"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. You're playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." - Nelson Mandela, to some of his favorite people in an inaugural speech in 1994.
I think I sense the Author rewriting the dream. May the music and lyrics He sends through me be the most unsung, unpopular, and uninflated art in the world in its day. For I remember the greater thing: the songs flowing through me, stirring up a fire and passion for my Lord and bringing me to my knees as I praised Him. What else in this life creates that opportunity for me? Nothing at this time. So I will pursue songwriting in that fashion, for it fits with the notion that the best I can give for this world is that I am closely united with Christ. Then His will can be done through me. Then people will know a difference. There is power there. I am sure it must be foolish to the world for me not to pursue promoting and exposing the songs, but I would rather remain unheralded and yet close to God, than to pursue worldly success and risk satisfying my flesh with the padded luxury of positive responses. There is much more He is teaching me on this subject than I can explain in words.As for Amarillo Firefighters for Christ, this is His ministry in which He has appointed me as the local lay leader. How's His ministry? It may not look like much to the world, but somehow my devotion and love for His calling is stirring the spirit world. I still believe in the benefits of believers regularly meeting together, but I sense Him saying, "take it to them". He is alive and well, and on the move, still fighting for people's hearts. His very personal ministry is thriving because He is life! Everything moves and has its being because of Him! So, instead of inviting people to come to meetings or to come to church, I am going to take the meetings and church to them, face to face, counting on the Lord to create divine appointments. I pray He more and more opens my eyes and ears to the opportunities in front of me.I guess I am going to have to try to start praying with my wife. (Man I hope Leland doesn't hold me accountable for that! Ha!) I need to fully dive into those waters and "grow" this marriage in God. There is such a battleground there. I can sense the power involved. If I could just completely commit this thing and truly pray with her, I think things would break wide open. Oh, but it is so scary! Why does it take more courage to be intimate with my wife than a stranger on a mission trip? I wonder what is around the corner if I can just get this? This must be the polar opposite of the greatly deceiving notion of divorce being so lucrative, such greener grass.In so many life areas He is changing the dream. But I must consider the audience: glorious heaven, full of shouting souls, pulling for me, praising God for my devotions and creations. Not to mention the awesome Light of the Great Fire beyond the multitudes: the actual presence of God. Can I bear the fact of Him smiling at me and saying, "Well done"? He dares me to live the dream.