06/12/2025

"Turning Fear into Fuel and Forward Motion" by Ercelene Kinnebrew

“Don’t get stuck in a place where you were only designed to build strength.”

- Bishop Dale Bronner

The powerful words of wisdom echoed in our hearts as DTX42 came to a close, but the momentum we gained is just getting started. This year’s conference wasn’t just an event—it was a call to action. A wake-up moment for every attendee to recognize the power of NOW. I was honored to share my story and deliver a message rooted in purpose, clarity, and courage. If you were present for my talk, “Your Powerful Moment,” I hope you felt the impact of unveiling the core of what holds many of us back: fear.

But not just any fear—FEAR: Finding Excuses and Running.

Fear: The Great Paralyzer

Remember, fear can paralyze your progress. It often masquerades as hesitation:

• “I’m not ready.”
• “It’s too risky.”
• “I’ll do it tomorrow.”
• “I don’t have what I need.”

Sound familiar? These aren’t just doubts, they are escape routes. Fear thrives in indecision and keeps us bound to our comfort zone, the place where growth goes to die. But the hard truth? Excuses never move you forward. And if you are not moving forward, you’re standing still while life races on.

So how do we break free from fear’s grip? During DTX42, I shared a five-step actionable blueprint to help you get out of your own way. It’s time to stop waiting for the perfect moment—NOW is the perfect moment. Have you implemented the steps?

1. Identify Your Goal. Clarity is your compass. Vague aspirations like “I want to be successful” won’t cut it. Define your goal specifically. Success starts with knowing exactly what you're aiming for. That clarity turns your “someday” into today.
   
   
2. Admit You’ve Been Making Excuses. This is the gut-check moment. Are you avoiding the work? Are your fears driving your decisions? Until you acknowledge your excuses, they’ll continue to dictate your pace. Call them out and choose action anyway.
   
   
3. Ask for What You Need. No one climbs alone. Whether it’s mentorship, funding, or simply encouragement. Ask. The fear of rejection shouldn’t outweigh your desire to grow. Build your circle. Leverage your community. You weren’t meant to do this alone.
   
   
4. Become Uncomfortable. I won’t sugarcoat it: growth is uncomfortable. But that’s where transformation lives. The power of the present moment is your invitation to step beyond what’s familiar, to learn from people who are further along, and to stretch toward the life you know you’re meant to live.
   
   
5. Make a Plan and Share It. An idea becomes real when it’s written down and shared. That’s why accountability matters. Create a plan. Put your name on it. Share it with those who will cheer you on and challenge you. And if your current circle isn’t helping you grow—find one that will.

The Cost of “Next” Is Paid in the NOW

Find your motivation. “Whatever he does prospers…” Psalm 1:3 is one of several scriptures that I use to help guide and keep me on track. Like a tree planted by water, your efforts in this season will yield fruit in due time—but only if you plant, prepare, and act.

Have you ever seen a flower bloom from a seed that was never planted?

I often find motivation in scripture, like the one I shared with you at the conference: Mark 11:24 – “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” The belief you hold right now will shape what you receive in your future.

Believe boldly in yourself and your talent. You may find motivation in scripture like I do, or perhaps in a poem, a book, or from a friend whose words can ignite the warrior within.

We are all different and will experience a different journey of success. Don’t judge your season by someone else’s harvest. Comparison is a silent killer of dreams. Your journey is uniquely yours. Embrace your timing, do the work, and trust the process.

Have You Fully Embraced the Moment?

I introduced the GO DEEP framework as a guide for intentional growth:

• Gather what you need.
• Open yourself to possibility.
• Decide to act.
• Experience everything along the way.
• Everything has a purpose.
• Purpose should guide you.

Every dream has a price. Your next chapter will be built on the time, effort, and sacrifices you make today.

Stop waiting for permission. Your dreams are all the permission you need to get started.

Finally, your time invested to attend DTX42 was meant for you to walk away inspired and activated. There is no perfect moment waiting around the corner. The opportunity is already here.

And the perfect time is now.

So, identify your goals. Confront your excuses. Act boldly. Share intentionally. Step out of your comfort zone. Believe hard and GO DEEP. Remember, the future you are dreaming of doesn’t begin tomorrow.

It begins right now!