The Only Permission You Need: To Be You

You have permission to do what God has placed in your heart for you to do. I waited so long to be validated or get permission from other people. That rarely came along. It took some time to get to this point. I want to help you, future fashion leader, to be strong in your identity—who God has called you to be without trying to get permission from others to do something. I think the needing validation chain broke off my mind when I went through this drawn-out interview process with a global fashion company. I did what I needed to do on my behalf, like network and follow up. What made it worse was my wanting to get into the room. I met with the entire team and attended multiple interviews to hear that it was given to an internal candidate the day before I heard back. I was disappointed. I was crushed. I was perplexed. After that, I realized I was placing my hope in something other than God. I remember asking friends if I should release this design. Or should I post this picture of my outfit? It may be small as that. I don't know, but that is seeking validation, and many of us do it unintentionally.

I have come here to tell you; you already have permission to do that thing. Suppose it's good, perfect lovely of good report. God has permitted you to do it. Too often, we let the voices of family, religion, or culture significantly control how we move. God wants you to be completely free from all restrictions. Even those excuses as to why you can't start that fashion business, apply to that fashion role, etc. It is the fear of rejection. To overcome the fear of rejection is to know who God is, who you are, and what He has called you to do. When you know your identity, people may try to reject you, but you will not take it personally. Another way to look at rejection is knowing that God is protecting you from something you can't see what is on the other side that may try to destroy your destiny. It is that deep. When your call is significant—which yours is, God is going to protect you from things, people, and places that are designed to destroy you. If you're going to be a leader in fashion one day, you must expect rejection with it accordingly. How can you carve out a new path or offer new solutions when it is the same as everyone else's? Being rejected builds character and aligns you with what truly matters.

You don't need permission from anyone but God.