Wanna Fulfill Your Dreams?

What are your dreams? No, I don't mean the one where the Marshmallow Man chased you and you ate him, and you woke up and couldn't find your pillow. But the deep dreams of your heart. You know, like opening a high quality place where people in need can come and get food and help to get on their feet. Or using your talent as a florist to bring people hope, beauty, and joy.

There is so much out there that tells us how to fulfill such dreams. But the advice isn't always pure, and what starts impurely will end impurely. It's the life-lesson you get from science. If you drink contaminated water, you will get contamination in your body. If you plant a seed with a defect, you will have a plant with a defect.

So let's unpack a few common pieces of advice and iron out the wrinkles:

1. Fake it 'til you make it:

Well...what is real? Does a degree tell you who or what you are? Like, are you only a musician if you went to music school? Or, does a particular job title give you the right to say you are a teacher, counselor, etc.? If that's true, what you are is based on other people's opinions. And what about the deep passions of your heart that you start walking in from day 1? Like the little toddlers who have an affinity for dance, or the kids who are naturally great at sports without learning. Sounds to me like our titles come from a much higher, more reliable source.

So we don't really need to fake anything. Sure, the phrase is getting at the idea that we say we are what we want to be in hopes that we will get there once the right benefactor says, "You made the grade!" But the reality is that you already have the right Benefactor, and you don't have to convince anyone by selling yourself. You can't not be what you already are. Remember that your gifts exist to show people the unique beauty of Christ in you. Be confident and share your gifts, but be mindful of your motives. Don't let the counterfeit of self-promotion rob you and cause you to care more about what others perceive of you that what they receive from you.

2. Beware of Being Insecure!!!!

Well, sure. Confidence is great. But...have you ever noticed that we're not so much taught that we can come out of insecurity as much as that we'd better not appear insecure? I used to read the millions of reasons in teen magazines on why I shouldn't be insecure. No one wants to hire someone who isn't confident; colleges don't want students who are mousy, no one wants to date a girl who has insecurity, etc. But in reality, these just give women more reasons to feel insecure about, well, being insecure!

So what's the answer? Everyone in the world has insecurities. Yes, even her. :) But here's why each of us can come out of hiding: God loves you where you are and will not pressure you. He's going to heal you with total understanding and gentleness, and He's gonna put people around you to take the journey with you. He'll give you people who understand and who want to help you, not control you or fix you like you were a broken toy. There's dignity for all, and in that place, there is newness of life! So be secure in the exact place you find yourself now! Arise!

3. Rock the Boat:

So, I'd like to know where you got the notion...just kidding. I already know. :)

Seriously, though. There is nothing wrong with rocking the boat, but be careful not to get so caught up in this that you miss the goal. Sometimes we get too focused on shock value that we actually get our kicks from offending people rather than bringing to light an issue that needs healing or change in our society. For example, many of the feminist movements of old had so much pent up anger behind them that, instead of beseeching change in the treatment of women, they just went about bashing men! All this did was to create two oppressed groups and to discredit the women's message.

I believe their message was not that men are bad, but that both men and women have something to offer. To get your point across, you don't have to shut the other side up. And remember, you are already visible. You don't have to make a giant spectacle of yourself just to get people to look at you. If there's bitterness in your heart on a certain issue (i.e. the way women are treated in business, racial issues, religious issues, etc.), take it to God first. Allow Him to heal you before you seek to help society heal. Then, with a whole heart and some tried and true healing strategies, you will be able to take it to the streets and see real, lasting change!


Finally, don't forget that your dreams are not the same as your purpose! You were made to love God with all you are, and then to love others as you love yourself. When all is said and done, all societal programs, businesses, churches, etc. will come to an end. Executing your goals here on earth is one way God ordained for you to learn to love and to get to know Him, but it's not the final end. Let Him shape you, and hang your hat on your love for Him. Mmmm, mmm.