Posts by Allan Lacoste

Convenience Vs Freedom: Are We Building Our Own Cage?

Alabstraction Land of The Free

Lately, I’ve been feeling like we’re standing on the precipice of something monumental—as if the world is nearing a turning point that was written about long before any of us were even here. Maybe it’s the constant noise of the news cycle, the endless debates, the divisions that cut deep, or the unsettling shifts in technology that make me wonder: Are we in the end times? Is the Antichrist walking among us already, masked behind the glossy veil of modernity?

I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I want to share with you the thoughts that keep me up at night—those questions that rattle around, especially when I look at how the world is rapidly changing. The way the world has centralized, the way we are constantly connected yet so profoundly divided, and yes, how even our money is changing. Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies, are fascinating—borderline revolutionary. They offer us a way to break free of government-controlled currency, to escape inflation, and to seize control of our own financial freedom. But at the same time, there’s an eerie sense that maybe all of this is playing into something bigger, something foretold.

In the book of Revelation, the prophecy speaks of a time when no one can buy or sell without a mark—the mark of the Beast. It makes you wonder, doesn’t it? As our currency evolves into something entirely digital, does this mean we’re one step closer to that future? Bitcoin and its cousins are hailed as liberators—but what if this is simply the precursor to the consolidation of power? A step closer to one global currency, controlled and tracked in a way that feels inescapable. The blockchain, decentralized as it might be, still records every movement, and as much as we may value transparency, there’s a side of it that could also be harnessed for control.

And then there’s the question: Is the Antichrist already here? Maybe not in the traditional, horned-figure kind of way. Perhaps it’s not a person at all—maybe it’s a system. Maybe the Antichrist is a spirit of control, of coercion, that permeates our world. I see it in the increasingly invasive surveillance, the digital profiles that grow on us every day, the insistence that convenience comes at the cost of privacy, that access must come with a condition. It’s as if we’re being slowly, subtly nudged into accepting a way of living where our thoughts, our freedoms, and our choices aren’t ours to make anymore.

It’s easy to see why some are wary of digital currencies, why they see Bitcoin—even though it claims to be outside the system—as perhaps just the first wave of a much bigger plan. A stepping stone towards a global financial structure that could bring everything under a single authority, the kind of control that Revelation warns us about.

I don’t know if the Antichrist is a person, a technology, or just a spirit that drives people towards control. But what I do know is that we need to stay aware. We need to look at what’s happening around us and ask the tough questions. Are we embracing things that will one day be used against us? Are we allowing convenience to overshadow freedom? Are we stepping willingly into a cage, convinced that it’s progress?

I’m not here to say that Bitcoin is inherently evil, or that digital currencies are the mark of the Beast. But I am here to ask whether we are thinking deeply enough about where all this is heading. Technology is only as good or as bad as the hands that control it, and the line between liberation and control is often a very fine one—a line that, once crossed, might be impossible to step back from.

These are just my thoughts. We must stay vigilant, watching the world unfold with clear eyes and questioning minds.

Making Plans and Trusting in a Higher Purpose

Alabstraction Lifestyle

We all have plans, don’t we? Plans for our careers, relationships, finances, and dreams we hold close. I’m no different. I spend a lot of time thinking, strategizing, and mapping out my life. I set goals, draft timelines, and invest energy into creating the future I imagine for myself and my family. But life, as it often reminds me, doesn’t always unfold according to my carefully laid plans.

I came across a verse recently that speaks to this truth in a simple yet powerful way: “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail” (Proverbs 19:21). It’s one of those verses that can stop you in your tracks, forcing you to pause and think about what it means for all the aspirations we work so hard to achieve. This verse doesn’t discourage us from planning. It acknowledges the inevitability that our best-laid plans sometimes get rerouted by something greater, something beyond our understanding.

Looking back, I can see moments when things didn’t go as planned—sometimes painfully so. Projects didn’t pan out, relationships shifted, and the road curved unexpectedly. In those moments, I felt frustration, sometimes even doubt. But hindsight is a wise teacher. With time, I began to see how those disruptions actually worked in my favor. Where I’d initially seen only dead ends, a path opened that I hadn’t anticipated, leading to something better or helping me grow in ways I never would have otherwise.

This verse, for me, is a call to stay grounded and flexible. It encourages me to hold onto my goals lightly, remembering that they don’t have to be rigid. God’s purpose for us can be different from what we envision, but it’s ultimately a purpose that has our best interests at heart, even when we can’t see it. While I may be driven to shape my life in a particular way, I’m learning to trust that there’s a wisdom beyond mine at work, steering me toward what I truly need rather than what I merely want.

So now, when I feel uncertainty creeping in or when things don’t go the way I’d hoped, I come back to Proverbs 19:21. It’s a reminder to keep planning and striving but to leave room for something bigger. It’s an invitation to embrace both the ambition to move forward and the faith to let go, trusting that even if things don’t turn out exactly as I planned, they’re turning out exactly as they’re meant to.

In the end, my plans might evolve, shift, or even fall away, but I trust that God’s purpose for my life remains constant. And there’s a peace in knowing that the path I’m on, though unpredictable, is leading somewhere good, somewhere purposeful. That’s where my faith lives, and that’s what keeps me grounded through every twist and turn.

Let me know if this resonates with you or if you’d like any adjustments.

“Are you all in?”

Alabstraction Lifestyle

“Are you all in?”

It’s a question I find myself asking often, in everything I do. Whether it’s my career, my family, my health, or my role as a husband and father, there’s always this internal check—am I really giving it my all?

Being “all in” isn’t just about effort; it’s a mindset. It’s a commitment to show up fully, to push beyond what’s comfortable, and to engage with purpose. In my life, I’ve found that it’s not enough to just be present. You have to be engaged, invested, and focused. You have to be all in.

When it comes to family, for example, I remind myself that being there isn’t just about physical presence. Am I truly listening? Am I connecting with my kids, my partner, in a way that lets them know they are my priority? Time is finite, and while I may not always have control over my schedule, I have control over how I show up. Am I all in when I’m with them? I hope so.

In my career, the stakes are high. Responsibilities, challenges, and the constant need to stay ahead can be overwhelming. It’s tempting to just go through the motions some days. But I know that if I’m going to make a real impact, I need to commit. I need to remind myself that this isn’t just a job—it’s a platform. Am I giving my best, pushing boundaries, solving problems with real intent? Am I all in?

Health is another pillar. I’ve learned that taking care of myself isn’t just for me; it’s for the people who count on me. It’s easy to brush aside workouts, to cut corners on eating well, or to stay up late working instead of getting enough sleep. But the truth is, if I’m not healthy—mentally and physically—I can’t be there for the people who need me most. Am I all in on taking care of myself so I can take care of them?

As a husband and father, the idea of being “all in” is something I hold close. These are the roles that matter most. I’m not perfect, and I make mistakes, but I try to keep the perspective that being present, being patient, being understanding is what makes the difference. Am I making the choices that reflect my priorities? Am I all in when it matters most?

Being “all in” doesn’t mean perfection. It doesn’t mean never failing. It means that in the moments that count—in the areas that define us—we choose to show up fully. We choose to push harder, to care deeper, to engage more intentionally. It’s a question worth asking, and one I’ll continue to ask myself every day.

Am I all in?

The Spark of Life: The Moment of Conception

Alabstraction

There’s something magical about the moment life begins. It’s a mystery as old as time itself, yet recent science has revealed something truly fascinating about the precise moment of conception: a literal flash of light.

When sperm meets egg, there is a burst of bright light, like a spark igniting a new flame of life. This “spark” isn’t just poetic—it’s real. Scientists have observed this phenomenon in a series of experiments, where calcium signals trigger the release of zinc within the egg at the moment of fertilization. The zinc reacts with other molecules, emitting a bright flash that can be seen under a microscope. This zinc firework has been called the “spark of life,” and it’s a beautiful visual representation of something even more profound—the beginning of human life.

But what could this spark mean beyond the science? Some people believe that this luminous flash could signify something more spiritual—a moment when the soul enters the body. Could this be the moment when a spirit joins the fertilized egg, beginning its journey in the physical world?

For centuries, many cultures and religions have explored the concept of the soul entering the body at conception. In this perspective, the spark of life isn’t just a chemical reaction—it’s the union of body and spirit. The light that bursts forth at fertilization could symbolize the arrival of something eternal, something beyond the mere physical components of life.

Science explains the biological process of conception in great detail, but the idea that this spark might be more than just zinc fireworks taps into a deeper question: what makes us who we are? Is it the joining of DNA, or is it something more elusive, like the spark of consciousness or spirit?

Ultimately, the moment when sperm meets egg is a marvel of nature—whether viewed through the lens of science or spirituality. The spark of life, visible as a flash of light, can remind us of the magic and mystery inherent in creation. Whether we interpret it as the merging of cells or the arrival of a soul, it’s a moment that speaks to the wonder of life itself.

Could this light be more than just science? Could it be the moment we become truly alive, not just physically, but spiritually as well? We may never know for sure, but the spark of life continues to captivate both our minds and our hearts, reminding us that life is full of wonder in every way.

Leading with Faith: Embracing Imperfection and Growth in Life and Business

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When I reflect on leadership, especially through the lens of faith, one thing becomes clear: perfection is not a requirement, but faithfulness is. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that to be a great leader.. whether in business, life, or any sphere.. we must have it all together, always make the right decisions, and appear flawless to those we guide. But the reality is far from that.

In my own faith journey, I often think about the leaders God chose in the Bible. None of them were perfect. Moses had his doubts and struggles with speech, David faltered with temptation, and Paul had a past that most would think would disqualify him from leading at all. Yet, God chose them. He didn’t choose them because of their perfection, but because of their willingness to be used, despite their flaws.

In contrast, Satan loves to make us think we need to be perfect or have all the answers to lead effectively. He flatters us into believing our worth is tied to how we’re perceived. This is the same enemy who is called the father of lies, making us chase an unattainable standard of perfection. But Jesus? Jesus is the epitome of perfection, but He never demands that we achieve perfection. Instead, He calls us to truth and love, to lead with humility, and to rely on Him.

I’ve learned that when I put Christ first, everything else falls into place.. especially in my career. Leadership is no longer about being flawless, but about serving others, making decisions rooted in integrity, and guiding with love and wisdom. Faith has taught me to prioritize God’s will over my own ambitions, and as I’ve done so, I’ve found that business success follows naturally. Growth in faith leads to growth in every other aspect of life, including my work.

When you put Christ at the center, it changes the way you lead. It’s no longer about power, status, or accolades, but about serving with truth and love. And that’s the kind of leadership that inspires others to follow—not because you’re perfect, but because you’re leading them toward something greater than yourself. That’s when true transformation happens, in life and in business.

In the end, leadership isn’t about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about being willing to follow the One who is perfect—Jesus Christ—and letting Him shape you into the leader you’re called to be. When we seek Him first, everything else aligns. And that’s the kind of leadership that makes a lasting impact.