Could Your Passion Be Your Calling?

What if the thing you're most passionate about is actually pointing you toward the calling God has for you?Have you ever wondered what you're supposed to do with your life—or felt pressure to figure out your calling before you're even sure what you're passionate about?Kayla Swallow offers a different way to think about purpose: instead of starting with “What do I want to be?” start by asking, “What problems do I want to solve?”Kayla never expected her path to lead her into child welfare. After earning a degree in Human Services and spending several years serving with Young Life, she eventually found herself working with children entering foster care. Today, she serves as the Program Manager of group care facilities for Skookum Kids, caring for children during some of the most vulnerable days of their lives.In this conversation, Kayla shares how paying attention to what breaks her heart helped shape her calling. She talks about the courage it takes to try things that scare you, the importance of showing up for people in the middle of their mess, and how God can use the things we care deeply about to lead us toward purpose.Kayla also shares how growing up with a single mom who had cancer shaped her understanding of community and taught her that people need people. Her story is a beautiful reminder that our passions don't have to be separate from our faith—they can become invitations to join God in the work He's already doing.If you're feeling stuck, unsure of your purpose, or wondering how your passions fit into God's plan, this conversation will encourage you to stop demanding that you have the whole path figured out. Instead, pay attention to what moves you, what breaks your heart, and where you feel called to show up.Your passion may be pointing you somewhere.Meet Kayla SwallowKayla Swallow graduated from Western Washington University in 2015 with a degree in Human Services. She spent several years serving with Young Life, including at Malibu Club in British Columbia, before transitioning into child welfare.Today, Kayla serves as the Program Manager of group care facilities for Skookum Kids, caring for children during their first few days in foster care. She's passionate about showing up for vulnerable people, creating community, and helping others discover where their gifts and passions can make a difference.Kayla is also an avid outdoorswoman who loves walking her dog through her neighborhood and waving at her neighbors.Key TakeawaysWhen you're unsure of your calling: Instead of obsessing over what you should be, start paying attention to what you care deeply about.When something breaks your heart: Ask whether that passion might be pointing you toward a problem God is inviting you to help solve.When you're afraid to try something new: You won't know what you're capable of until you're willing to show up and try.When you feel like you need the whole plan: Remember that calling often unfolds through small steps, unexpected opportunities, and a willingness to say yes.When the world's problems feel overwhelming: You don't have to solve everything. Find where you can faithfully show up and make a difference.How This Episode Will Encourage YouYou don't have to have your calling perfectly figured out. Start with what you're passionate about, pay attention to what breaks your heart, and ask God where He might be inviting you to show up. Your passion may be more connected to your purpose than you realize.Skookum KidsFollow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!