Every once in a while something happens that restores my faith in how the world works…
Recently, I came upon a story of hope where the good guy (or gal in this case) has a shot to win. Not to say the others in the race are not as worthy, because frankly they are, but this story touched me, so I want to share it with you.
I’m talking about the Oscar nomination for Best Original Song sung by Joni Eareckson Tada for the movie, Alone Yet Not Alone. What makes this nomination so unusual is that both the movie and the singer are not on the Hollywood A, B or C list. I love it when a crack opens and someone else can slip in.
And what I hope you take away from this is that against odds that seem to be in your way – if you still do your best, stay faithful and true, and work harder than the next person – you could win. Not saying you you’ll always win, but friend you could win. In my book that is exciting enough to get up and get going another day.
You might remember a few weeks ago I did a program that I titled May all your dreams come true – even the ones they laughed at. I love that because as a speaker who spends time with my audience I hear stories of hope and dreams and desires for good things. Then every once in a while the light seems to hit upon the right star and illuminate the person where they stand.
Friend, I trust you have in your life a voice that encourages you to dream big. Donald Trump is famous for saying if you’re going to dream you might as well dream BIG. And that idea needs to be alive in you today and tomorrow. You have a choice to live the life you want. I know you have responsibilities but you can carve some time to begin on your dreams.
Walt Disney said, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” And I’ll add to that, “Dreams don’t work unless you do.”
That means that some of you need to get going on your dreams. Enough with your excuses – William Ward said, “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it.” Now do you know what kills that dream you have? Doubt – Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.
Tell me when and where did you allow your mind to think that it is not possible? That it’s not doable, that you can’t do it. You need to banish the doubt from your mind today because occasionally we can win – we can stand in the light and shine brightly.
And you know what is amazing? It’s that others may not see your potential but you do. Never let that light be dimmed, guard your heart, guard your head and guard your dreams. Remember the rhyme from your childhood – She turned her cant’s into cans, and her dreams into plans.
I hate to be the barer of bad tidings but others who didn’t make it – really don’t want to see you surpass them. Yeah – crazy I know but it’s the truth.
I see it all time – sister could never win dance competition so little sister shouldn’t even try. Brother couldn’t make the soccer team so little brother should try basketball or something else that doesn’t show up big brother. Don’t go to college because Mom or Dad didn’t go…
And the one that slays me is when I hear ~ Don’t try, we wouldn’t want you to fail… Really what their saying is we don’t want you to succeed because then it shows what they didn’t, couldn’t, wouldn’t do. Friend – Don’t let someone who gave up on their dreams – talk you out of yours.
I’m going to guess that more than half of your friends and family gave up on their dreams (and some for valid reasons) so hear me be careful when looking to them for encouragement… they don’t know how to give it…so stop looking for acceptance…it’s not going to happen.
Now, I do know that some who gave up on their dreams do want the best for you…and they will sacrifice for your dreams and future and if that is the case – my friend you are lucky indeed – thank them, love them, bless them for their loving kindness and sacrifice. Those good people are few and far between so hold on to them.
Tony Gaskins – said – If you don’t build your dream someone else will hire you to build theirs. And that’s the truth. If you stop believing, hoping, praying, pushing, planning, working on your dreams they will not come to pass. You must be meticulously involved with your dreams. Meaning that you have a plan in place now you just need to start.
And starting is half the battle…the other is time, energy, and availability to get to work on your dreams.
In the end Joni Eareckson Tada did not take home the Oscar but I do know that by showing up and doing the work she’s won…
Even though she is not able to use her hands or legs…she uses what she has – a voice that rises above any physically challenge and because she believes in the beauty of her dreams, she has touched the lives of millions. If she can do it – then why can’t you?
Because sometimes when you least expect it – you will win …
