Walking through surrender — emotionally, spiritually, relationally
If there’s one principle that has saved my mind, heart, and relationships over and over again, it’s what I call:
The White Flag Rule.
It didn’t come from a psychology textbook.
It wasn’t something I found in a sermon.
It came in a moment of emotional overload — a moment when I was on the verge of breaking, again.
In that moment, I cried out to God with a single question:
“What do I do when I feel like I’m drowning?”
And what I sensed in response wasn’t complex.
It was a phrase that echoed through my weary soul:
“Raise your white flag.”
💥 The Moment That Birthed the Rule
I was in the middle of a difficult season — overcommitted, emotionally fatigued, spiritually dry.
I was trying to carry everything: my job, my family, my future, my faith.
On the surface, I looked fine.
Inside, I was falling apart.
One evening, overwhelmed by a string of disappointments, I reached my limit. I didn’t want to push through. I didn’t want to pretend. I just wanted to breathe.
So I walked into a quiet room, sat down, and whispered:
“God, I surrender this moment to You. I’m not trying to fix it. I’m not trying to figure it out. I just release it.”
That was my first encounter with The White Flag Rule — and it saved me.
🕊️ What Is the White Flag Rule?
Here’s how I define it:
When you feel overwhelmed, don’t push harder. Pause, breathe, and surrender the moment to God.
It sounds simple, but it’s life-saving.
It interrupts the cycle of stress and striving.
It breaks the habit of self-reliance.
It gives your nervous system a rest and your spirit a reset.
It’s not about giving up on responsibility — it’s about giving up the illusion that you are holding everything together.
😓 Why We Need This Rule in Everyday Life
In today’s “go harder, hustle more, stay strong” culture, we often glorify endurance without rest.
We think that pressing through pain makes us noble.
That emotional depletion is a sign of commitment.
But the truth is:
- You can’t pour from an empty cup
- You can’t love well when you’re running on fumes
- You can’t hear God clearly when your heart is screaming
That’s why The White Flag Rule matters.
It gives you permission to stop… and let God step in.
💬 From White Flagging — The Reminder I Return to Often:
“Survival in the Kingdom isn’t about how much you can carry. It’s about how quickly you lay it down.”
This one rule has brought me back from burnout more times than I can count.
And it’s not just for crisis moments — it’s for the daily chaos too.
- When the inbox overflows…
- When your child says something that breaks your heart…
- When the news rattles your peace…
- When the silence of God feels too loud…
Don’t push.
Pause.
Pray.
Surrender.
That’s the rule.
💡 How to Practice the White Flag Rule in Real Life
- Catch the Signs Early: Notice when you’re overwhelmed — tension in your body, irritability, fatigue
- Pause Immediately: Step away, even for 30 seconds
- Breathe Intentionally: Inhale deeply, then exhale while silently saying “I surrender”
- Pray Simply: “God, I give You this moment. Help me release what I’m carrying.”
- Listen and Wait: Often, peace follows closely behind surrender
You don’t need a retreat.
You need a rhythm.
A rhythm of surrender.
If you’re emotionally stretched thin, if you’re carrying more than your soul can handle — you don’t need more hustle.
You need The White Flag Rule.
🛠️ As we prepare for the August 5 launch of White Flagging: The Surprising Power of Winning by Surrender:
✅ Mark August 5 on your calendar to get the book for just $0.99
✅ Forward this blog to someone who’s burning out quietly
✅ Remind them: The strongest thing you can do today is surrender what’s breaking you.
REMEMBER! Only one copy per Amazon account/credit card counts toward bestseller rank
Raise your white flag.
Not because you’ve failed — but because God is faithful.