
As I reflect on the past year, I realize that while I’ve experienced a lot of growth, I’ve also made some major mistakes that nearly broke me. It’s not always easy to talk about our failures, especially in public, but I believe that there’s power in vulnerability, and I want to share with you the six biggest mistakes I made in 2024. I’ve learned some profound lessons from these moments of failure, and I hope that by sharing my experiences, you can find something that resonates with you and helps you grow in your own journey.
1. Lack of Surrender in My Relationships with God
2024 was a year of big changes for me. I moved to a new city where I didn’t know anyone, and I was eager to build a new life, make friends, and spread the gospel. I felt the calling from God to make a change, to leave my comfort zone and start fresh. However, in the midst of all the excitement, I made one critical mistake: I didn’t fully surrender my relationships with God.
Back in Miami, I was deeply immersed in my work and ministry, but the city itself was a bit of a trauma for me. I had isolated myself in many ways, focusing entirely on ministry, and I didn’t take the time to build meaningful friendships or seek out the support I needed. When I moved to the new city, I tried to make up for lost time by desperately seeking connection. I feared being alone, and that fear sometimes led me to make decisions that weren’t fully aligned with God’s will.
I’m learning that when we move in fear, we tend to act impulsively. Instead, God calls us to trust Him in the process, to surrender to His timing and His plan. I had to confront my fear of being alone and recognize that sometimes God uses those seasons of isolation to refine us and teach us valuable lessons about dependence on Him.
2. Not Knowing How to Rest
In 2024, I fell into the trap of constant hustle. I was working nonstop—producing podcasts, creating content for Instagram and TikTok, and trying to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of social media. I kept pushing myself because I didn’t want to fall behind. This mentality of never stopping became unhealthy.
I’ve talked about this before, but I want to emphasize it again: our society doesn’t prioritize rest. It’s all about the grind, the hustle, and the next big opportunity. But what I learned this year is that rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. I was so caught up in the pressure to create, to perform, and to be visible, that I didn’t allow myself to take a step back and recharge.
There were times when I didn’t feel inspired, didn’t want to be on camera, and didn’t have anything to share. And that’s okay. It’s in those moments that God teaches us to slow down, to be present, and to trust that He’s got everything under control. Rest isn’t about being lazy—it’s about trusting that our work doesn’t define us and that God’s presence and peace are more important than our productivity.
3. Struggling with Boundaries in Ministry and Personal Relationships
One of the biggest lessons I learned in 2024 was the importance of setting boundaries, especially in my personal relationships and ministry work. I’ve always wanted to help people, to pour into others, and to be there for those who need me. But what I didn’t realize was that I was giving too much of myself without protecting my own emotional and spiritual well-being.
I read a book called Good Boundaries and Goodbyes that really opened my eyes to the importance of setting healthy limits in relationships. There are people out there who will drain you, use you, and take advantage of your kindness. And when you don’t have boundaries in place, you end up overextending yourself and burning out.
In ministry, I learned that not everyone is ready to receive what you have to offer. Some people may seem eager, but they’re not truly open to change. There’s a balance between helping others and knowing when to step back and let God work in their lives. I also realized that I hadn’t been setting proper boundaries with my gay friends, and that’s something I’ll continue to work on. It’s about showing love and grace while knowing when to protect myself and trust in God’s timing for change.
4. Fear of Failure and Perfectionism
For a long time, I struggled with perfectionism and the fear of failure. I was constantly worried about how others perceived me, especially in my ministry. I wanted to be a shining example of what it means to follow Christ, but I feared that any misstep would tarnish my reputation or hurt my influence. This fear of failure kept me from fully stepping out in faith.
I was afraid that if I exposed my flaws or struggles, people would be disappointed or think less of me. But God has been teaching me that our weaknesses are not something to hide—they’re opportunities for His strength to be made perfect. I’ve learned that it’s okay to fail, and it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s in those moments of vulnerability that God can use us the most.
I’ve also realized that I don’t need to be perfect to inspire others. My flaws and failures don’t define me—they’re just part of the process of becoming more like Christ. And the more I embrace that, the more I can help others who are struggling with the same fears and insecurities.
5. Not Relying on God for Financial Provision
One of the most stressful aspects of 2024 was managing my finances. For the first time in my life, I was fully responsible for paying my own bills, and it was a huge adjustment. There were moments when I didn’t know how I was going to make ends meet. I was living off donations, and there were times when I wasn’t sure if I would be able to pay my rent or buy groceries. In those moments, I often turned to distractions—Netflix, social media, or even unhealthy habits—to numb my anxiety.
But what I didn’t do was turn to God. I didn’t immediately rely on Him in those moments of financial stress. Instead, I tried to control things on my own, and that only led to more anxiety. Looking back, I realize that God was trying to teach me to trust Him more fully in my finances. He’s always been faithful to provide, and I’ve seen that in the ways He’s used others to support my ministry.
Trusting God with our finances is one of the hardest things to do because it feels so uncertain. But I’ve learned that when we trust Him, He always provides, even in the last minute. This lesson is something I’m bringing with me into 2025, and I’m excited to see how God will continue to provide for my needs as I walk in obedience to Him.
6. Lack of Faith in God’s Plan for My Life
Finally, the biggest mistake I made in 2024 was not fully trusting God’s plan for my life. There were moments when I doubted His purpose for me, especially in the midst of challenges and setbacks. I started a new company this year to support my ministry, but I was constantly questioning whether I was doing the right thing. I feared that I wasn’t equipped enough, that I wasn’t ready, and that I was going to fail.
But God has shown me that His plan is greater than my doubts. Even when I don’t have all the answers, I can trust that He is leading me. This year, I’ve seen so many testimonies of God’s faithfulness, especially within the LGBTQ community, and I’m learning to walk in faith, even when I don’t have all the details.
Conclusion: Moving Forward with Grace and Faith
Looking back on 2024, I realize that the mistakes I made were not failures—they were opportunities for growth. Each of these mistakes taught me valuable lessons about surrender, rest, boundaries, failure, finances, and faith. And while I don’t have all the answers, I’m learning to trust God more fully and to walk in obedience, even when it’s hard.
As we move into 2025, I’m excited for what God has in store. I know there will be challenges ahead, but I also know that He’s with me every step of the way. I hope that by sharing my mistakes and the lessons I’ve learned, you can find encouragement in your own journey.
If you’ve made similar mistakes or have learned important lessons from your own experiences, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out to me on social media or leave a comment below. Let’s continue to grow together in faith, trusting that God will guide us through every season.
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