I’ve Got A Dream!!

During our last week in Ethiopia, our host wanted to do a leadership training with us.  I was very excited!  I’m one of those people that LOVES to learn, loves to go to workshops, and loves to go to trainings offered at work (I would jump at every opportunity!). 

We learned some leadership principles: 

• Develop Roots
• Have Passion
• Be an Encourager
• LOVE (because it conquerors all things)
• Be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit
• Have VISION, understanding, and have a plan
• LISTEN to God’s voice
• OBEY when you hear God’s voice
• Be Transparent, honest, and accountable
• Take RISKS
• Invest in others

With all of that, Ralph encouraged us to see what is not obvious…live out our faith…and to leave procrastination behind (it’s really a horrible quality of leadership).  

During our training, Ralph encouraged us to DREAM!  Everyone has a dream, right?  RIGHT!!! (Watch the Tangled Video! 😉 )

If you had unlimited resources, money, and people to help you to do whatever you want to do in the world…what would your dream be?  Has God given you a dream and vision yet?  

We went around the room talking about our dreams and visions….  I personally didn’t have anything concrete yet… Some people had dreams of opening up organizations, running businesses, etc.  Me?  I don’t have a burning desire for any of that.  But, I do know this:

• I LOVE serving people.  Every opportunity to go on a mission trip with my church, I went. Every spring break, I worked with Habitat for Humanity for the week instead of going to the beach or being with family.  I love being the hands and feet of Christ.  I like to “get dirty” with the people I come in contact with.  Live the way they do.  Feel the way they do.  Empathize.  And then show them the love of Christ in doing that.   
• I see people for who they are behind the masks, behind the tattered clothing, behind the mistakes.  I love to hear the stories of people and encourage them.  
• I like to bring light to the oppressed: Showing them genuine love, giving them meaning, helping them learn to rise above their circumstances.  I went on a weekend trip to Philadelphia when I was in college.  There was a mural in the city that has stuck with me ever since that trip.  It’s of light and dark….the light (Jesus) was pushing away the dark (drugs, alcohol, addictions, greed).  And ever since seeing that, I know that’s what I’m called to do because I am a reflection of Christ.  
• Since learning about Teen Challenge when they came to church camp, I’ve had a desire to work with people struggling through tough situations.  I’m interested in how environments and social structures impact people.  (It’s that psychology and sociology mind in me).
• I’m called to go back to Africa!
• I‘m called to do missions.

I finally had an opportunity to dream with God a bit the other day and it was beautiful.  He revealed some things to me, but I also know there is more to discover…As a squad we are watching the Crazy Faith series by Michael Todd (just google it) and it has me dreaming big.   

Anyway, I just want to encourage you to take some time to dream!  Dream with God and see what he has for you.  My prayer for you, me, and everyone is that each day God would show us just a bit more.  This is how Ralph lives out his life…and you can tell! What if God really did show us a bit more each day?!?!

Feel free to comment with some of your dreams!  I’d love to hear about them! 🙂