Lately, in the quiet place of prayer, I’ve been seeking God for clarity about the second half of this year. And in that stillness, one truth keeps rising to the surface: most of what this world tells us to chase—platforms, numbers, applause— are not on God’s priority list.

A few months back, I sat in a church service where the pastor asked a piercing question: “Are you impressive or impactful?” That question arrested me. Not because I’m out here trying to impress anybody—but because it exposed a root issue: far too many of God’s people are stuck, paralyzed by image, addicted to approval, and afraid to be used by God unless it comes with applause.

Yes, there’s a time and place for marketing, followers, and growth strategies. But let’s be honest—too many believers are obsessing over visibility while ignoring cultivating good soil for God to produce real, lasting fruit.

Let me say this clearly:

• You can be impactful without being mediocre—that’s the anointing.

• You can be impactful without chasing trends—that’s the anointing.

• You can be impactful without compromise—that’s the anointing.

And hear me—the anointing of God cannot be faked, bought, or branded.

It flows from one place: intimacy with the Father.

If God is birthing something in you—if He’s building something through you—don’t get distracted by metrics. Your greatest impact will always come from Heaven first. The people and places you’re called to? They should get the overflow.

It’s taken me a decade to become rooted in my calling. I’ve wrestled. I’ve waited. I’ve been hidden. And I bless God for every part of the journey—because it stripped away the fluff and brought me back to the fire.

God’s not looking for performers. He’s looking for vessels.

Be one.