What Would Life Look Like Without Limits?

I hear it all the time: “God won’t put more on you than you can bear." But sometimes, I wonder—does God truly test our limits, or is He waiting for us to stop trying to carry everything alone? Scripture tells us, “Cast your cares on the Lord for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7). But how often do we actually do that? How often do we cling to our burdens, convinced we have to handle it all ourselves?

For years, I held onto things that weighed me down—expectations, trauma, self-doubt, even my hair. In 2009, I did the “big chop” not just for a fresh start, but because my chemically processed hair was literally making me sick. My scalp was inflamed, my hair was thinning, and even my eyesight was affected. But more than that, I had spent years trying to fit a mold that wasn’t meant for me. Letting go of my hair was symbolic of something deeper—a willingness to release, to heal, to grow.

And I’m still learning what it means to live without the weight of my past. My mentor once asked me, “Who would you be without the trauma?" This question continues to echo in my heart. Because for so long, I’ve carried things—labels, pain, expectations. But I’m more than my experiences. More than a coach, a teacher, an author. I am a creation of God, uniquely designed, intricately woven with intention. And the more I step into that truth, the more I realize how powerful self-discovery really is.

Recently, my brother—one of my biggest supporters—reminded me of something I often forget. He told me, “You’re special, not just to me, but to the world. You have so much to offer. Stop shrinking yourself to fit into someone else’s box. Trust that you are enough." And in that moment this scripture came to mind:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:13-14)

God chose me to be a mouthpiece—to share His love, to live alongside people the way Jesus did, to walk in my purpose with boldness. But I know this journey isn’t just about me. It’s about all of us.

We all face Goliaths. We all encounter people who, out of fear, try to hold us back. We all wrestle with self-doubt. But here’s what I’m learning: God gives us a choice. We can let fear define us, or we can trust that He has something greater in store.

            So I’ll add one more question to my mentor’s: 

           Who would I be without fear and limitations?

I choose to release my burdens to God, to walk this path—not in perfection, but in faith. Because we are all beautifully flawed, yet wonderfully made.

Reflection Questions:

1. What burdens—emotional, spiritual, or physical—are you still holding onto that God is asking you to release? 
   Take a moment to reflect on what’s weighing you down. Are you carrying past hurts, self-doubt, or expectations that no longer serve you? Sometimes, we hold onto struggles because they feel familiar, but true healing comes when we surrender them to God. What’s one burden you can begin releasing today?
   
   
2. If fear wasn’t holding you back, what would you pursue with your whole heart?
   Fear has a way of keeping us stuck—stuck in routines, stuck in doubt, stuck in places we’ve outgrown. But imagine for a moment that fear had no power over you. What dreams would you chase? What bold steps would you take toward the life God is calling you to?
   
   
3. How do you see yourself? Are you viewing yourself through God’s eyes, or through the lens of past pain and limitations?
   Our identity is often shaped by our past experiences, but God sees us as whole, capable, and deeply loved. Do you see yourself the way He does? Or are you still defining yourself by what you’ve been through? What would it take for you to embrace your true worth?

Take time to journal, pray, share your thoughts in the comments, or share with someone who needs this reminder today. Your journey matters!


With the love and heart of Jesus,

Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris