Is purpose something you chase or something you yield to? In this episode of Unleash and Rise, Laquvia Garrett sits down with executive pastor and retired lieutenant colonel Yolanda Stewart to talk about her book, The Little Book About Purpose. This isn’t just a conversation about calling. It’s about learning how to yield, how to trust God’s voice over your own plans, and how to walk in obedience—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Yolanda shares powerful personal stories and the heart behind the book, reminding us that purpose isn’t something you chase. It’s something you align with. If you’ve ever wondered what God wants from you or felt like you’re striving without peace, this episode will speak directly to your spirit.

This is just Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Yolanda will dive deeper into practical steps to understand and walk in your purpose!

Let this be your invitation to slow down, tune in, and start living on purpose—with God at the center.

In This Episode:

• [00:00] Introduction and guest welcome

• [01:57] Defining purpose

• [04:53] Journey of obedience

• [08:26] Trust and relationship with God

• [11:55] Leaving comfort zones

• [16:03] Purpose beyond success

• [35:05] Prayer and divine guidance

• [38:08] The importance of obedience

• [39:11] Unexpected blessings

• [40:51] The call to move

• [45:17] Purpose beyond time

• [50:25] Living a yielded life

Notable Quotes

• [02:31] “Purpose is God's intention, God's will. It has very little to do with your desire or your preference.” — Yolanda Stewart

• [03:04] “Purpose will influence your preference and your desire. You don't search for purpose. Purpose chose you in him before the foundation of the world.” — Yolanda Stewart

• [07:36] “You have no idea what eternal significance is attached to one moment of obedience. That's why we have to practice obedience.” — Yolanda Stewart

• [10:31] “Zeal is an enemy of purpose. If you are driven by zeal and not the earnest desire to please God, you can't be trusted.” — Yolanda Stewart

• [35:31] “The purpose of prayer isn't to get your will. The purpose of prayer is that his will be revealed to you.” — Yolanda Stewart

• [37:23] “The rewards of obedience aren't obvious. I don't obey for a reward. My reward is knowing that I'm pleasing him.” — Yolanda Stewart

• [43:04] “The benefits of obedience are perpetual. You can't measure it.” — Yolanda Stewart

• [45:33] “Purpose is eternal. I existed in eternity before I was introduced in time.” — Yolanda Stewart

Resources and Links

Unleash and Rise

• Unleash & Rise Podcast

Yolanda Stewart

• Website

• Facebook

• Instagram

• YouTube

• The Little Book About Purpose

Laquvia Garrett

• Website

• Instagram

• LinkedIn