Imari C.

If you’re reading this, now is your time

All too often, I have found myself questioning my purpose and place in life. Thoughts of not being good enough, being an imposter, and feeling unwanted have filled my mind. These thoughts have sometimes hindered me from reaching for the things I truly want and desire.

Not only did these thoughts and voices hold me back, but I also limited my talents and gifts. Each time an opportunity came around to share my voice and opinion through writing, I shied away. Always giving an excuse, “Oh, no one wants to hear the silly things that I have to say.”

Now, I realize that no one has to want to hear what I have to say, but I have to want to share it.

This same concept applies to you. Yes, you, the one reading this letter.

You see, we are all given a purpose and a plan for our lives. Whether you are religious or not, each of us has a divinely crafted purpose that is uniquely tied to the talents and gifts we possess. Sometimes—many times—you may not know what that purpose looks like, and even when you do, you may experience moments of uncertainty about how to proceed.

At some point in our journeys, we are all like Peter Parker—ordinary people suddenly given incredible gifts and faced with extraordinary challenges. He didn’t ask to be Spider-Man. He doubted himself, questioned whether he was truly meant for the responsibility thrust upon him, and at times, he wanted to walk away. Ultimately, he realized that his abilities were given to him for a reason. His story reminds us that even when we feel unprepared or unworthy, we may be exactly where we need to be, with exactly what we need to step into our purpose.

A few days ago, I opened my daily devotional and came across Esther 4:14, which reads: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

For me, this verse was a revelation, and I hope it also speaks to you.

Esther was a young Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. She did not expect to be in such a position, but when her people faced the threat of destruction, she was given an opportunity to speak up and intervene. She was afraid, uncertain, and hesitant, yet she ultimately chose to step into her purpose, risking everything to save her people. Her story reminds us that even when we feel unprepared or unworthy, we may be right where we need to be, with exactly what we need to fulfill our purpose.

I have been anxious for weeks, if not months, about what is in store for me—what my plan and purpose hold. I have had a general idea, but as life often does, the road has been anything but smooth. I have felt rocky and discouraged.

But then I read: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” This portion of the verse brings me so much peace and joy. It reminds me that I am not here by accident. I have come to this moment with my talents and gifts for a reason. And so have you.

“For if you remain silent at this time.” To me, silence, in this context, is allowing fear and doubt to hinder your gifts and talents. Silence is holding yourself back from the opportunities meant for you. If you choose not to go after what is calling you, you deny yourself the chance to grow into your purpose.

Even in the face of uncertainty, you are in your time to endure, step into your calling, and rise above fear. In the same way, Esther and Spider-Man were placed in their positions for a reason; you have been placed in this moment with a purpose.

So, I challenge you—and myself—to not be silent. To no longer hold ourselves back. To step forward and to embrace what makes us unique. The world needs our experiences. The world needs our gifts. The world needs you. Now is your time.

Imari C., Clemson University

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