By Jennifer De Azevedo 

As a small child, I knew I had been blessed. I was very familiar with the phrase, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” Somewhere along the way, I twisted that into a belief that I didn’t have the right to ask for much—because I’d already been given so much.

What a horrible, limiting belief.

One night, while praying for direction on how to handle a deeply personal situation involving a good friend, I heard a voice say:
“It’s okay to ask.”

I was stunned.

Until then, I hadn’t felt like I could ask for help. I didn’t want to violate anyone else’s agency. I was stuck—feeling guided to be present for this friend, but with no clear way to help. It was as if the universe wanted me there for a reason, but I couldn’t figure out what that reason was.

I went in circles mentally for weeks, unsure of what to do—until that answer came: “It’s okay to ask.”

And just like that, everything shifted.

Suddenly, it felt like doors were flying open. I had so many questions—and now I had a green light. I started asking nonstop:

“Can I ask for this?”
I'd get an answer, then move on.
“Can I ask for that?”
Yes again.

I realized I could ask God about everything. For the first time, I felt like a child with a million questions and requests, but instead of feeling like a burden… I was welcomed.

Before this, I’d always pictured myself tugging on Heavenly Father’s sleeve and Him rolling His eyes in exasperation, saying, “You again?”
I’d stammer back, “Um… I know you’re busy and there are people starving in Africa, but I could really use some help.”

Now I’d been given permission.

Those four simple words—“It’s okay to ask”—changed everything.

From that moment on, if I was ever afraid of asking for something, I’d start by asking if it was okay to want it or ask for it. I always felt like I got an answer. And once I had that confirmation, I could move forward in faith, knowing my goals were good goals.

Those words brought me a deep sense of freedom. I didn’t have to sit in doubt anymore. I realized it wasn’t just okay for me to ask—God and the Universe wanted me to. They need me to ask. They want me to succeed just as much as I do.

The only thing that had been holding me back… was how I’d been thinking.

Now that I know better, the world has opened in ways I never imagined.

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