! What are some challenges you’ve faced with consistency? What habits have helped you stay on track? Share your experiences in the comments below—I’d be thrilled to read and respond.

As a personal challenge, I invite you to try this: for the next month, choose three habits to commit to daily. These can be small but meaningful—perhaps a daily reflection, a brief journaling practice, or dedicating time to a skill you want to improve. Track your progress, and at the end of 30 days, reflect on any changes you notice in your mindset. Then, feel free to come back and share your journey! Success is a journey, and each of us has a path worth celebrating.