This year, I had an experience that reminded me just how closely purpose and courage walk together.
A few months ago, an opportunity crossed my path — a national pitch competition with hundreds of applicants. The announcement came at the last minute, and I almost talked myself out of applying.
I questioned whether I had enough time.
Enough preparation.
Enough belief in myself.
But something within me said, “Go for it anyway.”
So I gathered my materials, submitted my application, and moved on with my day. In fact, I forgot about it entirely — until an email arrived with the subject line:
“Congratulations — you are a Top 10 Finalist.”
I read it twice.
Me? Out of hundreds?
Chosen. Seen. Believed in.
That moment alone was a victory. A divine reminder that the very opportunities we hesitate to pursue are often the ones God already prepared us for.
But here’s the part I want to talk about:
I didn’t advance to the Top 5.
For a moment, disappointment settled in — because I had poured sincerity, clarity, and faith into my application. But that feeling didn’t last long, because what came next was revelation.
What a “No” Really Means
I sat with the email and spoke truth back to myself — truth every entrepreneur, creator, or dreamer needs to hear:
A “no” is not a rejection of your worth.
Being recognized as a Top 10 finalist meant:
- My mission resonated.
- My story carried weight.
- My purpose was seen.
Organizations don’t accidentally choose someone for their top tier. That selection is earned.
And yet, the “no” at the next stage carried valuable lessons.
Lesson 1: A “No” Does Not Define the Journey
My impact didn’t disappear because I didn’t win.
My work in schools, communities, and homes continues.
The books, the stories, the literacy initiatives — they all remain in motion.
Purpose does not shrink because a door closes.
Purpose adapts, grows, expands.
Lesson 2: A “No” Does Not Dim the Mission
What I’m building through Lil’ Marco and Friends is bigger than a single pitch competition. It includes literacy-rich programs, inclusive children’s media, book-based learning, community engagement, and representation-centered content.
The mission is bigger than any one yes.
And stronger than any one no.
Lesson 3: A “No” Can Still Be a Win
There’s victory in showing up.
In applying when doubt told me not to.
In putting my story on a national platform.
In leading with authenticity and faith.
The growth that came from this experience is something no award could have guaranteed.
Lesson 4: A “No” Is Redirection, Not Defeat
Sometimes God uses a closed door to guide us toward the one He meant for us all along.
And in this moment, I gained:
- renewed clarity
- deeper purpose
- a stronger sense of alignment
- confirmation that I’m right where I need to be
And I’m moving forward with hope, faith, and vision for what’s ahead.
A Grateful Heart & An Open Hand
I am grateful to the selection team who recognized the value of my work and lifted my mission into the Top 10. Their support affirmed that this journey matters.
And I’m stepping into the next chapter with gratitude, clarity, and expectation.
This isn’t the end of the story — it’s the start of a bigger beginning.
Every “no” simply clears space for the “yes” that was meant for me.
My mission remains, my purpose deepens, and the vision continues to rise.
Every closed door is shaping me for the one I’m called to walk through.
I move forward with gratitude, clarity, and an open hand for what comes next.”
A Note to Potential Partners, Funders, and Collaborators
If your organization, foundation, or team is committed to:
- literacy
- representation
- community impact
- early childhood education
- uplifting culturally relevant stories
- supporting creators of color
…then our missions may align.
I welcome conversations, introductions, and opportunities to collaborate.
Feel free to contact me directly — or share this post with someone connected to this work.
We rise higher when we rise together.