Unapologetically in Our Lane
Navigating the Challenges of Living Authentically
The top two prayers/considerations/desires, etc. in my life right now are community and entrepreneurship. However, to have those things to the fullest that God has for us, requires our family to make sacrifices. We are choosing quality over status quo. We miss out, we are frustrated, yet we keep yearning for the deep things of God (1 Cor 2:10-11). This journey has compelled us to be unapologetically in our lane.
What is Unapologetically in My Lane?
Let’s talk about what unapologetically in my lane is and what it is not.
Being unapologetically in my lane is freedom. It is unashamedly being who God called me to be and doing what God called me to do. It is not settling for less than because that is what the world, the church, or social norms are offering. It is making a choice to prioritize what matters most and letting go of many ‘good’ things and sometimes many ‘good’ people. It is freedom from inconsequential or misplaced expectations. I find that much of my internal wrestling comes from the temptations of kind people whom, without any ill intent, seek to draw me into their purpose which is not in alignment with God’s purpose for my life. When you are unapologetically in your lane you will have to reject the spiritual, emotional, and economical coercion from other things and people, including yourself! It is a promise towards peacemaking with yourself, others, and God because it is not easy to stay in one’s lane.
Being unapologetically in my lane means less is more.
Unapologetically in my lane is not isolationism nor self-centeredness. It is not monolithic. It is definitely not assimilation. Likewise, it is not an excuse for bad behavior nor a sense of self-expression without appropriate boundaries or interpersonal decency. It is not the gospel, it is not programmatic, nor is it carelessly contrarian. And finally, it does not mean that I cannot have thoughts on things that aren’t directly tied to my personal experiences.
Unapologetically in my lane means embracing your journey confidently while acknowledging the reality of who I am in Christ without letting others' discomfort take precedence.
Being unapologetically in my lane has its fears, backlash, doubts, and heartache. When the consequences of others meeting the reality of my self-existence causes them to have to do their own self-work it is challenging. Nonetheless, being unapologetically in my lane is not unloving, unconcerned, nor unresponsive towards other’s thoughts and feelings. However, there are some core identities that cannot be separated from my outlook, decision-making, and desires which I am held accountable to – follower of Christ, black, father of a large family, husband, and friend. Being unapologetically in my lane is giving people all of who God made me to be.
Many of you are unapologetically in your lane as well. You see the crowd going with the grain, you see the rat race, yet you’ve taken a step back wanting more from life, from others and from yourself. Praise! There are others out there. Stay encouraged, stay in the fight, be who you are, grow, connect, and stay unapologetically in your lane.
