Sacred Exits & Soul-Safe Environments
- Aug 29, 2025
- 2 min read
Ever notice how some people and places are easier to let in than let go?
Some years ago, God —and life— made helped me to understand deeply that not every connection is covenant, and not every relationship is meant to cross into your next chapter. Some people are sacred exits: they played their role, they blessed (or stressed) your life, and now it’s time to release them without resentment. Others are your soul-safe tribe: the ones you invite across the bridge, because they serve your light, your growth, and your God-given purpose. And you serve theirs. Maybe He's helping you understand this too?
One sample of imagery we're working with inside the Sorry Not Sorry Accelerator Course this Fall, goes something like this:
Sometimes the bridge is lifted—protecting the sacred space God is cultivating in you.
Sometimes the bridge is lowered—welcoming those aligned with your values, vision, and vibe.
When it comes to thriving over surviving, both lifting and lowering are holy. And both require discernment.
"Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it." (Prov. 4:23)
That’s not passive advice—it’s a command. Guarding means we get to decide who has access. Even Jesus was intentional: He fed the multitudes, taught the seventy, discipled the twelve, and confided in three. He alone, finished the work of the cross and even there, access was granted where it was least deserved. Access is not equal—and it’s not supposed to be. It's supposed to be divinely decided.
So who gets the bridge? Here's a "soul-safe" chart to help you filter when deciding if your bridge goes up or down:
BRIDGE POSITION | WHAT IT DOES | WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE |
🔺 Bridge Lifted | Protection | Boundaries. Silence. Saying “not now.” Honoring your need for healing or space (Mark 1:35). |
🔻 Bridge Lowered | Invitation | Authentic connection. Support. People who sharpen and stretch you (Prov. 27:17). |
⏸️ Bridge Paused | Discernment | Testing alignment. Praying. Watching to see if their fruit matches their words (Matt. 7:16). |
OK, here it is, straight no chaser...
When we become preoccupied with managing the feelings and opinions of others, we end up handing them the pen to write our story. This includes the "others, the voices" in your own head. Problem is, that’s plagiarism. God already penned that story and He owns the editorial rights! (Heb. 12:2)
Your bridge is not a revolving door. You get to curate the energy, people, and influence that flow into your purpose. That’s not selfish—that’s stewardship.
Wanna Try?
This week, ask yourself:
“Who in my current circle feels like a sacred exit, and who has proven to be a soul-safe connection?”
Mark one person you need to release (bridge up), and one you need to lean into (bridge down). Pray over both decisions, trusting that God honors your authenticity and guards your growth. The exit plan will come as divinely as the answer to that prayer.
