Broken Dreams
IT ALL STARTED WITH A BROKEN DREAM...
God placed in my heart the love of writing from a very young age. I remember entering a creative writing contest at Primary school when I was in Year 6. We were asked to write a piece about our school. I carefully crafted this story and made sure it was creative. There was a time travelling bus, I was the tour guide, and somehow, I remember ending the tour with our school’s motto (that was my 10-year-old self’s ‘drops mic’ moment haha). I don’t know why, but I recall entering the competition with the sole goal of winning. And I did. I won and received a cool encyclopaedia and certificate.
When I look back now, the prize didn’t really mean anything. It was the fire that I had at that age to want to be creative. I knew that what I had to submit was GREAT. I was confident with every word. It’s funny because only now do I realise that even at that young age, I knew I had a gift. A gift that God had carefully planted in my heart before I even realised.
Fast forward to high school and my strongest subjects were English, Media Studies and History. The written component of exams is where I thrived. I could basically essay about anything. Even when it came to speeches, I could easily come up with something that was creative. I just lacked the confidence to deliver it. And so, my love for words deepened.
When faced with what to study after school, I still didn’t realise how precious this gift was and decided to study Business out of all things. After changing degrees following my first year, I went back to what I was good at and graduated from University with Film and Media Studies under my belt.
I was blessed to get a job in the magazine industry. And my job as a Journalist was something that I LOVED. Everything about it was a dream. I got to interview amazing people I admired. I attended numerous events weekly. I worked with talented writers who taught me everything that I know. But after a while, I felt increasingly unsatisfied.
I was writing from an empty cup. A cup that wasn’t filled with passion and fire. And I felt like I had NO PURPOSE with the gift that God had given me.
This dream to write became a BROKEN DREAM. And I left that career with a burning desire to travel. Putting writing on the back burner for THREE YEARS.
HE MADE A WAY
Picture this: Sistas Conference opening night, 2017. Under the lights at Trusts Stadium, Marie De Jong (Pastor of LIFE Church NZ) spoke on DREAMS. About reigniting that FIRE again for whatever it is we were called to do. I was convicted and cried throughout the entire service.
Now, the devil tried everything to not let me get there that night. It was BELTING DOWN with rain and I almost missed the service completely. I didn’t even have my night ticket. But by the grace of God, HE made a way for me to be there. Even soaking wet and emotional, it was such a beautiful God encounter, and one I will never EVER forget.
After the service, I made a declaration and a promise that I would write again. And the next day I made this website my first priority.
I always cry when I speak about this to people because HER is the result of a BROKEN DREAM that turned into a GOD DREAM. I now know WHY I felt like I was visionless years prior. It was because I was leading and taking charge of my own journey. God was there, but I never allowed Him to really speak to me and to use this gift for His glory.
I don’t know who I am talking to. Or if anyone can relate to the words that I am writing. But what I want to encourage is this: GODS TIMING is everything. He will walk us through seasons that may come to an end. He will remove people from our lives that no longer have a place. But what He will reveal is always something GREATER.
I want you to know that every BROKEN DREAM will never just be that. With God, whatever is BROKEN can be MENDED.
It is because of Him that I am writing this blog – MY VERY FIRST BLOG- on HER. The words that I write is Gods soft voice speaking through me.
Whatever it is that you are going through or if you are in a funk about your career like how I was, I highly encourage you to pray to God for clarity. He may not speak to you directly, but He will speak through other people so that you can find out where you should plant yourself.
He turned what I thought was the end of my writing career and gave me something BETTER.
He gave me HER.
How to get yourself out of that funk:
Prayer - ask God for clarity when it comes to every decision you make. HE will lead you where you need to go. His terms, not ours.
Action - after seeking Gods counsel, start educating yourself in how you can make a start. Google, read books, network with people who can help you get there.
People - surround yourself with people who will affirm your dreams and speak life into your situation.
Live - Remember to celebrate and enjoy the little things in your life. At times you may feel disheartened, but know your time is coming!
Thank you Jesus for your unwavering Love. Your constant Provision. For your Vision and your unparalleled Grace. I pray for those who have a BROKEN DREAM. I pray that they may hear your voice in what they should be called to do. May HER continue to be an example, and may it continue to be used for your Glory and your Glory alone.
Amen xxx