This is good stuff! I think people underestimate the ability of community to confirm one’s calling. If you have authentic, vulnerable, biblical friendships they will not hold you back with fears but oftentimes help you dream bigger than you currently are.
Thank you for the C.A.L.L.I.N.G framework (can't resist a system! 😊). I have been struggling with defining exactly what my offer to the world should be specifically ==> I know what I am called to do but how it should manifest, I am not clear.
I have been testing a few things but I feel more and more pulled to sit back (i.e. lessen my self-imposed pressure to create tangible outputs), pray, discuss with the Lord and meditate on it. "Your calling should be a ladder for someone else" is definitely a statement I'll bring in my time with God as I continue to seek alignment.
Hello Isis! This is extraordinary. The distinction between creative and creator - 'a creative makes art that outlives the algorithm; a creator feeds the algorithm that outlives the art' - that's everything.
What you're describing here is breaking free from a dependency cycle. So many people are addicted to the validation loop of social media metrics, mistaking the dopamine hit of engagement for actual calling. They're dependent on systems designed to make them feel loved (or seen, or valued) rather than trusting what they know to be true in their spirit.
Your CALLING framework is brilliant, but what struck me most is this line: 'Just because something is good to you doesn't mean it's good for you.' That's the heart of discernment - distinguishing between what feels immediately satisfying and what serves your actual purpose.
I've been working on something called Voice of the Heart that explores exactly this territory - how we move through cycles of dependency (on validation, on systems, on external approval) and how to break free into authentic clarity. It's not faith-based in language, but it's absolutely faith-compatible in spirit. The whole framework is built around empowering people to hear their own inner voice rather than chasing approval from systems that profit from their confusion.
Your piece about clarity and courage reminded me why I'm doing this work. Would you be open to me sending you a copy? I think you'd find the framework resonates with the kind of deep discernment work you're describing here. Consider it a gift from one person who believes in art that outlives algorithms to another.
Thank you for writing this. The internet needs more of this kind of clarity and less of the performance.
This is why I wrote VOICE OF THE HEART:
It isn’t in your head. It’s a coordinated assault on 🎯 purpose, 🕊️ peace, 🔥 passion. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
We just talked about the difference between failing a task and labeling yourself as a failure on one of our podcast episodes. Shame tries to take a momentary situation and makes us feel like that is the essence of who we are. Great advice Isis! Especially loved C. I’m working on giving myself more space and time for that one.
I enjoyed listening to the audio, never actually opted for that option but now I'm hooked! I love the C.A.L.L.I.N.G. acronym, it came just in time for me as I am trying to get clearer on what I am called to do in this season of my life. Which for me has been a dark night of winter after surviving the storm. As I'm gearing up for the spring of my life, I feel called to create, inspire and speak. I must ask, Am I able to join the community even though I share a different faith? I'd like to be respectful of the intent for this community you're building so please let me know!
Secondly, I loved the audio myself!😂 I write in a much more gentle tone than I talk and it’s always funny for me to share both sides!!! I’m glad you enjoyed it!!
First off, absolutely you can join! I let it be known what my Faith is (and that it leads this community) because I’ve gotten some reviews on pasts posts and books saying things like “I had no idea this would be Christian! 1 star!” lol but, I love being in community with everyone! I just want it to be a fair exchange and for those who don’t share the same faith to know that I’ll likely reference Christ, scripture, etc!!
Lastly, I’m so grateful to be on this journey with you! I spent two years in that season, figuring out what it was God was calling me to! I know you’ll get there soon and it’ll feel miraculous!!!
First off Stephie, thank you for this question!! Isis this was so good to read! Definitely felt like a message from God himself when it comes to certain things I’ve been praying about!! I absolutely love this and the way you broke down CALLING! 🩷
Great question and great answer. Clarity has been a huge struggle for me as a multi-hyphenate creative. I am a singer/songwriter and fiction author. I also coach people in both areas. Oh, and I'm earning a masters in counseling psychology. My picture is in the dictionary next to, "Doin' the most", lol. I have tried to focus on only one of my "talents", but feel incomplete without them. I've prayed/fasted for clarity so many times, but still don't feel like I have a clear answer. Perhaps the answer is in continuing to pray while taking action (pushing send) on the things that feel "right" and true, and trust God to bring me in alignment with where I need to be.
Thanks for sharing Isis! This was a breath of fresh air as a road map that will help remind me to enjoy the journey to operating fully in my calling! This was a reminder for me to keep the main thing, the main thing and to no longer give into the pressure! Awesome read & listen!
Yes to the romance novels. I love to read them but it’s bee so hard to find clean romances. I did find a website that curates only clean romances but I haven’t checked it out yet. Will have reread this article again. Thanks Isis for this.
This is good stuff! I think people underestimate the ability of community to confirm one’s calling. If you have authentic, vulnerable, biblical friendships they will not hold you back with fears but oftentimes help you dream bigger than you currently are.
This was great! You helped me see the shift in how I can make an impact as a creative.
Thank you for the C.A.L.L.I.N.G framework (can't resist a system! 😊). I have been struggling with defining exactly what my offer to the world should be specifically ==> I know what I am called to do but how it should manifest, I am not clear.
I have been testing a few things but I feel more and more pulled to sit back (i.e. lessen my self-imposed pressure to create tangible outputs), pray, discuss with the Lord and meditate on it. "Your calling should be a ladder for someone else" is definitely a statement I'll bring in my time with God as I continue to seek alignment.
Wow thank you so much!! Theses are precious advice!! It’s Very helpful!🤍
Hello Isis! This is extraordinary. The distinction between creative and creator - 'a creative makes art that outlives the algorithm; a creator feeds the algorithm that outlives the art' - that's everything.
What you're describing here is breaking free from a dependency cycle. So many people are addicted to the validation loop of social media metrics, mistaking the dopamine hit of engagement for actual calling. They're dependent on systems designed to make them feel loved (or seen, or valued) rather than trusting what they know to be true in their spirit.
Your CALLING framework is brilliant, but what struck me most is this line: 'Just because something is good to you doesn't mean it's good for you.' That's the heart of discernment - distinguishing between what feels immediately satisfying and what serves your actual purpose.
I've been working on something called Voice of the Heart that explores exactly this territory - how we move through cycles of dependency (on validation, on systems, on external approval) and how to break free into authentic clarity. It's not faith-based in language, but it's absolutely faith-compatible in spirit. The whole framework is built around empowering people to hear their own inner voice rather than chasing approval from systems that profit from their confusion.
Your piece about clarity and courage reminded me why I'm doing this work. Would you be open to me sending you a copy? I think you'd find the framework resonates with the kind of deep discernment work you're describing here. Consider it a gift from one person who believes in art that outlives algorithms to another.
Thank you for writing this. The internet needs more of this kind of clarity and less of the performance.
This is why I wrote VOICE OF THE HEART:
It isn’t in your head. It’s a coordinated assault on 🎯 purpose, 🕊️ peace, 🔥 passion. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
https://a.co/d/5Baccny
#Amazon via @Amazon
We just talked about the difference between failing a task and labeling yourself as a failure on one of our podcast episodes. Shame tries to take a momentary situation and makes us feel like that is the essence of who we are. Great advice Isis! Especially loved C. I’m working on giving myself more space and time for that one.
I enjoyed listening to the audio, never actually opted for that option but now I'm hooked! I love the C.A.L.L.I.N.G. acronym, it came just in time for me as I am trying to get clearer on what I am called to do in this season of my life. Which for me has been a dark night of winter after surviving the storm. As I'm gearing up for the spring of my life, I feel called to create, inspire and speak. I must ask, Am I able to join the community even though I share a different faith? I'd like to be respectful of the intent for this community you're building so please let me know!
Secondly, I loved the audio myself!😂 I write in a much more gentle tone than I talk and it’s always funny for me to share both sides!!! I’m glad you enjoyed it!!
First off, absolutely you can join! I let it be known what my Faith is (and that it leads this community) because I’ve gotten some reviews on pasts posts and books saying things like “I had no idea this would be Christian! 1 star!” lol but, I love being in community with everyone! I just want it to be a fair exchange and for those who don’t share the same faith to know that I’ll likely reference Christ, scripture, etc!!
Lastly, I’m so grateful to be on this journey with you! I spent two years in that season, figuring out what it was God was calling me to! I know you’ll get there soon and it’ll feel miraculous!!!
First off Stephie, thank you for this question!! Isis this was so good to read! Definitely felt like a message from God himself when it comes to certain things I’ve been praying about!! I absolutely love this and the way you broke down CALLING! 🩷
I’m so grateful she asked it! It got my brain and heart going!🥹🌿 I’ll be praying you get more and more clarity each day!
Great question and great answer. Clarity has been a huge struggle for me as a multi-hyphenate creative. I am a singer/songwriter and fiction author. I also coach people in both areas. Oh, and I'm earning a masters in counseling psychology. My picture is in the dictionary next to, "Doin' the most", lol. I have tried to focus on only one of my "talents", but feel incomplete without them. I've prayed/fasted for clarity so many times, but still don't feel like I have a clear answer. Perhaps the answer is in continuing to pray while taking action (pushing send) on the things that feel "right" and true, and trust God to bring me in alignment with where I need to be.
Thanks for sharing Isis! This was a breath of fresh air as a road map that will help remind me to enjoy the journey to operating fully in my calling! This was a reminder for me to keep the main thing, the main thing and to no longer give into the pressure! Awesome read & listen!
Wow this is incredibly clarifying and it a clear that God has given you so much authority to speak into this! Thank you sis ❤️❤️❤️
I loved reading this. Gives me some clarity of this season I’m in my life right now
Yes to the romance novels. I love to read them but it’s bee so hard to find clean romances. I did find a website that curates only clean romances but I haven’t checked it out yet. Will have reread this article again. Thanks Isis for this.