27 things I learned by 27

Today, I’m turning 27!

I’m 3 years from 30.

Finishing my dissertation.

Building a business.

Planning a wedding.

Published a book.

And I am stepping into new doors that the Lord is finally opening (details coming soon)!

A year ago, I was tired,

Anxious,

And just focusing on healing my body and mind.

Last year’s version of me would’ve said, “I’m taking on too much.” This year, I learned that obedience is more important than comfort.

Now I’m here, stepping into new callings, and learning that faith doesn’t remove fear; rather, it teaches you to walk through it with peace!

This birthday feels different.

Not because everything is figured out, but because I’m finally starting to trust God, and guess what? He already knows how my life is supposed to turn out!

Here is a list of what God has taught me so far:

1. God’s timing is never late! It’s right on time

Even when you don’t understand it.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

2. You are not behind.

You are exactly where God has called you to be.

3. Obedience often feels like fear. Do it scared!

“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God goes with you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

4. Boundaries are not unkind. Set them.

5. You are worthy of respect, and if you’re not receiving it, you’re not in the right environment.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Psalm 139:14

6. Kindness matters. Always.

You never know what someone is going through.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another…” Ephesians 4:32

7. God never asked you to carry everything.

Just do what He called you to and give the rest to Him!

“My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:30

8. This life is not about you, it’s about God working through you.

Watch your pride.

9. Speaking of pride, everything you have is from Him.

What He gives, He will take away if you’re not stewarding it correctly.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above…” James 1:17

10. Not every table is meant for you.

And that is His protection, not rejection.

11. You don’t have to control everything.

You just have to trust Him.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”

Proverbs 3:5-6

12. Some people are only meant for certain seasons.

And that’s okay.

13. People’s opinions are loud; make His voice louder.

14. The right friendships will call you higher, not just comfort you.

“As iron sharpens iron…”

Proverbs 27:17

15. Even in unexpected places, people will gossip.

You can choose peace.

16. Anxiety affects both your mind and body.

God cares about both. Anxiety is absolutely real, but so is God.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7

17. It’s okay to walk away from what is harming you.

God is not limited in what He can rebuild.

18. Grace is not earned; it’s received.

Even for you.

“My grace is sufficient for you…”

2 Corinthians 12:9

19. Take care of your health. Move, rest, breathe.

20. Change is a part of growth.

Even in relationships.

21. Loving others well means showing up for them even when your life is hectic too.

“Love one another deeply…”

1 Peter 4:8

22. My mom is still the greatest person I know.

23. God is good—always.

Even when you can’t see what He’s doing.

“The Lord is good to all…”

Psalm 145:9

24. Gratitude shifts your mind and body. It offers a complete renewal.

“Give thanks in all circumstances…”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

25. Perfection is never the goal.

Having faith is!

26. Your body is a temple.

And it deserves care, rest, and kindness.

“Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…”

1 Corinthians 6:19

27. You were never meant to do this life alone. Community is a gift.

“Carry each other’s burdens…”

Galatians 6:2

This year, I stopped waiting to feel ready.

I started saying “yes” to God even when it felt like too much. Because I’m learning that

Faith isn’t the absence of fear. It’s trusting God is greater than it.

27 isn’t about arriving at a checkpoint I THINK I should be at. It’s about abiding in His good plan and purpose for my life!

If there’s one thing I know, walking into this new season is that the same God who brought me through 26, will continue to be faithful in 27!