DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Following Up with You
© NaimaLett.com/blog
Hi Fam,
A couple of weeks ago, we put out an A.P.B. for dreamers, dream chasers & dream makers. We received your dreams from all over the world, & we brought them to the Lord and prayed.
So, how’s it going?
I wanted to personally follow up with you.
If you didn’t get a chance to share your dream or response yet, feel free to SHARE now. It’s confidential, and I’m continuing to pray for you. We’re in the series for 2 more weeks.
Many of you have shared your successes and praise reports – How God has:
• connected you with a key player
• provided you with a much-needed resource
• given you a next step, and/or
• boosted your faith to keep going
I’ve been so encouraged by God’s call and your response to prayer. He doesn’t always use a megaphone, but that’s exactly what He’s doing right now. And we are listening.
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
OK, let’s deal with JUMBO!
The biggest internal obstacle that many of us face is fear of failure. If we haven’t shared our dream with anyone else because we’re afraid to fail, let’s be honest about it; and then decide to move forward any way.
John tells us that God is love and “…there is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” 1 John 16-18
God called us to pray for our dreams. He is love. Perfect love drives out fear. Besides, what’s the worst that can happen? We end up becoming successful servants i.e. Joseph in Potiphar’s house? We end up becoming successful during darkness i.e. Joseph in prison? What’s the worst? We look bad in front of people? Are we really not going to take the risk on God’s dreams because we MIGHT look bad to someone else who probably could care less about what we’re doing?
Do you think I think I can accomplish this great big dream God has given me in my own strength? Do you think I don’t feel failure trying to chase me down? I simply decided to run on anyhow. And I’m a pretty good runner. Didn’t you see my commercial pic post on Facebook during the Olympics? Your girl’s got kick.
Besides, Psalm 23:6 says God’s goodness and mercy are chasing me down all the days of my life. They’re much better running partners than fear. And I bet they can actually squeeze fear out of the race when they get good and ready. So, I’m going to focus on them and keep moving forward. What about you?
NOW WHAT?
Dream in writing: Make your plan.
Since our heavenly Father is giving us a great big green light, let’s go for it. What does your dream look like? Get specific. This week, we’ll revisit a couple of blogs where I walk you from Point A – Z. We heard from you on how those have been very helpful.
Dream together: Get a partner.
Teamwork works. Accountability is one of the most effective tools we have in accomplishing our goals. For example, Weight Watchers has helped countless folks reach their health goals through accountability programs like weekly meetings and weigh-ins. Jordan didn’t win 6 championships by himself. He had Pippen, Grant and Rodman. Who’s got your back? Who can you ask to touch base with you at least once a week as you walk out your plan?
Dream with God: Keep His priorities first.
Last week, from Joseph’s story, we saw how God gave Joseph a dream that helped thousands of people. Our dreams help others. Jesus’ entire mission centered around sacrificing for others. Let’s keep God’s priorities in mind. Did you get a chance to journey through the rest of Joseph’s story via text or audio? Genesis 37-50 (skipping 38)? It’s so encouraging.
Also, here’s some of the VIDEO footage from the series:
Sometimes, It’s Best to Run [2:45]
Bring Your Dreams [30:00]
Is the Dream Big Enough? [4:00]
We’re all in this together, Fam.
Feel like running forward today with your God-given dream?
Let’s do it,
Naima
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Funny how i just got this or just open it up. Why? Its 2:47 EST. I see that this was sent at 2:30 your time. Now, I am not big on the time zones or differences but either way the TIME IS NOW!!!
Which was the word on yesterday. Along with all the other golden nuggets that was just flowing ,no raining down from heaven. PROPHETIC!!! what u say? ( that’s how the saints of old would have describe it).
In any case, everything that I was asking, seeking, pondering and even stuff i hadn’t thought about was answered. I am walking today, confident in God’s word and promises to me. What is that you ask? Glad you ask…
1) I won’t be working like i have been much longer.
2) I will be able to do my business with ease and excitement.
3) God has already sent possible help with my business ( teachers who can do some of the classes).
4) Ideas for how to package, market myself and the business so that I can live and the business can prosper.
The only thing left is a building and finances for the building/studio. I am not worried about it because I have been the biggest stumbling block in this process. Now that my head is on straight. My spirit renewed and my eyes on the prize. I know that God’s got it. NOT ME,.. thank God 🙂
Congrats, Lady that you’re moving forward. It sounds like you’ve had a wonderful epiphany and you’re acting upon it. Do it!
Thanks for sharing your next steps. I will pray specifically for your teachers, building and finances. Excited for you!
Thank you, Naima.
The first week, my hope was stirred. Auditions were coming up for Grinchmas. I created a monologue as a Grinchmas character. Then work scheduled me to work the days of the auditions. My kids & I moved out to Fillmore, which is quite a distance from work and school. It takes us a minimum of 50 minutes to get there. We’ve lost a lot of time these last two weeks, which, in turn, brought discouragement – on top of not being able to audition.
However, this blog stirred up the hope again. And in my linkedin account, I had a message from a promoter asking me if I wanted him to promote me. A little more hope was stirred.
Next conquest? Getting headshots that I can’t afford.
What God has recently put on my heart? Saying out loud, “I trust You, God.” It helps tremendously.
Thank you so much for your prayers.
May God always shower you with blessings for your faithfulness.
~Mikki~
Hi Mikki,
Thanks so much for sharing your journey over the last 2 weeks. The great thing is that the dream is for the long haul. There will be ups and downs and everything in between, but hang in there! Sounds like that’s exactly what you’re doing. Go forth!
So sorry to hear about the audition cancellation and challenging commute. Re: auditions, I can share with you the belief that keeps me centered and sane. I believe that if an acting role is truly mine, there is nothing that can stand in the way of me securing it. And if the role is not mine, there is nothing I’ll be able to do to get it. I don’t know if that helps you, but it helps me to keep auditions, callbacks, bookings and filming in perspective. I’ve booked roles that I didn’t get to film. I’ve filmed scenes that didn’t end up in the final work. It’s a land mine, Lady. LOL! I have to trust God, that at the end of the day, what’s mine is mine. What’s not is not. :=)
Re: promoter, make sure that he’s not asking you for a whole lot of upfront cash. Is this a PR firm? Is he licensed? Who are the success stories? Most times, actors can do their own marketing until we book enough work that necessitates hiring PR. Remember that your agent gets 10% of the income that you make when you work, and franchised agents are bound by law, so do your homework and PLEASE resist handing out money. I tell people all the time, if you’ve just got hundreds of dollars to hand out, we’ve got a wonderful ministry that’s really making an impact. Send a tax-deductible donation. LOL! But seriously, do your research. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
I’m so glad that you’re encouraged. Praying for you. I like that, “I trust you, God” out loud. I’ll try that throughout the day today.
Have an incredible day!