A Quiet Time Moment

From the book: Sisterfriends: Empowerment for Women and a Celebration of Sisterhood (Quiet Time Press)
by Jewel Diamond Taylor
In 1985 I made a decision that would ultimately change my life 360 degrees. I kept thinking, dreaming and talking about a goal. I soon realized that “talk is cheap and I had to leap.” So I wrote down my goals and a target date to leave my comfortable yet unfulfilling job of seven years. I stepped out on faith two weeks before my target date. I left a very secure — paid every Friday — credit union — health insurance — paid Christmas holidays and a free turkey gift card - good paying job to become a motivational speaker.

Coworkers and certain family members thought I was crazy (and probably still do). Why would I leave a comfort zone, friends, a predictable routine, benefits, pleasant environment and a steady paycheck to step out into the unknown? I was going where no one I knew had gone before. There I was, a young African-American woman who never wrote a book, never attended a Toastmasters meeting and without a mentor, daring to enter a field that is dominated by white males. I believe that success and fulfillment come to us either because of a choice, coincidence or it’s a calling. For me, it was a choice that answered an inner/higher call. We often call God…“something told me.” Well, “SOMETHING told me” to let go of my job in the aerospace industry in 1985. Looking back, I now know I could have made a better transition to minimize some of the challenges. My experiences have been bittersweet. Yet, my rewards have far outweighed my regrets.

In life, some bridges we must cross and some we have to burn. Letting go meant I was burning a bridge. There was no turning back. This risk-taking, faith-walking, dare-to-dream, bridge-burning, dauntless behavior isn't recommended for everyone. But I’m designed that way. I call it my “holy boldness.” I had a quiet sense of confidence, sense of urgency, determination, “I gotta go or IÕll die” attitude rising up in me to grow and go. When that push is on your back so strong, you see what others canÕt see. You feel what can’t be explained. You act in ways that canÕt be justified. You then are no longer seeking happiness but… fulfillment.

I had no idea what to expect. I just knew it was my time. I felt a strong tugging on my soul to leap. Even though I wasn't as spiritually grounded in my faith as I am now, somehow I knew that the voice of “Something told me” would lead me and not let me fail. I didn't say the voice of God wouldn't let me fall, because I fell many times on my journey of growth in a new career. However, I got up and attempted to learn the lesson, but I never failed.

Leaving a comfort zone and taking a leap of faith is scary and exhilarating at the same time. Self-Empowerment and change happens when you make a decision and you remain committed to see it through all the way. New experiences require that you be alert, take calculated risks, be creative, open minded, and flexible.

My heart was pumping with adrenaline, anticipation and anxiety. I made THE decision. I set and met my target date. I began working part-time at various jobs for my Òbread and butterÓ and part-time on the weekends as a speaker. But I still kept “the main thing… the MAIN THING.” My messages were on topics of self-esteem, goalsetting, parenting, spiritual joy and positive coping skills for life. I started with local YWCAs, church groups, recovery centers, teen mother groups, sales groups and community based organizations.

I landed on my feet after taking my leap of faith. My choice and my calling have enriched my life with international travel, TV and radio appearances, new friends, speaking engagements at government agencies, sales/marketing groups, universities, churches, hospitals, conferences, and retreats.

My faith leap introduced me to places and faces of the strong, the wounded, the celebrated, the corporate, the student, the entrepreneur, other speakers and authors. My books and tapes have been purchased by thousands of satisfied seekers of knowledge. The quality of life for me and my family is enriched because I am more fulfilled doing what I love.

I know that I am still committed and excited about my choice and my calling. I can cope with setbacks, tragedy and disappointments because I’m learning to practice what I preach. Faith, action, hard work, love, and self-correction are the guiding forces in my life. My speaking invitations, travel, income and opportunities grew as I grew. I've gained more than I have ever given. The transition of going from a steady paycheck to unpredictable and sometimes lean financial times deepened my faith and trust in GodÕs abundant ability to meet all my needs.

What great experiences of growth and glory are you missing? Are you waiting for all the green lights to go? God is trying to tell you something. But maybe you lack trust in yourself, your intuition, your talents or even God. The affirmation I repeat when feeling unsure is “I am led and fed by the Spirit.” Click here for more information about Jewel Diamond Taylor.