One of the hardest truths I had to face after leaving was how much time I had lost. I thought staying meant I was protecting myself, but what I was really doing was delaying my purpose.

Each month I told myself I’d leave “soon.” Each year I convinced myself I was almost ready. But in reality, I was postponing the life God was calling me to live. Purpose was waiting on the other side of obedience, but fear and comfort kept me stuck.

The Housing Authority consumed my energy, my peace, and my creativity. By the time I left, I was drained. But once I stepped out, I realized how much space and clarity were waiting for me. I could hear God more clearly. I could focus on my practice. I could breathe. That clarity had been there all along — but staying too long had muffled it.

The illegal withholding of my final paycheck was symbolic to me. It showed me that no matter how much I gave, the return would never be worth the cost. My purpose could not grow in soil that was poisoned.

This season of fasting and preparing for baptism has reminded me that obedience is not optional if I want to walk in alignment. Every time I delay, I delay my own blessing. And every time I cling to what God is calling me to leave, I delay the flow of what He’s trying to give me.

Now, I don’t question the timing anymore. If God says “move,” I move. I trust that my purpose is too valuable to waste in spaces that don’t align.

Leaving taught me that staying too long doesn’t just waste time — it postpones destiny. And I refuse to let that happen again.