At What Cost?

My parents used to say, “Anything worth having is worth fighting for.” Sometimes the journey to destiny is just that, a fight. When Esther was selected as a candidate to become queen, she spent an entire year being scrutinized and groomed before she got the crown (Esther 1 and 2). I imagine some of the other hopefuls undermined and sniped at her. Esther could not allow herself to be distracted. Passing the initial tests earned her a crown, but the crown positioned her to save her people. She had to overcome doubt, fear of disappointing herself, and fear of death. 

There are tough challenges on your road to destiny. Will you push through the things that block your path? Are you willing to pay the price? Will you fight to stay focused? Please, don't give up. You have what it takes to keep moving. Ask yourself, “What am I willing to suffer?” Queen Esther was confronted by her elder (Cousin Mordecai) who reminded her that if she would not go to the King uninvited, God would use someone else. She humbled herself and admitted it would be impossible to move forward without guidance from the Lord and the support of her people. Gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish (Esther 4:16). It was a do or die moment.

There is no getting to destiny without opposition. Esther contended with enemies. Her determination was bolstered not only by prayers, but eventually, the King’s favor.  She kept moving even though she was scared. Franklin D. Roosevelt said, Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear. Don't let fear control you.  

The cost of destiny is the sacrifice of your plans and desires if they are not in line with what God has called you to do. It is a persistent and perpetual posture of humility, even when it hurts. It is an unshakable resolve to move forward no matter the price. It is understanding that you need good relationships with those above you (leaders) those beside you (peers) and those you serve. The ultimate cost of destiny is relinquishing your will for God’s.

Soaring Without Wings

Once upon a time I dreamed but could not bring the scenes to life. There were castles and princes on horses that pranced. Among verdant grass wildflowers danced. They were already free, while I kept trying to be.

Once upon a time I dreamed of flying over trees and through the clouds. In every frame, a rescue from some threat to happiness. Always on the lookout to avoid distress, I dreamed. Could this be why much stays inside my heart and head? I'm working hard to put them in my blog instead - to share without the dread. It scares me anyway, but I cannot give up.

Dreams, resilient and tenacious, bolster me. They peel back layers to reveal what I now know. I can soar without wings. The gauntlet of my fears may sometimes cause delay, but I've learned to move in spite of them.

My daddy wrote a song sometime ago. The lyrics prod, encourage, and admonish me to go.

"Got to keep on moving

Got to shed this feeling. 

Hey now, 

I've got to make it someday,

Just got to find a way."

So, I move, I shed, I go. It's what I know. It's how I live. 

...But It's Too Hard

But, it's too hard God. How many times have you said this when you could not see the way forward? I can't do it - your cry when you feel the weight of purpose. I quit - when finances dwindle. God, are you sure you want me to do this? 

I want to encourage you today. Don't give up. Dreams never die. Decide to bring them to life.
Write a plan. Create a vision board. See yourself living your dreams, and begin moving toward them one step at a time.

You were created with purpose, for a purpose. Do something.  Don't die with unrealized goals - live. Yes, it is hard, but you can do it.

No Other Choice

I juggle daily.

When will I be able to get back to my manuscript? It is on my calendar, yet I struggle. Many writers understand this challenge. We have full time jobs, families and writing goals, among other things. The to do lists grow by the minute. To consistently persist until writing goals are reached is a constant choice. The journey from start to finish requires successful time management - and resolve.

The first thing which keeps me sane and moving is the fact that writing is my calling. The second, it is a passion that drives me. I will never give up, and I will become artful at making time. I have no other choice.

Come Alive

When a goal is set and reached, it is the end of a process which often signals the beginning of another. Something motivates us to keep moving, learning, growing, seeking new challenges and outcomes.

I recently read a blog by Joya Martin (award-winning business leader and experienced accounting professional) titled, What Dreams Will Die With You? She mentions a quote attributed to Dr. Howard Thurman, "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who come alive."  

Are you living your dream? Has fear paralyzed you? What do you need to take the next step? What's stopping you from moving toward a goal?

The caption on my high school yearbook photo reads, "Author/Singer," and though I graduated a lifetime ago (it seems) the dream of writing a book is only now being realized. One will soon be published, and I have already started writing another. It is exciting, exhilarating, terrifying, phenomenal, awe inspiring, just crazy cool and unreal.

It is never too late to live on purpose. Don't let your dreams die with you. Now is the time to watch the painting on your life's canvas become a masterpiece. Come alive. 

You Better Work!

Everyday, when you awake, you make a decision to get up, get yourself ready, and go. God just encouraged me this morning by reminding me of this fact. He said, "It is that simple. Make a decision everyday to serve with joy and gladness. Make a decision to complete whatever you start. Make a decision to win. All you need is a decision."

When you make a decision to get up, your brain communicates with your body and your body moves. If you decide to get ready to go, you prepare (find an outfit, take a shower, shave or put on makeup). You get the picture right? Corresponding action is necessary. To decide to do a thing requires both commitment and follow through. 

Are you willing to pay the price for your success? That is a loaded question, but it is unrealistic to have the expectation that simply deciding will make things happen. I am a part of the "you" that I'm talking to today, because there are times when I have to become a cheerleader and self-motivate. You have to sacrifice to bring the vision to life.

Sometimes I am wearied by the process, but I know that stopping is not an option. I regroup, refresh and keep moving toward my goal. There is no time out in a race - no hold on a minute - let me get myself together moment. Keep running until you reach the finish line, or you will become disqualified. Thank God this process is not a race. 

Don't focus on people in the other lanes, pay attention to your assignment. Runners are aware of the people running with them, but they are not turning around to see what others are doing. They run to win. They keep their eyes on the goal. Sometimes you make a decision, but when you see others who appear to be closer to achieving what they set out to do, you lose focus and become discouraged. Don't do that. Your work is your work. That is your focus. It is that simple, and I am grateful. 

Decide today that you will be a success. Understand that the journey is not always easy. Commit to achieving your goals, and whatever you do - don't.give.up. Your reward is coming, but to see it, you better work.

DREAM

….what are you reaching for?
Do you know?
Going in blind?
It will show.


Where are you going?
How will you know
where to step -
without a dream -
to drive you?


Dare to dream!