From Hostels in Harlem to Sheetz

I feel as if im constantly putting myself in positions that im not even remotely close to being prepared for. Its almost like I have a habit of jumping first and figuring things out mid-air.

I remember one particular season where that spirit of “just go” led me on a road trip. I didn’t have much, just my vehicle, a few hundred bucks, and a backpack of clothes. I wanted to travel. I wanted to see the world. Mostly, I wanted to grow.

That road took me straight into the heart of Manhattan. I figured I could just sleep in my car inside a parking garage. (Not my best idea.) I had been staying in McDonald’s parking lots up until this point. A friend of mine quickly reminded me that might not be the safest plan. So I did the next best thing…. Ibooked a $50 hostel in Harlem.

That night, my phone died. I only remembered that the hostel was near Central Park, so naturally, I decided to take a nighttime stroll through Central Park to find my way back. When I tell that part of the story, people who love me tend to give me that look. The one that says, “What were you thinking?!?!”

Honestly, at the time, I don’t think my brain was fully developed for that kind of decision making. Maybe it was youthful curiosity. I was 27…. 😅 Maybe it was faith. But here’s what I’ve learned since then: sometimes, you grow most when you step into things you’re not ready for.

Faith Looks Reckless Sometimes

There’s wisdom in listening to others. I believe that wholeheartedly. But there’s also a time when you have to take a leap. Pray about it, trust God, and send it.

If we wait until we’re “ready,” we’ll miss half of what God wants to teach us. Growth doesn’t usually happen in comfort zones. It happens in parking garages that turn into hostels, in late night walks through unfamiliar parks, and in faith moments where we’re scared, but obedient.

Modeling Courage for Others

I’ve learned that if we want others to grow, we have to show them what it looks like to stretch. It’s heartbreaking how often we tell kids or the people we lead to step out, take risks, make new friends, and trust God, but we won’t do it ourselves.

If you want your child to reach out and make new friends, go make one too. Let them see you walk up to someone you don’t know, ask questions you don’t have the answers to, and navigate the awkwardness that comes with being vulnerable.

Growth has to be modeled. Courage is contagious, but someone has to go first. As leaders, parents, mentors, and more importantly believers, we can’t just preach boldness! We have to live it! Because nothing teaches faith more than watching someone actually practice it.

What I’ve Learned from the Streets

That same trust that sent me to Manhattan is what drives me to walk the streets of my hometown, spending time with the homeless community. These conversations don’t happen in church pews. They happen on sidewalks, in parking lots, and mostly in Sheetz dine in tables. Places where love has to look like action.

I’ve learned that sometimes you don’t need to have the perfect plan; you just need to show up. When you put yourself out there, you start to see people the way Jesus does. You start realizing that being unprepared doesn’t disqualify you, it just gives God more room to work through you.

Patch Adams and Breaking the Mold

One of my favorite movies is Patch Adams. It’s about a man who refused to fit into the system because he cared more about the people he was trying to serve than the rules that held him back.

That’s the kind of boldness I want to live out! The kind that breaks molds, crosses lines, and says, “I’ll love people even if it makes others uncomfortable.”

Patch didn’t wait until it was safe to make a difference. He cared deeply, risked often, and loved loudly. That’s “sending it” in its truest form.

When You’re Not Ready, Go Anyway

Looking back, I see that God used those unprepared moments to prepare me for something greater. Every awkward step, every uncertain season, every “what was I thinking?” moment. All of it built a faith that’s not afraid to move forward.

Because sometimes the most dangerous thing you can do is stay still.

Send It Thought:

“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”

Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

So wherever God’s calling you, even if you don’t feel ready, pray, prepare as best you can, and send it for God.

And when you do, let others see you do it! Why? Because your courage might just unlock theirs.