“When growth, elevation, and transitions are near, turbulence is bound to happen.”

After God awakened me to having boundaries, turbulence was bound to happen. When you’ve woken up to truly knowing your worth, it may interrupt people’s plans for your life. Walking in this new self-awareness of what boundaries looked like for Ishca, was a new place for me. I’m aware of what’s in me and how I was created to operate. I’m a builder, I help activate, create and implement new ideas, try new things, develop different ways of doing things and have the grace to start it, work it, and finish it. All that is good, until you look up and start wondering “Wait…it’s not healthy to keep building other people’s buildings, while my building of life is dilapidated and put on the back burner.” That’s not balance, nor wisdom to work work work and not have time to be a good steward over your own life. It’s just as important to be a good steward over your own life just as much as it is to be a good steward of someone else’s vision. God never told us to neglect what he’s specifically called us to do. Life moves fast, 10yrs would have easily gone by if I haven’t rested in God and made a conscious decision, to stop what I was doing to hear clear direction on what was my next move and transition out of that particular church. Well God helped me, in my resting he said “Don’t Go Back.”

Let’s take a brief pause right here…

Helping and serving in any capacity is a great thing. I’ve learned and grown so much while serving in the local church, and still do. I’ve learned what building a team looks like, and I’ve grown in the understanding of what it looks like to help build another man’s vision before God can give you the capacity to build the vision he’s given you. I know what it looks like to spend countless hours, weeks, years, and decades serving under the leadership and have been in leadership over departments as well. I could go on and on about the benefits of serving in the local church. But in the midst of serving, having healthy boundaries is a must! If you are in an environment that doesn’t understand boundaries itself, you can be “groomed” into thinking work work work is the norm. I’m talking about all of your time, is devoted to building them up. I’m here to tell you, that is NOT of God! Resting and stepping away to be with our heavenly father should be our number one priority while serving in any capacity. Building his kingdom is #1! I remember stepping away and taking a sabbatical to rest, and hearing clear instructions from God was the best decision I’ve made. 

My journey got really ugly when my users at the time, were confused about my boundaries. My boundaries offended my users. While on sabbatical I was asked to do things after my sabbatical was over. It was totally disrespectful to me and the instructions God told me to do. And that was to REST. After boundaries were birthed, it was as if I was now against the team, because of this phrase, “I’ll let you know when I’m available, not at this time.” Having boundaries separated me from being used, having boundaries was the first thing that opened my eyes to “Ishca do you Know Your Worth?” Why am I sharing this story you may ask? Because there are countless amount of people being misused, abused, and gaslighted by unhealthy leadership, into working their vision and their personal agendas. It’s our kingdom’s duty to serve, but if it comes at the cost of you losing yourself, comes at the cost of not being a good steward over your own life? I’m here to tell you that’s not ok! I’m not talking about sacrificing at times, cause that’s what’s in the package of serving. I’m talking about being exhausted, missing family time, and finances not in order type of unhealthy serving. Rather than being at a job, in a relationship, or serving in your local church, healthy boundaries always have a place in your life and You Are Worth It! Resting, taking breaks, and spending quality time investing in you is a good things! It isn’t selfish!. I obeyed God to lay down my gifts for a season and had faith in God, that he would take care of my situation. Was it easy not to serve? NO! It was excruciating, it felt like a part of me was being ripped away. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made. I rested in God for an entire month! This was the scripture I meditated on while resting. 

Hebrews 4:3-6

“For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:”

I wanted to obey God by resting in him. That one instruction caused so many blessings in my life. I never went back. I’m still reaping benefits from obeying what God told me. I can go on and on about the benefits of resting in God, having boundaries, and being obedient to his instruction. I’m also an advocate to keep spreading the news, that the right God-ordained healthy leaders still exist! I pray if you’ve encountered something similar to my experience, that God will heal you and direct you to the right people. God still wants you to be connected and accountable and heal in a safe place.

This is one thing I want to leave you with. No matter how ugly life situations may get, follow God’s instructions no matter what! Having boundaries and Knowing Your Worth may offend many, unfortunately. But hearing and obeying God will save your life!

This is a book I was recommended by a good friend. I hope this book will encourage you and help you on your journey to Knowing Your Worth!