DO YOU SEE WHAT THEY SEE?

Wedding preparations have been what most women literally dream of from childhood. The same holds true for Indigo Burns. Numbered among her many dreams has been to become a successful photographer – check; marry the man of her dreams – check; have her family restored – no check. 

Left open on her list, but possibly not for long, is the desire for her family to become what they once were. With the impending return of her brother Rueben to Jubilant, Texas, that item may be checked off her list sooner rather than later. Well, that is, if they can overcome the obstacles that separated them and the new one thrown into the dysfunctional stew by the choice of their sister Yasmin.

Within Dreams That Won't Let Go Stacy Hawkins has done a superb job of revealing how life challenges and our choices about them can bring us closer or tear us apart. She is to be commended on presenting a story that is not only entertaining, but thought provoking as well.

To learn more about Stacy and her upcoming projects visit her at: http://www.stacyhawkinsadams.com/

*Book provided courtesy of The Baker Group

Dreams That Won't Let Go Devotion

by Stacy Hawkins Adams

Who doesn’t have dreams?

Martin Luther King Jr. is famous for his. In biblical times, Joseph’s nearly got him killed – at the hands of his brothers.

Dreams can haunt us or heal us. They can give us hope or leave us hopelessly frustrated.

Sometimes we feel stuck, as if the desires of our heart don’t matter, to God or anyone else. We feel invisible, as we watch those around us get blessed, while we seem to regress. Or maybe we feel inadequate, as if we’re not good enough or smart enough to be worthy of the dream we imagine.

If any of these scenarios sound like you, pause wherever you are right now and acknowledge what you’re feeling.

Then, make up your mind that your feelings will not control your future. Your feelings will not fuel your fate. Because if God gave you the desire, he did so for a reason. He planted a seed in your heart or in your spirit that He knows you can nurture into a full bloom.

In Genesis 37:20, we see Joseph’s jealous brothers serving as dream stealers. They throw him into a pit to be devoured by wild animals and believe they’ve snuffed the life out of his bigger-than-life vision.

In your reality, the dream stealer may simply be fear. But as 1 John 4:18 declares, where God dwells, so does love. His perfect love leaves no room for fear or for doubt.

You may have tried and failed; or maybe every time you start, you can’t move past “Go.” Along with fear, other obstacles seem to block your path.

Remind yourself today that an obstacle is little more than a test to strengthen your faith, your endurance and your assurance that the dream you’re destined to birth will be mighty, just as Martin’s was, and just as Joseph’s was.

Your dream may not involve plans to impact millions or thousands, but any soul you touch for Christ is worth that and more. Your dream may not even be ministry-related, but if you are one of God's children, any vision He gives you will be anointed with his purpose.

Your dream may be birthed from you, but if it’s God-ordained, it may not be about you. God is calling you to believe in your dreams, and give them life, so that you can bless others and serve as a light for Him.

Ask God to give you clarity and wisdom about how best to bring your dreams to life, and to give you the courage, the patience and the faith to trust that He will open doors and bless your efforts and your obedience in His own timing.

1 John 4: 18 (NIV):
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

Genesis 37:20 (NIV)
Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what comes of his dreams."