I have a dream
July 20, 2011 | Faith: Knowing Christ, Feelings: Intentional freedom, Ministry Life
Today I’m in North Carolina at She Speaks, training with the Proverbs 31 Ministries team. I’m also hosting Moms Together. And I’m blogging.
Can we say multitasking?
In just 24 hours women from all over the United States will flood the conference. This is a huge leap of faith for many. For most, they’ve had a dream to be in ministry for a long time, and this is a first step toward training and teaching.
What about you? What dream has God whispered in your heart?
There’s timing involved in pursuing a dream. But have you ever let it go by because of you don’t want to suffer a heart attack fear?This past month I’ve been quietly listening to three hundred women on a She Speaks 2011 Facebook group. The mood alternates between excitement and “Oh my Lord, what was I thinking!”
For some, they are looking at other women. They think she’s talented, or she’s savvy, or she’s perfect to do this task. They’re asking: God, did you really choose me to do this? Don’t you see her?
If you’re looking at the woman next to you with six kids who’s blogging with a baby on one hip (and looking fabulous doing it) and a laundry basket in the other, don’t be intimidated.
God made her like that.
He made you to be. . . well, you.
I am an introvert with a heart to love on broken people. When God began to lead me to speak, I thought He had made a mistake. Funny, isn’t it? How I question the God who created my DNA?
So stop the comparing already. He chooses you, sis. ♥ Because there is a niche group of people out there who will relate to your life experience. Who will hear you when they might not be able to hear someone else. Who will feel comfortable, and challenged, as they listen to the message God shares through you.
It’s an entirely different group that will relate to me, or to the woman sitting next to you.
What about the timing? Will your dream take place tomorrow? It rarely works that way.
The journey is just as big a part of the dream as the end result.
So where do you begin?
Respond. Acknowledge that God can and will use you.
Be open. Don’t shortchange what God can do through you.
Grow. Read. Listen. Learn. Then do it again. Never let a dream or your life stagnate.
Move. Take one baby step toward your dream. Just one small step. For some, that’s gaining knowledge. Or a new skill. Or using an existing expertise in a whole new way. For others, it’s getting together with others who love what you love. Then you take another. And another.
What’s your dream? Let’s talk!
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Ohhhh, speaking, sharing, loving on others who hurt has been my dream for so long. But I knew God had things for me to do first: raise my kids (still have some of that to do), learn humility (got easier once I admitted I have a pride problem), and learn God’s word (a daily endeavor)… None of these is yet done, but as I order my life according to His plan, He is opening doors.
Ladies, if you feel like you’ve been waiting and waiting and waiting forever, don’t lose hope in the wait! My dream has filled my heart since I was a teen. Now 45, I’m beginning to see the doors crack open. Not far enough to step through, but there’s a glimmer of what’s on the other side.
Love God while you wait. Love others. KNOW that He will send you out when it’s time. His time.
July 20th, 2011 at 8:37 amHelping the broken people that have endured a painful upbringing. I myself had a tough childhood and my heart cries for those that have suffered the same thing. Once, a few weeks ago when sharing my story with someone she asked me..”how did you get to where you are?” I had never been asked that question and had never really thought about it except that I had no choice. But, when I though about it I said “Only by the grace of God, so He could use it someday”.
Doors are opening…just this last two days I had a young lady (19) that used to work with me stay with me to get a little break away from her roomates and to have someone to talk to. Her story of growing up is so sad and heartbreaking. But I got to share my story and the truth of God’s love with her and she seemed to soak it up. I pray that God continues to use me in this area.
Dare I say…that I dream to speak someday. That seems so big and far away!
July 20th, 2011 at 9:16 amI’m trying to see where God is leading!! I had truly believed it was building/encouraging marriages, having gone through a divorce and finding a godly man to start a new journey with. Since I had my daughter last year, however, timing hasn’t quite worked to be involved in that ministry. I have since started writing. About everything. I’ve recently started discipling a new believer. Loving it. I definitely can feel the ‘work’ that’s being done in me, and I can’t wait to see what dream the Lord puts in my heart! I’m up for it – whatever it may be (perhaps because I got great sleep last night so I’m extremely optimistic this am;0) I definitely feel a little writing and a little speaking root growing within…we shall see!
July 20th, 2011 at 10:42 amI’m a dreamer
I look forward to all God has for His girls at She Speaks. See you Friday!!
July 20th, 2011 at 11:55 amRespond. Be open. Grow. Move. I love this. Simple and inspiring. Thank you, Suzie.
My dream is to serve where I stand, ALWAYS giving God my best fruit. I know that sounds unusual, but it’s true. With that said, I would like to say that I have come to realize, in a big way, that my dream is already being fulfilled in my NOW moments.
Suzie, I wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. I wanted to encourage people – especially women and children- who, like me, were haunted by their pasts. I wasn’t so concerned about speaking, as that made me uncomfortable; I only wanted to write. Well, you know what I came to appreciate? God had given me a platform all along to write and to speak (Yes, He got me on this one.
) and to encourage. It was right where I stood. No matter what it looked like, no matter how big or small, it was what He needed it to be to accomplish HIS dream.
I write all the time via blogs, emails, texts, and tweets. I speak in bible class, personal conversations, and before any number of loved ones and strangers. And I get to encourage women, children, and yes, even men.
Since I accepted God’s dream for my life, I have had a number of opportunities and blessings come my way. It’s been unreal! I have been recognized for my writing by an incredible author, and I have even been considered for publication by a prominent Christian publisher. All praises to God!
It was in learning to let go of my dreams that I was better able to really grasp God’s dream for my life. I am still continuously learning, but I can say with full conviction that God’s dream is far better than any dream I have had for myself.
Suzie, I extend another very special thank you to you. You have been a beautiful inspiration to me with your blog messages, classroom instruction, Live Free posts, and online bible studies. I am so appreciative to God for allowing our paths to cross at She Speaks 2010…and beyond.
Hugs in the Most High,
July 20th, 2011 at 1:44 pmKim
Love your encouragement, Kim! I think this must be your spiritual gift. You bless me.
July 20th, 2011 at 2:02 pm