Amazing how once I realized my dream and then started sharing it with others, God began opening the doors to allow me to live in it. I suppose, though, it really isn’t that amazing. Sometimes we hide behind the “what ifs” …
- What if I’m wrong about this?
- What if I can’t do it?
- What if no one supports me?
- What if I fail?
- What if I succeed?
- What if …
I have no idea what your “what ifs” are but I’d bet you have some. We all do. They are rooted in fear and insecurity. And they can absolutely control us.
from the adorable Hot Chocolate Collection available at Dayspring.com
But what if you had someone who said, “Hey! You can totally do this!” Or, “I’m going to pray for you as you seek God’s plan.” What if you had a team of people who came alongside you in all kinds of ways? What if someone else said, “I believe in the beauty of your dreams. How can I help you?” Wouldn’t that be awesome?
Solomon wrote,
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.
Eccelesiastes 4:9 NLT
We need each other! We were made to need each other. As I’ve shared my dream with others, they’ve jumped on board with their encouragement and support. They’ve sent me notes of encouragement, given my name to the women’s ministry leadership at their churches as a potential event speaker, hired me to help them sort through social media strategies, and just simply said, “I’m so proud of you for doing this!”
just a few of the people who have encouraged and supported me in my dream
We all need a dream team! We need people who will believe in our dreams, who will encourage us to pursue the God-sized calling on our hearts. Here are just a few of the ways your dream team can support you:
- Intercede on your behalf
- Share the joy of your successes
- Support you through your fears
- Come alongside when you are discouraged or weary
- Offer suggestions for reaching the next step
- Provide resources or guidance
As you build your team, you can also be a part of the dream team of others … offer fellow dream-chasers the encouragement, prayers, and support you have been given.
Who is on your dream team? How have they encouraged you?
linking with Holley and a whole bunch of dreamers
Llooking for a simple way to encourage others? Check out the Hot Chocolate with God collection fromDayspring. This collection includes You Rock 32 Note Set, Encouragement 12 Card Set
, Girlfriend to Girlfriend 32 Friendship Notes, and the Beautifully Made Christian Journal
. I love using the notes to bless others and keeping track of the sweet ways I’ve been encouraged in cute journal. You can get the whole set for $19.99! Too cute!!
thanks to my sweet friends at Dayspring for giving me these products … they didn’t ask me to share about them but how could I not let you know about such adorable and useful tools for encouragement.
also, the links to dayspring are affiliate links. i will receive a small commission if you purchase through them. if you would rather, you can purchase through this link and i will not receive any compensation.
I’m not surprised at all–you’re a gifted communicator and writer, and you also have the stick-to-it-iveness that others (like me) lack. You have such a great support system!
Oh Pattie … I searched high and low for a photo of us! Because truly you are definitely a key part of the team that has influenced, encouraged, and loved on me! I am thankful for our friendship that began in August 1989 … and for the way the Lord has intertwined our paths time and again since that first meeting in Leslie Hall!!
I love you too! Thank you. (PS: The only photo of us together that I have somewhere has us decked out in 50s-style clothing…)
Wow! What a beautiful photo collage. Great idea! You are blessed, indeed. : )
Thank you … I’m very thankful to have so many amazing friends and an awesome family who cheer me on and pick me up!
That team is a very important part of your dream. I am so proud of you! I can’t wait to either see you speak in person or see it online. You are amazing!
Thanks, girl! You are an important part of my team … we definitely need to figure out a way to get together so I can add a photo of us to my collection!!
Of course now I’m singing the HSM song “We’re all in this together….” but it is so true and yes I watch with my girls.
The truth is, we DO need each other. How blessed are we that God allowed our paths to cross? I thank Him constantly for that!
I love watching Him work through you!
Stacey recently posted…You can learn a lot from an (in)courager
Oh girl! No collage of my fellow dreamers could be complete without your smiling face. You are a voice of wisdom and encouragement. I often go back to that first conversation we had at Relevant 2010 when I wonder if I should just quit … your quiet, gentle words. You may not remember but you said, “You are doing a good work. And sometimes good work is the hardest kind.” I adore you, Stacey Thacker! That is no joke!!
“What if I fail? What if I succeed?” I never knew one could be afraid of both at the same time until I started following my dream. 😀 It’s inspiring to see how your team is encouraging you.
Grace.
Brenda recently posted…Two are Better
Funny, isn’t it, how we can vacillate between those two fears? I’m finding the fear of success is often more crippling for me … which is strange.
I enjoy your blog so much. And I know exactly how those “what ifs” work. However, every time I have been able to get passed them I have been able to grow. Then, there have been a few times I have been shattered, but I start to dream again and take those baby steps, which I could never manage without trusting God to hold my hand. I cannot remember if I mentioned to you that my husband is a minister of music in Georgia. Presently, he is a pastor in the music ministry and to senior adults, which we also “be.” Our pastor is young enough to be our son and very wise. Best of all, he loves the Lord, people, and God’s word. I am so thankful to be where I am right now in my life. God has taught me to enjoy life in the present and not worry so much about what other people think. After all, it really is what He thinks that matters.
I love that your husband is a music minister and does senior adults! That’s what we love too! We are not in that age group yet … but we love working with seniors!
Thank you for your ongoing encouragement in my life!
Teri Lynne, your posts ALWAYS add a little sunshine to my day. You speak my language, sweet Alabama dreamer! XXOO
Great women, great collage, great post! I am now all fired up to reach out and encourage some of those women who have stood by me for so long. Thanks for putting Hot Chocolate on my radar!
One of my favorite moments at Allume last year was sitting on that couch and chatting with you. Wish we could do that again today! Hope it happens soon…XO