It has been roughly 9 to 12 months since I last talked with Tim Arthur. I'm not sure why I had the overwhelming urge to call him today, but his name and likeness kept popping up in random places. It was as if that still small voice was trying to get my attention. Come to think of it, that's been happening a lot lately.
I wasn't sure what we'd talk about, but I knew it wouldn't take long to find our rhythm again. To help initiate the exchange, I asked questions related to his job, family, and anything else that piqued my interest along the way.
While I always enjoy my conversations with Tim, this particular discussion warmed up significantly around the time we dove deeper into our current passions. While similar in nature, I found his willingness to share ideas only encouraged an equally enthusiastic exchange of ideas from me. It invariably energizes me when I find people that are able to inspire creative brainstorming sessions like the one we had today.
We could have easily continued the dialog for hours, but we ultimately ended the conversation with an agreement to reconnect over a meal. Next time, we would also include a mutual friend, as this gentlemen would add immeasurable value to the discourse
One of the themes that revealed itself within our discussion was the deep-seated desire to leave a lasting legacy of hope. While there are multiple areas of interest by which to contribute, the problem is knowing what that contribution should be. Where does God want me? What is my mission? What is my purpose?
For years, I've heard that I should write a book or even a series of books, but the question still remains, "What should I write about?" Yes, the desire is there, but the content I'm suppose to scribe is alluding me.
I have a desire to speak and bring a positive message to the masses. I can see myself being an encouragement to others through video, audio, and the written word. Unfortunately, the what and how appear to be missing. Seriously, what should I be doing with my life? I ask.
It was during a random conversation at work that I heard these words:
"If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose." ~ T.D. Jakes
As soon as those words rolled fluidly from their lips, I immediately felt an attraction to the message. It was exactly what I needed to hear in that moment. "Powerful!" I thought.
Over the next week, I heard T.D. Jakes' quote from two entirely different people. One person was referring to my authoring a book while the other was addressing my passion for public speaking and the creation of encouraging content through various mediums.
"Was it me?" I asked myself silently. "Did I just use my imagination to find meaning where there was no meaning or was that God speaking to me?"
Truthfully, I believe that still small voice that I heard recently is the same voice that I heard as a child. That voice, for as long as I have been aware of it, has shown me what to do and where to go. It comforted me during a scary time where I had to fall asleep next to a door that hung broken. Apparently, the robbers kicked in the door, but left it unable to lock or keep me safe from the bad men I believed were coming back to get me. In that moment, this Bible verse kept repeating itself quietly until I read it:
"Therefore, we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" ~ Hebrews 13:6 (CSB)
That same voice that gave me peace as a kid, later led me to North Carolina where I would finally meet my biological father for the first time after nearly 20 years. While I don't always know the plan, I know that things will work themselves out for good. They always do.
"God would not have put a dream in your heart if He had not already given you everything you need to fulfill it." ~ Joel Osteen
Make today a great day!
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