Dear Firestarter ,

"Your poetry is too spiritual for corporate spaces."

"Creative ministry won't pay the bills."

"You need to choose - either business or performance."

These weren't just doubts whispered by others; they were the monsters I battled daily. Like Harold with his purple crayon from our last conversation, I too had to draw my own path - one that didn't exist on anyone else's map.

Welcome back to 'The Firestarter Collective Newsletter'.

What seemingly mismatched gifts are you carrying?

I remember when this question first pierced my heart. There I was, studying for my MBA in Paris - a poet in business lectures, a prophetic voice in corporate circles, crafting verses between strategy sessions. Everything about me seemed to contradict conventional wisdom.

But here's what I've discovered: Your contradictions could be your calling card.

Those places where you feel most out of place? They're actually divine placement. The gifts that seem to clash? They're meant to create a new thing, that unique combination that makes you feel like you don't fit anywhere? It's because you're meant to create a new space. The book of Isaiah says ‘Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

So I ask you:

- Are you tempering your spiritual insights in professional spaces?

- Are you dimming your creative fire to fit conventional moulds?

- Are you apologizing for bringing your full self to every room?

The world doesn't need another person fitting in. It needs more people brave enough to stand out, to blend what others say can't be blended, to build bridges between worlds that seem miles apart.

Your unique combination of gifts isn't a contradiction - it's your divine distinction.

Please live out loud.

Your fellow Firestarter,

Shola Amaraibi

Poetic Visionary

P.S. What "mismatched" gifts are you ready to create wonder with? Reply to this email and let me know. Your breakthrough might inspire someone else's courage.