“So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18) Everyone says to dream BIG, but who actually dreams BIG and follows through to live out their BIG dream? I not only want to be a dreamer of the things God has placed in my heart, but furthermore a doer; one who acts and lives out those dreams. I have learned throughout the years that seeking the unseen is a tough road to travel, but it is the most filling, the most joyous, the most lasting, and the most REAL. Through that realness, I have found God. Though many other people have their own ideas and plans in mind, they seek after the things that are temporary and worldly, but I have chosen to put my trust and hope in the Lord, ultimately giving Him my dreams and desires.
This choice has totally changed my perspective on life because, as I see it, a dream is an aspiration or goal that comes from a genuine relationship with Christ. As a follower of Christ, I have come to realize that my dream is not about me. Instead, it is about what God does through me and how my specific role is important and vital for glorifying Him and furthering His kingdom. Throughout the rest of this writing, you will see a glimpse of how God laid the foundation for my dreams, how He has built on that foundation, and how He is beginning to shape it into a beautiful masterpiece.
My story begins even before I knew what my dreams were. Venturing back to my childhood, I see where God was at work preparing me for great things. Ever since I was a little girl, my parents have helped and encouraged me to find the God-given dreams placed deep inside. They have been an incredible godly influence and example in my life. Being born into a pastor’s family, I have learned a lot about servanthood and leadership. The many lessons were learned in daily tasks such as staying up late at the church working on projects the night before an outreach, being the first ones to an event and the last ones to leave, setting up and cleaning up, plus everything in between; listening to and interacting with people, treating them respectfully, and being caring and kind even when you do not necessarily feel like it. True ministry is not always being the one up front leading; instead it is about having a humble spirit. Being willing to do the nitty gritty work, like my weekly duty of setting up chairs for worship service, kept me from thinking too highly of myself.
I believe that God placed me in a family focused on ministry because He not only wanted me to grow and learn in leadership and servanthood, but also to test my perseverance. Ministry is not easy, it is time consuming and energy draining. There have been trials and hardship, persecution and failure, but through it all, God has been constant and faithful. “We also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)
Another way God began to plant dreams into my heart was by my love of choreography and directing plays. Instead of always playing house or pioneers with my sisters and friends I would want to make up dances and perform them. Evidently, the Lord gave me a creative and artistic mind for a purpose, which leads to the small vision I was given at the age of twelve. I have since realized that this is just one piece of the tremendous plan He has for my life. Dance used to be an activity I did for myself, but in growing and learning more about the talents and gifts God gives each of us, I discovered the true and divine side of dance which is found in worshipping and honoring my Savior. I believe that each of God’s children has a spiritual gift and mine is dance! Although I had been in dance classes since I was four years old, I never really considered dancing my passion. However, the Lord was at work cultivating my heart to realize, use, and teach the art form of dance as a type of worship. Sondancers Ministry was birthed from a young creative mind, my supportive parents, and most importantly God who laid the dream on my heart in the first place. Being director and teacher of Sondancers Ministry at age twelve was a huge step out of my comfort zone of shyness and fear. I began by teaching two basic ballet and creative movement classes with sixteen students which was held at my church. Through this venture, I began earning money, but my purpose was to extend the joy of dancing and the love of Jesus to others. “Do not look down on those who are young, instead set an example to the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” (1Timothy 4:12)
Little did I know that my small job at the age of twelve would explode and grow to one hundred students when I was eighteen years old! I look back now and see how the Lord took my willingness and obedience in something small and blessed it because of my faithfulness. Throughout the six years leading this ministry, the Lord grew me in many ways and taught me countless lessons. One of the greatest things I learned was responsibility. I had to take care of all the money, promotion, organization, communication, costuming, and teaching on my own. God was also was preparing and urging me to overcome my fear by my obedience to speak and pray in front of people at recitals and by interacting with parents.
Surprisingly, with much diligence, the Lord started opening doors of opportunity for my Dance 4:1 Ministry Team to perform at outreaches, girls’ retreats, nursing homes, and block parties. The reason I started Dance 4:1 Ministry Team was to be able to spread hope, encouragement, and strength to others who need to know that Jesus loves and cares for them. Another reason was to challenge and encourage young dancers who have a passion to learn more and whose heart is tuned in with God. “You will be able to move mountains if you can move people, and you can move people if you know how to touch their hearts. When your heart is tuned to God’s song, He will put you in the right place at the right time to use you for His glory.” (The Divine Dance, 40-41)
“All the truths you have learned on your journey so far will serve as your weapons and armor.” (The Dream Giver) God brings us through specific experiences and challenges to build our character, make us a stronger person, and to draw us closer to Himself. The more I think about it, the more I realize it is not the destination that is the dream, but the journey that is the dream. After all, no one really arrives at the finishing mark and no one’s dream ever dies because the Big Need is always there. So Dream BIG and be expectant of what God will do !!!
