When Isolation = Preparation

According to marriam-webster.com, isolation is defined as:

1. “the state of being in a place or situation that is separate from others”

2. “the act of separating something from other things”

I know that in general, isolation is usually seen as something negative. But… what if it’s not? What happens when one is forced into isolation? Or there is no other option but to be isolated for a specific period of time?

In a time where social distancing and quarantining have pretty much become the norm, we have all experienced isolation to some extent.

There are times when God intentionally chooses to isolate us from people, places or things for a season. Not as punishment but simply for the sake of personal growth.

It’s amazing how much influence people, places and things have on us when around for any period of time. Sometimes to the point where we think we know who we are but really don’t because we get “lost in the crowd” so to speak. The minute everyone and everything is stripped away, we are forced to face ourselves and the reality of who we are.

I’ve shared in previous posts a little bit about my journey and how I was unexpectedly thrown off schedule for 2 years. That was my isolation season. And mine began in 2019, even before any pandemic existed, when the world was “normal”.

Up until that point, I always knew what was next by default. I had a lot of questions and for the first time in my life, the future was uncertain.

I lost people who I thought would have been there for a lifetime. Some walked away while others, if I’m completely honest, I walked away from. Not because anything was wrong per say but because the quality of my future would depend on the quality of people I allowed to surround me.

Let’s be real… Some people are “good” but they may just not be good for you. Not everyone can handle ALL that God created you to be.

Looking back, I had very high expectations that my journey would have introduced me to some of the best friends in my life. Mainly because I saw how things worked out so well for others.

I was excited and ready for my “squad” to manifest. But the “squad” was holding me back. Not intentionally, but in a way that kept me from taking the risks and leaps of faith that I needed to take.

I was comfortable being comfortable. I felt like it was safer to be “normal” and take the traditional path just like my peers.

I hid all the big dreams and goals God gave me years ago because the people around me didn’t dream as big as I seemed to.

In order to not “rock the boat”, I sacrificed pursuing my unconventional goals; the huge, extraordinary dreams God gave me for as long as I could remember.

I didn’t move when I knew I was supposed to move. Instead I remained stagnant and felt a lot of guilt and shame for even thinking about doing some of the things I knew that God was calling me to do. Simply because they didn’t make sense to anyone else.

It was in isolation that I learnt who God truly is.

It was in isolation that I found my true identity.

It was in isolation that I discovered the value of my voice.

It was in isolation that I uncovered and healed from a lot of hurt and pain.

It was in isolation that I was delivered and set free.

It was in isolation that I received the counselling and mentorship I needed.

It was in isolation that God introduced me to my covenant friends.

It was in isolation…

the state of being in a place or situation separate from others…

that I learnt to know and trust the voice of God.

Isolation is not always a bad thing. It’s a matter of perspective.

Embrace your seasons of isolation.

Don’t take it personal when people walk away.

Don’t feel bad for walking away from people when lead to.

God has specific instructions for your future that He needs you to hear and receive.

A crowd is noisy but isolation is quiet.

Isolation is necessary to adequately prepare for the magnitude of your future.

Love & Blessings,

Brittany Krystal