PROVIDENCE IN EVERY STEP: MY MANIFESTO FOR A MEANINGFUL LIFE

 

As I reflect on the year as we’re halfway through with the guiding word, which has carried me through ‘Providence’, I’m drawn to the manifesto that hangs on my wall, a daily reminder of truths I hold dear. Each morning, I wake up to those printed words, and they ground me. Every new day is a testament to divine providence, a quiet assurance that even amid chaos, there is a greater, beautifully orchestrated plan at work. This blog is a heartfelt reflection of the lessons I’ve embraced, shaped by my creativity, purpose, and faith journey. May these words uplift and guide you, as they inspire me.

1. All things work out together for my good.

This truth is the anchor in my storm. Even when things fall apart or are delayed, I’ve learned to trust that there's a higher reason. Just as Romans 8:28 promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…”, I choose to see setbacks as setups for greater breakthroughs.

2. God knows and that's enough.

Providence begins with surrender. I’ve let go of the need to control every outcome and have found peace in knowing that God sees the entire picture. Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us that His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are far beyond ours. If He knows, then I don’t have to, and His knowing is enough. That alone is my reassurance that He will see me through.

 3. Never give up!

There were seasons when quitting seemed like the easier option, but I pressed on. Every ‘no’ became a redirection. When you hold on even when it hurts, you align with the promise of Galatians 6:9: “Do not grow weary…for at the proper time we will reap a harvest…”

4. Don’t beat yourself up for things you can't change; instead, focus on fixing what you can.

Regret only wastes today’s energy. I’ve learned to let go of the uncontrollable and take ownership of what I can influence. That is the essence of wisdom and knowing the difference (echoing the Serenity Prayer).

5. Have faith!

Faith fuels everything. From launching new projects to navigating personal losses, believing in what I can’t yet see has been my superpower. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for…” That’s my compass in uncertainty.

6. Believe that you can!

Self-belief isn’t arrogance, it’s acceptance of the gifts you’ve been given. When I doubted, I looked at what I’d already overcome and remembered, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

7. Missions without a goal are pointless; so always set goals and achieve them.

Wandering without a vision leads to frustration. Every art piece, business venture, or children’s book I’ve completed started with clear goals, and God's provision met me in the planning. Goals give direction and purpose to our passion. They help us measure progress and stay focused when distractions come. Even faith-filled dreams need structure. “Write the vision and make it plain…” (Habakkuk 2:2) reminds us that clarity invites action and movement. When we align our goals with God’s guidance, we don’t just move forward, we move with purpose.

8. Actions speak louder than words.

People remember what you do more than what you say. That’s why I strive to live authentically, letting my life reflect my values. Words are easy, but integrity is action. James 2:17 says, “Faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.” So I create, love, serve, and give boldly, letting my actions preach when my words are silent.

9. Never be intimidated!

Imposter syndrome once paralyzed me. But I’ve learned that no one else has my exact story, my voice, or my vision. God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. So now I stand tall, knowing that if He placed the dream in my heart, He will equip me for the journey. “The righteous are as bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1), and so am I.

10. Just because you keep failing when you try doesn’t mean you won’t succeed eventually.

Every failure has taught me more than success ever could. It’s not a dead end; it’s a detour that refines, redirects, and strengthens you. Like clay in the Potter’s hands (Jeremiah 18), I am being molded through each setback. Keep showing up. Keep trying. Victory often lies on the other side of perseverance.

11. Always do your best no matter what.

Excellence is a form of worship. It’s not about perfection, but about giving your whole heart. Whether I’m designing, writing, or helping someone publish their dream, I give it my all. Colossians 3:23 reminds me, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” That’s how I show honor to providence.

12. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.

Growth lives just beyond the edge of comfort. From starting my own business to pushing creative boundaries, I’ve learned that every challenge reveals a new strength. God often leads us into places that stretch us, because He knows what we’re capable of, even when we don’t. Challenge is not punishment; it’s preparation.

13. Success is for everyone; we all get a chance at it.

There’s enough room at the table for all of us. I’ve stopped comparing my pace to others and started nurturing my own lane. God’s blessings are not limited; His grace overflows. We each get a chance at success when we walk faithfully in our calling. Be inspired by others, but run your own race.

14. Let go and let God.

Holding on too tightly to outcomes breeds anxiety. I’ve found the most peace in surrender, in loosening my grip and letting God do what only He can. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Letting go isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom. And it opens the door for providence to move.

15. You are here for a reason!

Your very existence is intentional. Every gift, every challenge, and every season is woven into a greater purpose. I wake up each day reminded that I’m not random. And neither are you. Jeremiah 1:5 speaks this truth: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” You were designed for impact.

16. Work hard every day!

There’s no substitute for consistency. I’ve seen the fruit of disciplined effort in my work, my art, and even my healing. Talent is a gift, but effort is a choice. I’ve chosen to keep showing up, trusting that every small step matters. Because hard work, partnered with grace, is unstoppable.

17. Travel when you can.

Travel has expanded my vision and deepened my gratitude. Each new place reveals something fresh about the world and myself. It reminds me that God’s beauty is vast and endless. From coastal sunrises to savannah sunsets, creation itself whispers His wonder (Psalm 19:1).

18. Worrying about the unknown causes you to stress over nothing.

I’ve wasted too much time worrying about things that never happened. Worry drains today of its strength. Matthew 6:34 gently reminds us, “Do not worry about tomorrow…” When I trust God with what I can’t see, peace floods in. Tomorrow belongs to Him; today is mine to live.

19. Don’t take chance for granted.

Opportunities are seeds… They must be planted when they come. I’ve learned that hesitation can cost more than risk ever could. When God gives a nudge, move. Don’t sit on your dreams. Step out in faith and trust that grace will meet you there.

20. You are your reassurance.

There will be seasons where applause is absent and affirmation is quiet. I’ve had to be my own cheerleader, speaking life over my vision when no one else saw it. You are your own encouragement, your reminder that you are built for this. Speak to yourself with kindness and confidence.

21. Patience is a virtue!

I used to rush everything, but growth taught me to wait well. Patience has become a teacher, shaping humility, trust, and peace in me. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything…” I’m learning that what’s mine will come at the perfect time.

22. Speak it into existence.

There is power in declaration. I’ve watched dreams take shape simply because I dared to speak them aloud. Words shape our world. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” So speak with intention, faith, and vision. Your words plant seeds.

23. The good news is that nothing lasts forever; bad times will pass, so cherish the good.

Life moves in seasons. I’ve sat through storms that felt endless, only to see the sun rise again. Pain is temporary, and joy is fleeting too, so I’ve learned to embrace both. Capture the good. Soak it in. Let it remind you, especially in the hard days, that light always returns.

24. Pray without ceasing!

Prayer is my lifeline. It’s where I breathe when I’m overwhelmed and where I anchor when I’m drifting. It’s not about perfect words; it’s about honest ones. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray continually.” For me, that looks like whispered thanks, silent pleas, and steady conversation with God all day long.

25. When you give, give without expecting anything back.

True generosity comes from the heart, not the hope of a return. Whether I’m giving my time, ideas, or resources, I’ve seen that giving without strings always brings a deeper kind of fulfillment. Sow with love, and let God handle the harvest.

26. Everything happens for a reason and happens in God’s timing.

This is the heartbeat of providence. I’ve seen delays that later made perfect sense, and losses that paved the way for better blessings. Every moment, the joyful, the painful, the quiet, is held in divine hands. Trust the process. God’s timing is always intentional, never random, and always right on time.

Final Thoughts: Walking in Providence...

This manifesto isn’t just a list; it’s a lifestyle. It’s how I align myself with grace, pursue purpose, and honor the God who orchestrates it all. Each phrase is a thread in the larger tapestry of my life, shaped by faith, resilience, creativity, and divine timing. May these words spark something in you, a reminder that your life is divinely timed and deeply meaningful. Living boldly, trusting the journey, believing that God is guiding your way!