Eternal
I was 19 when I began pursuing a modeling career. At the same time, I carried a deep desire to sing and travel the world. Modeling became my plan B—a quicker path to step out, see the world, and make some kind of impact. As a PK, I understood the call to be in the world but not of it. Still, there was something innate in me that wanted to experience the world firsthand—not out of rebellion or a desire to walk away from the Lord, but from a longing to achieve what I believed the world defined as success and “impact.”
Growing up in Miami, Florida, entertainment is everywhere—you see it, hear it, feel it. It’s woven into the air itself. Life moves fast in South Florida, and while it’s undeniably beautiful, if you’re not grounded, it can quietly shape your definition of success, blurring the line between purpose and performance.
I remember my dad investing endlessly into my early career—agents, talent shows, stages, and runways. If it were up to him, the dream was already decided.
My dad grew up in Ocala, Florida—small-town vibes. Through challenge and hardship as a kid, he landed in Miami at a very young age. He didn’t finish school, but he’s a genius. You’d never know he lacked a formal education—he’s intelligent, always sharp, and at 69, still incredibly fit. People often tell me he looks better than I do and that I should figure out whatever he’s doing to age the way he has.
He pastored, but he was also a successful business owner. He had solid relationships with city officials and genuine rapport with high-end boutique owners in Hollywood and Miami Beach. He traveled the world teaching alongside some of the greatest voices of his generation—many of whom still influence the church today. He would personally call business owners, ask them to open their shops, lay out clothing, and let me select whatever I needed to build my portfolio. It was later that I realized he, too, had once pursued the same dream.
Okay, Jameil—what’s the point of all this? Stay with me.
Fast forward to now. I often find myself traveling, connecting with and supporting some of the greatest singers, musicians, and ministers of the gospel. I sit in airports people-watching, observing how in a hurry they all are—rushing toward their next destination, whatever that may be. Sometimes I wonder what they’re chasing, or why they feel such urgency.
We all share an innate desire to move toward something. Progress gives us a sense of accomplishment. Direction gives us meaning. But no matter how impressive the journey looks, we were created for something eternal.
Scripture reminds us of this pull in Ecclesiastes 3:11:
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
I have to say, everything He does is intentional. God intentionally hid an innate longing within our hearts—one meant to draw us to Himself. He set eternity within us, a desire beyond our own ability, something otherworldly. And for me, that was the voice between the lines—hidden like a love note, revealing His intention that we would always long for more, yet never be satisfied apart from Him.
Desire isn’t the enemy—unchecked desire is. Without submission, even holy longings can be quietly misdirected.
This is why scripture echoes to guard our hearts: not to suppress desire, but to steward it. An unguarded heart doesn’t stop longing. An unguarded heart redirects that longing toward substitutes. And over time, what we pursue begins to shape who we become. Because if our pursuits are not anchored in the One we are intended to spend eternity with, then even our greatest successes fall short. When our longings are toward God, they lead us to life—eternal life, with Him. Because that’s what He desires.
What I’ve learned is this: in the Kingdom of God, impact and success are not measured by visibility, influence, or arrival at some earthly destination, but surrender and faithful stewardship—a life that leads us to stand before Him, see Him in all His glory, and hear Him say, “Well done, my good faithful servant.”
As a 19-year-old, chasing my own dreams, I had to let the Lord redirect my desires. It wasn’t about giving up on those dreams—there’s more I’ll share on that later—but about submitting them, listening for His voice in every desire, and allowing Him to guide my path. Today, I may not be a model or have the kind of success the world celebrates, but in countless ways, He has used my walk of faith through different stages of life to be a Christ-centered model that helps others know and encounter Him. That is what I said yes to. And the impact of that? It’s far greater than anything this world could offer. It’s eternal.
