Uncommon Path Network

Dear Path Finder,

I pray you find your purposeful path, walk audaciously in it, and inspire others to find theirs too

This past Sunday, I had to drive home to the Eastern Cape –  a trip that came up suddenly, with little time to prepare. Twelve hours on the road, one man trip (Lol I still get asked, how do I do it), to be honest, I drive like I own a Hilux or some kind of 4×4 – fully convinced that my little car can handle anything.

By God’s grace, I arrived safely and opened my laptop from the heart of my village on Monday.

There’s something about time ezilalini (in the villages ) that brings a rare kind of stillness. No buzz of city life. No noise. Just the sound of roosters, kettle whistles, and my thoughts finally catching up with me.

Waking up to white sour porridge (isdudu) and eating thick, warm steamed bread with peanut butter and a bit of butter… That alone felt like rest.

That simple comfort nourished something deeper than my stomach, especially because the reason for my journey was heavy. In the quiet, I sensed God inviting me to listen again to the tug-of-war in my heart: the craving for a hidden life and the undeniable call to shine.

On one hand, I long to be low-profile, faithful behind the scenes, not needing to be seen or known. On the other hand, I can’t deny that I’m wired to lead, to speak, to love loudly, and to build things that others want to be a part of.

Every time I start something, people gather. Every time I speak, others lean in. And I’ve wrestled with that. I’ve asked God, “Can I just stay in the quiet? Can I love deeply without being pulled into the spotlight?” But the truth is, some lights were never meant to be hidden, even when they long for simplicity.

I’ve been learning that I don’t have to choose between peace and purpose. It doesn’t have to be quiet or seen. Maybe the most faithful life is one that is anchored in stillness and expressed in courage. One that doesn’t chase applause but doesn’t shy away from assignment either.

I’m learning to ask better questions, not “Should I be seen?” but “Where is God calling me to show up today?” Not “How do I keep my life small?” but “How do I stay grounded when the influence grows?” Because shrinking won’t protect my purpose. Only alignment will.

So instead of fearing visibility, I’m trusting God to help me steward it. Instead of idolizing obscurity, I’m leaning into the truth that I was created to speak life and build meaning. And instead of burning out trying to do it all, I’m learning to let grace lead me day by day – idea by idea, project by project, moment by sacred moment.

If you, too, have been feeling that tension between hiding and showing up, between resting and rising. I want you to know: you’re not alone. And maybe this season isn’t asking you to choose, but to trust. To walk quietly… and still let your light shine.

Here are a few things to think about:

Follow your anointing, not your ambition.
Ambition often asks, “How can I get ahead?”
Anointing asks, “Where is God already moving – and how can I join Him?”

Follow pace, not pressure.
Just because others are ready doesn’t mean I am. Delay isn’t disobedience when it’s rooted in discernment.

Follow the whispers, not the noise.
The algorithm may reward noise, but heaven responds to obedience. The whisper is where the wisdom is.

Follow the deeper “why.”
I’m no longer chasing influence for its own sake. My “why” is rooted in impact, integrity, and intimacy with God.

Thank you for walking this uncommon path with me. May we remain rooted in quiet and radiant in courage, discerning every yes and no under heaven’s whisper.

Shalom,

Oyena