Stop Striving To Be Someone You’re Not
A conversation between Nicole Hopkins, guest; and Devaughn Williamson, host.
There is one thing you can take away from Nicole’s life. It's a powerful reminder of how God’s plan for our lives usually begins in the midst of uncertainty. Nicole's been through some tough times. Despite the fear, doubt, and financial strain, Nicole found herself shifting from fear to faith with a strong trust in God even though it didn’t always make sense.
In the mortgage industry, Nicole was constantly hearing bad reports about the economy and how it’s a terrible time to be a loan officer. Despite all of that, she had to fight against fear and the negativity that tried to surround her. The way she did it was by guarding her mind with the Word of God and through worship music. These two things helped her to stay laser focused on her path despite what others told her.
Nicole would sometimes compare herself to a racehorse with blinders because she was only focused on what God was leading her to do and not what others thought about her. That faith-driven focus helped carry her through some scary transitions like leaving a stable six-figure job in private wealth (banking) to step into something that was less predictable. To the world, that career move looked insane, but Nicile knew in her heart it was the right thing to do. Even when she faced financial ups and downs, she held onto the peace Christ left us. Because at the end of her obedience, she knew there would be a reward from God.
Aside from her career, Nicole has the heart of a servant. She did not grow up in a christian home, but she was influenced by a dance teacher, Miss Rachel, who showed the kind of love that made Nicole realize Jesus was real. Now, Nicole is paying it forward to the kids that come into her life. In addition to that, she is raising her niece, a part of the plan that she did not see coming.
Before Nicole’s niece came to live with her, she felt led to find a house with an extra bedroom. She thought it would be temporary housing for students that she mentored, but God had a different plan. That’s one of the benefits of living a life of purpose and faith - God prepares us for things we don’t see coming. Now it has become a full circle moment for Nicole. Just like she was impacted by her dance teacher, Miss Rachel, who showed her love and introduced her to Jesus Christ, Nicole is now doing the same thing for her niece and the students she mentors.
Nicole highlights the vital role of mentors and friends who remind her of her worth and keep her grounded when self-doubt creeps in. She recalls a moment of desperation when she applied for jobs at gas stations to make ends meet where she was rejected. Her story is a living example of going from fear to faith. It highlights her resilience and her commitment to trusting God.
The conversation shifts as Nicole shares about her passion for investing in others through her service to a youth program through The Zone. She is a firm believer in leaving the world better than she found it. For Nicole, serving others brings purpose and joy, which destroys the selfishness that can arise when one is not engaged in helping others.
Nicole also discusses her expertise in finance which stems from a deep desire to help those struggling financially. She emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and the often stigmatized nature of discussing money. Her goal is to create a safe space for people to open up and share their financial struggles which would foster a sense of community and support.
When asked what advice she would give to the younger generation, Nicole focused on financial hope and the power of seeking to serve others. She first encouraged anyone struggling financially to reach out because she knows there is a way out from personal experience.
Secondly, for young professionals, she emphasizes that striving for awards and recognition won’t bring the fulfillment they expect. Nicole shares how she spent years chasing accolades such as “40 Under 40”, but it wasn’t until she stopped trying to become someone and focused on serving others that doors began to open. She was able to work with major platforms like Hulu and The Skim, but it was never her goal to be famous. The key to that level of success was her positioning her heart to serve, and allowing God to open the door.
Nicole’s story highlights how trusting God and investing in people, rather than striving for personal success, leads to true fulfillment. It’s a reminder that when we stop chasing accolades for our own glory and focus on making a real difference in the lives of others, the things we seek will come naturally.
If Nicole’s story moved you, consider sharing it with someone who needs encouragement. And I encourage you to partner with Faith Ignite to help bring more stories of hope to the world. Together, we can spread messages of God's faithfulness to those who need it most.
Devaughn Williamson President, Faith Ignite Inc
