Growth often means stepping into what once scared us. The things we resist can become the very paths we’re meant to take. We asked some of the best and brightest in the community: what are you being called to do now that you once feared? Their answers reveal the courage it takes to move past fear and into purpose.
Cherelle Yarbrough
At this moment, I’m leaning into transparency about the creative path—the long nights, the edits, the doubts, showing vulnerability, not perfection. Sharing behind-the-scenes while building a braver literacy community, cultivating spaces for more read-alouds, author visits, online circles—where children feel seen, supported, and encouraged to take small, meaningful risks. The fear was real thinking what if our voices aren’t wanted? What if we fail? Read more>>
Alexa Preyer
Lately, I feel I’m being called to grow and delegate in ways that once felt uncomfortable. Hosting events has pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but it’s also given me the chance to provide access to a community that often overlooks the need to rest, reset, and recover—and to see how physical therapy can be a part of that. Read more>>
Tashya Renée
In this moment of reflection, I realize that I am being called to embrace opportunities that once filled me with fear, urging me to step beyond my comfort zone and pursue my true passions. Read more>>
Chef Mocha D
Right now I feel like I’m being called to step out fully into entrepreneurship and leave my 9-5. Before I had been afraid to step out fully because of the safety net my job provides, but I’ve reached the point where my 9-5 has taken over my ability to properly balance both. Read more>>
Elena Kholodova
I was afraid to trust my organizational instincts in order to work on my own music projects. As a successful classically trained concert pianist, opera coach, and accompanist, I was not aware of how important it is for me to be my own project creator and manager. Read more>>
Manda McKay
Earlier this year, I started a youTube channel (@MandaMcKayArt) to share my tips about becoming more creative. I had been waiting for more ‘perfect’ circumstances, but I decided to stop waiting. I’ve recorded 38 videos so far! Read more>>
Megan Billingsley
I am starting to venture more into the digital world of creating content for my clients. I’ve mostly done in person training but my time has become more constrained with children. I am learning about how to provide quality training in a digital space Read more>>
Shamerra. P. Saunders
In my youth as a missionary, I sang in the choir, performed in school plays, and attended Zapp’s music school, yet I was still afraid of my own God-given talents. I remember singing gospel with my family in nursing homes and on street corners, cringing at the awkward sound of my voice. Read more>>
Ashleigh Ewald
This is a challenging question because it puts me in a vulnerable position, but I value being transparent with the community. After the 2024 presidential election, I stepped back from political involvement to focus on finishing college early, preparing for graduate school, and prioritizing my mental health. Read more>>
TANESHA JACKSON
I’m being called to step fully into sharing my story and offering direct services to help kidney warriors. For a long time, I was afraid to put myself out there beyond content—afraid of judgment, afraid of not being “enough,” or even afraid of the responsibility that comes with people relying on me. Read more>>
Leslie Anne
As an artist, I’ve learned that my creative journey moves in seasons. There are periods when I feel called to create, and other times when the focus shifts toward marketing, reflection, or simply living life. After several months of not feeling particularly inspired, I’m now entering a season of renewed creativity. Read more>>
JONNISE ATWATER, MBA
This question is so fitting at this present time in my life, because God has been calling me to shine my light bright. I have been afraid of performing in front of people, really being vulnerable in my self-expression through my art. In 2020 I got certified to be a Minister/ Wedding Officiant and I have not done anything with it. Read more>>
Still Hazy
I think what I’ve been called to be but was once afraid to fully embody is who I truly am. Since the last time we spoke, I’ve gone through a lot of transformation. It all seems to converge on what I now call myself in my music: Still Hazy. I’ll explain the meaning behind that in just a moment. Read more>>
Tina Torres-Wilson
“I feel like I’m being called to take up more space and step fully into the role of a leader who empowers other women to do the same. For years, I stayed small—afraid of judgment, afraid of failing, afraid of being ‘too much.’ Now, I’m leaning into visibility in a whole new way. Read more>>
Colin Ward
Fellow photographers have been getting me interested in flying to Europe for some photo workshops and opportunities. I have decided to go to Prague and Venice, despite the long flights and the fact that I will be traveling solo for much of the time. I think I am suffering from Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO)! Read more>>
