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If You’re Not Invited to the Table, Build Your Own

Nov 20 / Dr. Janice R. Love

We’ve all been there—waiting for someone to invite us to the table, to acknowledge our worth, and to give us a seat where our voice can be heard. Whether it’s applying for a job, sharing an idea, or trying to share our expertise, we often place the power in someone else’s hands. But when that invitation doesn’t come, it’s easy to feel overlooked and question if we’re good enough. The rejection can leave us stuck, wondering if we have what it takes to truly make an impact.

 

Over the years, I allowed rejection to stifle my passion, but eventually, I came to my senses. There’s so much truth in the words of John 8:32: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” And here’s the truth: your worth is not determined by someone else’s invitation. I don’t know who first said it, but one statement has completely shifted my perspective: “If you’re not invited to the table, create your own table.” Sometimes, the best thing you can do is stop waiting for permission and start building—your own table, your own space, and your own opportunities.

 

In my entrepreneurial journey and sometimes in my professional career, there were times when I longed to take a seat at traditional tables. I dreamed of being a college professor, publishing books with prestigious contracts, and teaching in spaces where my expertise could make a difference. But time and again, I was met with closed doors or doors that simply did not fit. 

 

Despite my wealth of knowledge, my credentials were not what traditional institutions were looking for. My content, often rooted in biblical principles, didn’t fit neatly into their frameworks. Applications for adjunct professor positions were met with silence. I sent articles to mainstream magazines who did not respond. I search and sought out literary agents to help me land a book contract. Yet, deep down, I knew my work was sound. My instructional design skills were sharp. My life experiences were valid and transformative. But the world seemed to say otherwise. 

 

That rejection could have been the end of my story. I could have chosen to accept that my contributions didn’t matter or that they didn’t belong. But instead, I heard that simple yet powerful phrase: “Create your own table.” And so I did. 

Creating my own table was a journey of embracing my voice and stepping into my purpose. It began with publishing my own books, giving me the freedom to share my message without limitations. I built a website that became a hub for writing engaging blogs, sharing my thoughts, and offering inspiration. Social media became my platform to connect with others, sharing my knowledge and expertise in a way that resonated with people from all walks of life. Somebody wanted to hear what I had to say—and that realization fueled me to keep going. 

 

Before long, I had a following. It wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about the connections being made, the lives being touched. God saw to it that what came from my heart reached the hearts of others. In the process, I learned that I didn’t need anyone’s permission to make a difference. I wasn’t bound by someone else’s restrictions on my creativity or my voice. I was free to create, inspire, and impact others in a way that aligned with my calling.

 

That very freedom is what led me to where I am today. Creating Pearls Perfected Institute wasn’t just about building a school—it was about building a space where my content could thrive without compromising who I am.  I wanted a platform that reflected my values, respected my expertise, and allowed me to reach the people who needed what I had to offer. It was an act of faith, courage, and necessity. 

 

At Pearls Perfected Institute, I finally found the freedom to create content including courses, eBooks, and coaching programs that spoke to real needs. No gatekeepers dictated what I could or couldn’t say. No arbitrary credentials stood between me and the audience I wanted to serve. I discovered that my table wasn’t just for me—it was for others too. 

 

 

There are so many people out there who, like me, have wisdom to share but feel locked out of traditional systems. Maybe that’s you. Maybe you’ve thought, “I don’t have the right degree,” or “Who would listen to me?” But I’m here to tell you: your expertise matters. Your story matters. And the world needs what only you can offer.  


The Credentials of Experience

In many ways, our society has overvalued certain types of credentials while undervaluing life experience. Yes, degrees and formal training have their place, but so does the knowledge you’ve gained through living, overcoming, and teaching in unconventional ways. Sure I have a wall full of degrees I felt like I needed, but my credentials didn’t come with framed certificates on the wall; they came from years of hands-on experience, trial and error, and life!

 

A career in learning and development and instructional design—a field where I’ve spent years developing skills—taught me how to structure ideas and deliver content effectively. My life’s journey taught me what works and what doesn’t. And my faith gave me the clarity to align my work with a higher purpose. Together, these “credentials” have allowed me to build something that not only works but also changes lives. 

 

I believe the same is true for you. Whatever your path, whatever your expertise, there’s someone out there who needs to learn from your journey. Whether you’re a master of your craft, a seasoned professional, or simply someone who has lived through experiences that could guide others, you already have the raw materials to build something incredible. 

 

Creating your own table means stepping into your power when the doors of traditional systems remain closed. It’s about recognizing that your expertise, experiences, and vision are valuable—even if they don’t fit neatly into conventional molds. Instead of waiting for an invitation or validation from institutions or gatekeepers, you build a space where your voice and content can thrive. It’s a declaration that you don’t need anyone else’s permission to share your knowledge and make an impact. 

 

For me, creating my own table was an act of faith and determination. I had dreams of teaching at universities and publishing with major houses, but the credentials and content they sought didn’t align with who I was or what I offered. My credentials were my life experiences, my expertise in instructional design, and my passion for teaching through a biblical lens. Instead of compromising my vision or silencing my voice, I built Pearls Perfected Institute—a space where I could teach freely, authentically, and purposefully. Now, I’m inviting others to join me at this table, empowering them to transform their expertise into content that will resonate with those who need them most.


Why Pearls Perfected Institute is the Perfect Place


When I created Pearls Perfected Institute, it wasn’t just for me—it was for people like you. I designed it to be a space where experts can create high-quality courses without needing a stamp of approval from traditional systems. Here, your voice is valued, your experience is respected, and your content is celebrated. 

 

We offer more than just tools and resources; we offer a community. From instructional design guidance, easy-to-use technology, to marketing support, Pearls Perfected Institute equips you to create courses and educational materials that make an impact. You’ll learn how to structure your content, connect with your audience, and share your knowledge in a way that resonates deeply. 

 

But more importantly, Pearls Perfected Institute is a place where your voice can be heard. It’s a place where you can build something lasting—a legacy that teaches, inspires, and transforms others. 

 

Now, I want to invite you to join me on this journey. It’s time to stop waiting for permission or validation. It’s time to stop wondering if you’re good enough or qualified enough. You are! And Pearls Perfected Institute is the perfect place to start. 

 

Take a moment to think critically about your path. Where have you been? What have you learned? Who could benefit from your story? The answers to those questions could be the foundation of a course, eBook, or coaching program that changes lives—including your own. 

 

If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t invited to the table, I want you to know you don’t have to wait any longer. Together, we can create your table—a table that’s big enough to hold your expertise, your passion, and your purpose. 

 

2025 is right around the corner, and it’s time to stop waiting for an invitation and start building your own table. Don’t let another year pass wondering what could have been. Pearls Perfected Institute was created to empower people just like you to share their knowledge, passion, and expertise with the world. You have something remarkable to offer, and now is the time to turn your vision into reality. 

 

This is your moment to create something meaningful, to build a legacy that reaches beyond what you thought possible. It’s your turn to step into your purpose and build your own table. Are you ready to make 2025 the year everything changes? Let’s get started—your table is waiting.

 

Blessings,

 

Dr. Janice

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