Calling The Brave

My heart is literally beating out of my chest right now. Maybe I need more coffee, or maybe less. I’m not sure. I’m wild with anticipation, and stupid excited right now. And, nervous. Not nervous in the sense that I am going to fail or fall, more like I have something that I want to share with you. And, I’m not sure about the words. So… I’ll start with a story. My story. 

“You make me brave.”

These words have been my anchor, and over the past three years have rolled through my mind during immense periods of discouragement and frustration. They have have literally lifted me out of sadness on days when I wondered if I was doing the right thing. To me they are more than just words or lyrics to an amazing song. My heart sings them because they have been a guidepost and catalyst to one of the greatest adventures I have ever embarked upon. 

So here is my story. Three years ago I walked away from my calling. I had been deeply hurt as a woman (pastor) in church leadership, and found myself in a place where I questioned everything about what God had spoken over my life. My heart was deeply wounded, and I was experiencing emotions stronger than I had ever felt before. So I ran. I ran as far away as I could from my calling. Sure that there was something else better. Less hurtful. 

I’ve always had a deep desire to connect others to God, to help them move towards Him and experience His love. But in my own pain, I struggled to find my own healing and purpose He had created me for. That purpose of relationship and knowing Him. 

So I took a trip to other side of the world, hoping that I would finally get some clarity. And God met me in the most amazing way. I would like to share it with you.

The day started like a dream, boarding a large boat headed to middle of the ocean bound for the Great Barrier Reef. It was something I had always wanted to do, snorkel in one of the most spectacular places on earth. Unfortunately, the weather conditions were not all that cooperative, and huge waves made snorkeling difficult.

I would classify myself as a pretty good swimmer, but once in the water the waves battered me something fierce. As I tried to stay afloat among the crashing waves, I began to experience sheer panic. I was terrified to continue, unable to breathe, and worried that I had made the worst decision of my life. 

There was rope attached to the boat and I clung to it for dear life. Fear had overtaken me, and I was rendered immobilized. In more ways than one. In that moment I had a decision to make, either swim back to the boat and admit defeat, or launch myself back into the terrifying ocean.

My trip to Australia had been to run from the purpose in which God had called me, and in that moment I was facing my own fears of failure. I was so afraid of what I did not know as well as the possibilities for my life if I surrendered my calling back to Him. What would He ask me to do? Would I be hurt again?

God spoke to me that day. Very clearly. It was not an audible voice, but my spirit knew. He told me that my journey would take me places that required courage. That going out into the ocean was not ever meant to be peaceful, it was for the brave. But, He told me that he would give me the courage if I asked. 

I took the biggest leap of faith that day and continued to swim. In those crazy waters, I saw the most magnificent sights that I never would have seen if I had climbed back on the boat. It was a huge lesson. One that has changed my life. Not only did I choose to face my fear, but to push through it with relentless pursuit.

So, here I am three years later, sharing my own personal journey. The journey that has led me to be fiercely passionate about empowering other women to be brave. To step out of their ordinary life and into the extraordinary calling and purpose that God has so beautifully created them for. 

My own journey has been challenging, and at times discouraging. But, I have held tight to those words and to my relationship with God. Maybe you feel like He is calling you out on the water. And, you are wondering if you are strong enough to brave the waves. You are! I’ve been there, and I know you will get there too. Step out of the boat!

We are better together!

Why Purpose Is Found In Community

If you had all the resource (including time, money and people) available to you, what would you do with it? I love asking people this question, and get so excited when I get to hear their response. 

Quite likely you might respond by saying that you want to write a book about your life experiences so that you can help someone else going through the same struggles. Perhaps, you would share about your concern for others and  how you want to open a home for unwanted children so that they could experience a love they have never known. You might even tell me that you would pay off all your existing debts so that you can take better care of your family. 

I have asked this question many times. Of all the times I have asked a friend or a client that question, the answer has never been about amassing their own wealth or fame. Even if it would be nice to have all the riches in the world, that would not bring about purpose and fulfillment. 

Our dreams are definitely a huge indicator of the purpose for which we have been designed. You better believe that God created us to have vision, and to be challenged to walk it out in our every day lives. But why does He want us to know our purpose, and where is it found?

I believe our purpose is found in the bonds of relationship. With our creator and in the context of community. The big question I want to ask is, ‘would we really be living out our purpose if it only directly effected our own life?’ I believe the answer to that is a resounding, ‘NO'.

• Purpose is found by being vulnerable in relationship.

The ability to be transparent with your struggles and challenges will propel you further than you ever thought possible. Lean into relationship. Although we are often tempted to isolate, we must resist it at all costs. 

• Purpose is found in partnership with a greater vision than our own.

Vision grows and is fostered when we are in collaboration. Maybe you have vision for your own life, ministry or business. That’s awesome! But ask God where He may want you to partner with a vision greater than what you own now. This will not only expand your vision, but challenge you to think bigger. 

• Purpose is found when we learn to overcome conflict.

The temptation to cut and run during conflict is often one of the biggest reasons people never see their purpose come to pass. Don’t bail on conflict, work it out.

• Purpose is found by moving through transition.

Our purpose walks us through seasons, and each of those seasons come with change and transition. Embrace change, and walk out your transition with integrity.

• Purpose is found when we connect others to God. 

It’s not really about us! Whoa, mind blown. It’s all about Him! 

Are you living your purpose in the context of community? If one of these area's hits on a nerve then is may be that you need to focus on that area. Purpose is not all about our individual lives, it is outworked when we are working together to affect change and point others to God. 

Together we are better!

I am so excited to launch Purpose Coaching Online on June 22, 2016. This is a great opportunity for you to discover your purpose in the context of community. Click HERE

Position Yourself For Purpose

The term purpose gets tossed around a lot these days, and it seems everyone is on the hunt for their life purpose. Trying to discover how it can be outworked in our lives, and where it may take us. The search for meaning is more prevalent than ever. It’s not enough to go to work, have family time and repeat. The desire for intentionality is at an all time high. Living life day to day is not enough anymore.

As a life coach, I get asked over and over not only how we can discover our purpose, but live it. Let’s be honest here, there is no quick answer, or amazing self actualization tool that will point the way. But, over the next few weeks I am going to share with you a few really helpful steps that I believe will equip you to begin the journey. 

Quick disclaimer: Your journey will last a life time. Along the way you will begin to experience the fullness of the purpose for which you were created. I need to be honest, it will be one of the most exciting things you have done, but it will also be the most challenging. 

Position yourself to hear. 

In the busyness of our lives, careers, and relationships it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of noise that surrounds us. Doing ‘things’ does not equate being purposeful. That is more like acts of service or works. And although our works can be effective to living our purpose, it is definitely not our purpose. 

We must position ourselves to hear the voice of God. My personal belief is that our purpose comes directly from the outflow of our relationship to the creator of the universe. Now before you think I am getting all ‘woo woo’ on you, hear me out. 

Being a part of something bigger requires the understanding that we are also part of something greater than ourselves. Call it what you may, but I call it being a child of God. When we begin to position ourselves to hear the creator of the universe, He will answer. 

For the sake of practicality, here are few ways that we can position ourselves to hear the voice of God:

1. Silence the noise.

• Turn off your phone, log off Netflix, and get silent. For some people this means taking a hike in the woods. For others, it may mean sitting quietly. For others still, it means taking a consecrated time of prayer and fasting.

2. Equip yourself for the journey.

• There is no better way to discover your purpose than to begin to ask yourself the questions that will lead you to the place you need to go. Dig deep. This may mean hiring a coach to help you do the heavy lifting. And trust me, there will be heavy lifting.

3. Get in community. 

• Iron sharpens iron. This means that we are better when we are doing community together. In community we are able to shave off the old ways, the rough edges so that we can be refined for greater purpose. 

Is it time for you to finally get started on a journey that will change your life? 

Take the next week to really position yourself to hear the voice of God. Silence the noise around you, ask yourself the tough questions and get around people who will sharpen you.

Together we are better!

Ready to take the next step? Join me and some extraordinary women as we dare to reach beyond our everyday life to discover the purpose we were created for. Designed With Purpose Online is set to re launch this summer. To hear more, send me an email - andreacrisp@me.com with the message 'tell me more'. 

Why Comparison Will Kill Your Destiny

Have you ever walked into a party, rockin’ a brand new outfit that you were so excited to wear, looking absolutely amazing, only to find out that you didn’t get the memo and everyone else was dressed for a lesser occasion? Although you felt good, and looked fabulous, all of the sudden it’s like you can’t get out of there fast enough. You search to find the escape route somewhere to no avail. You are that girl!

So maybe you have, or maybe it’s just me. When I was 13 years old I couldn't wait to hanging out with older (and much cooler) kids at church. I was so excited to finally be going to the youth Christmas formal, and I was going to put my best foot forward. Pulling up in my parents mini van wearing my emerald green satin dress (yes, it was the 80’s), I quickly noticed everyone else was dressed super casually. How did I not know! My heart sank. It was my coming out, and I looked ridiculous wearing my formal dress. There was no way I was getting out of that van.

With the help of an older girl at the party, she and my mom managed to coerce me out of the van, and with a little convincing I began to own what I was wearing. That was a defining moment in my life when I realized that I could either be myself or like everyone else. 

How often do you wonder if you stand out in the crowd, or blend with the status quo? It may seem tempting to want to be different, but when everyone else is following the latest fad, isn’t it just easier to go with the flow. 

As women, we are so quick to want to jump on the latest band wagon of fashion and trend. Admit it. You do it too! We all have that gorgeous friend who just seems to know exactly what to wear, and how to wear it. Or, the friend that seems to always get a promotion at work, and is climbing that ladder with no glass ceiling in sight. And, we just sit back and watch. Sidelined in the comparison trap. 

Ok ladies, who has compared themselves to their best friend, jealous that she got engaged first? Or, in some cases... wondered how long it would take for us to finally get recognized for our talent when everyone else seems to get noticed first. Same same, just different. In case you are wondering, YOU are not alone!

But here’s the deal. Comparison will rob you of your purpose. It snatches away your true potential, keeping you locked in anxiety and the fear that you will never measure up. That you will never be good enough. 

Isn’t high time you threw off the weight of trying to be like everyone else, and accepted that you were made uniquely, created like no one else on earth. It’s ok if you want to run down the road less traveled, or desire to make changes no one else is courageous enough to pursue. 

Kick comparison in the teeth. Tell it that YOU can’t be stopped, and don’t plan on giving into the fear and insecurity.

Be a change maker. Wear what you want. And, let go of the idea that you have to be on the same timeline as everyone else. After all, how boring would it be if we were all the same?

How can you starting living your best life today?

We are better together!

Get clarity on how you can create a life you love by setting up a FREE 30 minute strategy session TODAY! (new clients only)