DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Upgrades: NFL Cheerleaders
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© source

Alright, NFL!
The real refs are back. My brothers and sisters-in-law are duking it out in their fantasy football league. And Tony Romo made history last night – becoming “the only player in NFL history with multiple Monday night games with at least five interceptions.” So sorry Dallas! :=(

But on a brighter note, I came across an NFL Cheerleaders, Then & Now, gallery that’s fascinating. A couple of the more tamed pics are above.

Talk about upgrades.

There’s been quite a transformation, over the last couple of decades, I suppose, to keep up with the changing winds of culture.

More glitz.
More glam.
More enhancements.
More exposure.

Is it me, or does every outfit look like a bikini now? Bikini with stars, bikini with fringe, bikini with fur… for Christmas, of course. By January, the shiny leggings might make an entrance. Oh, and leg warmers. Go San Fran 49ers!

OK, I’m making fun.
But seriously, I understand that these are real dancers with real talent in real careers. The competition is tight, and there’s unbelievable pressure now to look a certain way. There are no more big sweatshirts and long skirts to hide extra belly jelly.

Everybody can see everything when you’re in a bikini… with cowboy boots.

So, as the artists’ shepherd, I sure do send up some prayers today for all my fellow dancers who are shaking and baking for your entertainment in bikinis with feathers (for Thanksgiving, of course). I wish our culture had a different standard and appetite, and that the NFL had some women in high places who could sit in on some meetings and make an argument for less exploitation of our ladies. Just saying.

None-the-less, please join me in praying that the Lord will empower His daughters, who are already on the teams, to shine brightly as His light in their relationships and witness, in the same way that His sons, who are on the field are holding it down in the locker rooms.

Where you at, Light?

I quote this passage at least once a month, but it’s because I want us to understand that we are ALL called to be light wherever we are… whether on an NFL team or cheer squad.

Matthew 5:14-16 says “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

So, whether in a bikini with sequins or stars & stripes, in a business suit or work uniform, wherever you are today, I pray for your light to shine. And if we’re ever tempted to judge the ladies, please whisper a prayer for the team owners and decision makers instead. The artist is rarely the one in control of those decisions, though I’m sure they could make a ruckus about it, if they wanted. Go Revolution!

And in case you were wondering, I think the Wonder Woman costumes work better for Halloween than the bikinis with skulls.

But that’s just my 2 cents,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Spiritual, But Not Religious
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“I’m spiritual, but not religious.”

Have you heard this phrase? I have.
Especially on cross-country flights when my answer to the infamous “What do you do?” is “Actor, Producer, Pastor”. It’s as if people want to let me know upfront, “Hey, don’t you start preaching at me… I’m spiritual, but not religious.”

Well, this morning, I came across The New York Salon director Alan Miller’s bold post, “‘I’m spiritual but not religious’ is a cop out.” According to the NY Salon’s site, they aim to provide a distinct environment where ideas and matters of value and principle are robustly debated.

In his article, Miller highlights a recent study that reveals a generation of Millennials drifting away from formal religious institutions and choosing an independent, individual relationship to “some concept of ‘higher power’, energy, oneness or something-or-other”.

He observes that, “The boom in megachurches merely reflect this sidelining of serious religious study for networking, drop-in centers and positive feelings. Those that identify themselves, in our multi-cultural, hyphenated-American world often go for a smorgasbord of pick-and-mix choices…a bit of Yoga here, a Zen idea there, a quote from Taoism and a Kabbalah class, a bit of Sufism and maybe some Feing Shui…”

Miller concludes that the spiritual-but-not-religious attitude is one of indecision, an “unwillingness to take a real position”. He asks, “What is spiritual? What is believed? What is practiced?” He challenges young people to “take a stand,” and make a choice: either “a belief in God and Scripture or a commitment to the Enlightenment ideal of human-based knowledge, reason and action.”

If I could sit down with Miller, I’d express that most folks I’ve met who consider themselves spiritual-but-not-religious don’t see their indecision. Many believe that they are just fed up with the church and its ‘seeming’ lack of effectiveness in ministry. When we can turn on Christian networks at any time of day and see preacher after preacher in thousand dollar suits asking for more and more money, it’s disheartening. People want more. They want God.

Yesterday, like every Sunday, at H0PE IN THE HILLS, we reminded ourselves of our vision of a church that looks like heaven (diverse), sounds like heaven (worship-filled), loves like God loves (sacrificially) and lives like Christ lives (radically). That radical living like Christ lives is the hardest, isn’t it? When Jesus shows up during the 1st century and says ‘The kingdom of God is at hand’, shifts happen. People who encounter Him face change. There’s little room for indecision. He is loved or hated.

I’m reminded of Jesus’ Revelation to John, Chapter 3, Verses 14-22 describing the church in Laodicea, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”

Jesus says we don’t have the luxury of indecision. The lukewarm, soggy thing doesn’t work. Hot or cold, Fam?

I know this is a little dicey for a Monday morning, but oh well. Let’s kick off the week with a bang! Hope your Sunday was awesome. We had a good service. I’m still hyped at what the Lord is doing in the lives of a small group of dream chasers and dream makers in Beverly Hills.

If you know someone or consider yourself spiritual-but-not-religious, please do not take offense. Join the dialogue. That’s what blogs are for. :=)
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Bring Your Dreams – Video VIDEO
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VIDEO [30:00] © NaimaLett.com

Happy Friday, Fam,

For those of you who asked, here’s the rest of the STORY/VIDEO.

Yesterday, we posted the short clip “Sometime’s, It’s Best to Run”, less than 3 minutes.

The entire sermon, ABOVE, for our Bring Your Dreams service was only 30 minutes, as most of my sermons are. :=) Each Sunday service at H0PE IN THE HILLS is only 1 hour. We don’t post video every week, but many of you sent your dreams in to be prayed for, so the message may be beneficial to you.

Here, we recount Joseph’s story in Genesis 37-41 from dream to darkness to fulfillment. I also share some of our journey from dream to homelessness to the industry. Maybe you can relate.

Enjoy,
Naima

P.S. If you’re in the LaLa, please remember this weekend is Carmageddon II. Plan accordingly on your way Sunday.

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Sometimes, It’s Best to Run – Video Clip VIDEO
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EXCERPT [2:45] © NaimaLett.com

Sunday, we brought our God-given dreams before the Lord.

Before we prayed for our dreams, from all over the world, I preached from Genesis 37-41 about Joseph, his dream, his journey, and all the bumps along the way.

Here is a short VIDEO excerpt from the sermon at H0PE IN THE HILLS. I think it would be fun if we call this little clip “Sometime’s it’s best to run” because it’s about Joseph facing temptation.

Joseph has already been double-crossed and sold into slavery by his own brothers. The Egyptian, Potiphar, buys Joseph and puts Joseph in charge of his entire household. Then, Potiphar’s wife wants in on the action. This is where the video picks up.

Many times in our own lives, we face all kinds of obstacles and temptations on the way to the dream. What are you facing today?

Be encouraged. Press through. You’re on your way,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Technical Difficulties
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Technical difficulty took on a whole new meaning today.

I’ve just spent the last few hours editing video and attempting to upload the blog for you today. I can’t begin to try to explain to you all the hoops I’ve jumped through, but let’s just say the picture above pretty much describes how I feel right now. LOL!

But I have meetings & I have to go. LA traffic is no joke, & I hate being late. Gotta go.

I leave you with the verses I meditate on when things don’t quite go the way I want them to, but I recognize they’re still not that bad!

Philippians 4:4-9 says “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

I didn’t get you the blog I wanted today, but it’s all good. :=)
And as much as I wanted, I didn’t actually karate my computer.
Didn’t want to mess up my shoes,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
NFL Controversy Mirrors Life
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Who doesn’t love a little controversy?!
OK, a lot of controversy!

Monday Night Football showed the world last night why it’s the most dramatic of all reality shows. Bump American Idol or The Voice. Who needs The Real Housewives? Folks are still fighting about who actually won the Packers/Seahawks game last night.

Whether you follow football or not, you can appreciate the disarray this decision has caused!

On the last play of the game, the Seattle Seahawk’s Golden Tate was given the 14-12 game-winning touchdown, but the officials gave conflicting signals. One has his hands up like TOUCHDOWN, the other is waving no-can-do like, TOUCHBACK.

When you look at the 60-second video above, what do you think? Exactly.

They both have hands on it. But looks like Green Bay’s M.D. Jennings has two hands on the ball and Seattle’s Tate has one hand on ball. When they hit the ground, it looks like the ball is on the chest of the Packers, but the touchdown is given to Seattle because in review, “the incidence is ruled a simultaneous catch, in which case a tie goes to the offense,” in this case Seattle.

Many are blaming the mess on the fact that there are substitute referees in because of the referee lockout. DRAMA!!!

What I love is that E! News Ken Baker, who mostly reports celebrity news and fashion, is asking things like, “When did the NFL become a game of Twister?” Love it!

But isn’t this what our own life looks like many times?

What about our own disagreements?
We want to desperately believe that the way we see things is the “right” way, so therefore we should “win”. But, 2 people can look at the same situation (just like those referees) and see 2 different things.

You see a touchdown. He sees a touchback.
You see a pass completion. She sees an interception.
And then you fight.
Over a ball.
Like your life depended on it.

Thank goodness we, like the refs, have a rule book to help in making decisions. Not to oversimplify things, but many of our disagreements could be solved a little easier if we took a step back, took a deep breath, watched the replay together and figured out what we are actually fighting over. It also wouldn’t hurt to consult our own guidebook, the Bible.

I’ve used the example before, but it works here. Recently, before Sunday service, my husband and I got into a disagreement about batteries for the recording equipment. He’s responsible for all things technical, but I’m the one who uses the microphone. I thought he should order the batteries in bulk, and he thought I should pick them up when I make the weekly store run. The result: we had no batteries before service, and we were both blaming each other.

But here’s the thing, we weren’t actually fighting about batteries. Our issue was deeper than that. We were trying to figure out who is responsible for what and who is doing what in this whole big thing we call a church. Once we figured out the real issue, we could have a calm, meaningful conversation about how to solve the problem.

For me, I was reminded of Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger,” and Proverbs 16:24, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” How I say things is just as important as what I say. I’m blunt and forthright, but I can still taper that with gentleness and graciousness in a way that does not intentionally stir up anger, right?

Life can be a series of controversial calls.
We’re not going to agree with folks most of the time. The fact that we agree any of the time is amazing to me, seeing as we all grew up in different houses in different cultures with different points of view. Let’s do our best to look at the situations as objectively as possible, armed with biblical truth and compassion for one another and in a spirit of love.

That being said, it sucks if you’re a Green Bay fan right now. My condolences. And you are truly fanatical. We’ve seen you in action, up close and personal. I don’t mess with Green Bay fans.

To the Seahawks, looks like you eeked out a doozy here. Please know that the rest of the season, you will be under much scrutiny.

And if more NFL games are going to end up like a game of Twister, bring it on!
Bring it on,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Thanks, Emmy’s & Shuttle Backlash
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© source, Space shuttle Endeavor makes snazzy Hollywood entrance.

What a weekend!

In these blogs, I focus on faith, Hollywood and current events. Today I’ll quickly explore all 3 concerning the last couple of days.

FAITH

First of all, thank you so much to everyone who brought your God-given dreams to service and sent your dreams electronically for our Bring Your Dreams Sunday, at H0PE IN THE HILLS.

What a privilege it was to pray for you and with you. Many shared how God met you in a special way and how the sermon was ‘just what you needed’. Our God is faithful! We’ll try to post video footage this week.

Next steps:
Whether you’re in LA or not, please consider making a commitment over the next month, thru Oct 21st, to laser focus on prayer and planning surrounding your dream. If you haven’t already, feel free to SUBMIT YOUR DREAM for prayer in our confidential Prayer Request section. When you get a chance, please dig into Joseph’s story: Genesis 37-50 (skip 38), via text or on audio bible (like Kevin was just doing). It’s crème de la crème.

And if you’re in LA, next Saturday, September 29th, invest in your dreams through the the Developing Destiny seminar with my friend, Danita Patterson, founder of Destiny Unlimited, producer, writer, former director of development for Will Smith and powerful woman of faith. You all know that I do not endorse lightly and I’m not getting any kickbacks, but I think this seminar is perfect timing, especially considering God’s call to us to pray for our dreams.

What an exciting time!

HOLLYWOOD: EMMY’S

Though, “exciting” is not the word I would use for the Emmy Awards last night. Did you catch the broadcast? It was a snoozer, Fam.

All award shows are not created equal. Hollywood revolves around the Oscars and spends A LOT of $$$ on that show. Usually lots of pizazz. Same thing with Broadway and its Tony Awards. The Emmy’s fall 1/2 way between the two, and I think the producers and directors of the show (who – as we saw last night – also produce the Oscars and Tony’s) are just tired.

Let’s see if I can sum it up for you: Politics rule in this election year. Showtime’s Homeland upset Mad Men and won best drama, lead actor, lead actress and writing. HBO won the most with 6 Emmy’s including best movie/miniseries, directing, writing and lead actress for Game Change. And ABC’s Modern Family won best comedy, support actor, support actress & director.

Jimmy Kimmel did the best he could, comedian Louis C.K. seemed to be nominated for everything, and Mad Men’s Jon Hamm has continued his Susan Lucci/Erica Kane streak of multiple noms & no win. Susan was nominated 18 times before she finally won and was on All My Children for 41 years. Jon won’t get that many chances since Mad Men won’t run that long.

In case you didn’t get the fashion memo, bright yellow is ‘the new red’ with 3 top Emmy’s going to actresses in neon sunshine gowns: Homeland’s Claire Danes, Game Change’s Julianne Moore, and Modern Family’s Julie Bowen. The one on Julianne was the most… well, less…, you tell me what you think…

© E! Online, source

That’s all I got, Fam. It was truly boring. Kevin and I hang in there with most of these TV and music award shows out of some twisted sense of responsibility to keep engaged in what’s happening in our industry. Thank goodness we can surf while we sit.

CURRENT EVENT: SHUTTLE

Lastly, the space shuttle Endeavor made its Hollywood entrance (TOP PHOTO) Friday on top of a modified 747 into LAX as NASA brought its space program to an end. It had traveled a total of 123 million miles in space and circled Earth nearly 4,700 times.

Freeways halted as folks took pics with cell phones. Hundreds of thousands crowded around LAX. Die-hard fans camped out. You know how we do. Folks cried. TV shows stopped filming to look up at the sky.

The LA Times said “It was a surreal, emotional experience — the veteran of 25 space missions circling slowly in the sky like a 175,000-pound ballerina followed by two escort jets.”

While many said it “made them proud to be American”, not everybody was happy with the historic landing. “Sheila”, a Los Angeles native, asked me why the state spent millions on landing a shuttle, cutting down 200 city trees and moving lights to accommodate the 2-day tour October 12 through the streets of Inglewood and LA to the California Science Center instead of investing in better teacher salaries. As if I have an answer to that question…

Houston, reportedly, felt robbed that they weren’t chosen as the final destination with Space City and NASA training astronauts at the Johnson Space Center. Residents called it “rotten” that Houston wasn’t given the sparkling glass slipper, but a replica of Endeavor instead.

Hey, that kind of switch-a-roo happens in Hollywood all the time. No disrespect to Diana Ross, but she didn’t look like a teen in The Wiz and Stephanie Mills should have been given the role in the film after her amazing Broadway run. But we learned later that Diana and Berry Gordy, the film’s producer, had gotten “really close” over the years and Diana was his star vehicle.

So sorry, Houston. Hollywood seems to have more razzle-dazzle, except for the Emmy Awards. So, the backlash is not going to change Endeavor’s final destination. The trees have already been chopped down. Endeavor will have its parade through LA with all its Hollywood fanfare.
Selah (Pause and think about that).

Happy Monday, Fam.
Looking forward to a fabulous week of walking with the Lord and walking with you.
And I’ll do that in heels, as much as possible,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Dreams that Keep On Dreaming
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© source

I’m so encouraged on this beautiful Friday! I’ve already started praying for your God-given dreams that you’ve sent or are physically bringing on Sunday for our BRING YOUR DREAMS service. Our leadership team is praying too.

And I woke up with this thought that I couldn’t wait to share with you:
Our God-given dreams have no expiration date. That’s right!

EXPIRATION DATE: NEVER!

Before you object and tell me all the things you haven’t accomplished, hear me out.

The book of Genesis ends with the death of Joseph, but not with the death of his dreams.

At the age of 17, God gives Joseph a dream that he will be a ruler and his family will bow before him. The next 13 years produce mad tribulation. Joseph is sold into slavery, falsely accused, thrown in prison, abandoned and forgotten. Then, at the age of 30, he’s remembered, interprets Pharaoh’s dreams and is assigned as Pharaoh’s second-in-command who prepares and leads the nation through the greatest famine of the land.

20 years after Joseph first has his dream of being a ruler, some time during the great famine, between Joseph’s age of 37-39, his brothers travel to Egypt to buy food. Genesis 42:6-9 says “Now Joseph was the ruler over the land; he was the one who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down to him with their faces to the ground… Joseph remembered the dreams which he had about them, and said…”

SOUNDS LIKE EXPIRATION?

We might be tempted to look at Joseph’s story at this point and think that his dream expires when his brothers bow before him. But that’s not true. What Joseph sees in his initial vision comes to pass, but Joseph’s reign as a ruler has just begun. Joseph lives to be 110 years old, that’s 70 more years of fruitfulness that his initial dream produces.

If we look at Joseph’s own words, we discover that the dreams God gives him at 17 are a part of a larger dream for God’s people. Joseph tells his brothers, “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance” Genesis 45:7. “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Genesis 50:20. Joseph’s dream of ruling had everything to do with saving lives and particularly saving God’s people.

Finally, we see in Joseph’s last breath that he understands his dream is tied to the dreams of his forefathers. He is simply one piece of the God’s greater puzzle preserving God’s people. He says “I am about to die, but God will surely take care of you and bring you up from this land to the land which He promised on oath to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob.” Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones up from here.”

Right before he dies, Joseph makes sure that his family understands the greater vision is God’s promise to His people that God has given Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Joseph’s dream helps him see ahead of time how God would use him in the greater narrative, and Joseph is faithful to his part to the end.

DREAMS THAT KEEP ON DREAMING

That’s why I say our dreams, like Joseph’s dreams, have no expiration. Because they are all tied to a greater narrative that is so much bigger than us. We can do our part. We can be faithful, like Joseph, to accomplish the dreams God gives to each one of us. And we can celebrate that our dreams live long after we have passed from this earth.

You best believe Moses and the the children of Israel carry Joseph’s bones up out of Egypt when God delivers His people, Exodus 13:19. And Joshua buries Joseph’s bones in the land God promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Joshua 24:32. Joseph is even heralded in the Hall of Faith for his faith that God would bring His people out of Egypt to the land He promised, Hebrews 11:22. Joseph has a dream that keeps on dreaming!

If your God-given dreams have little life beyond you, I challenge you to revisit what God has shown you. What you see should impact generations and fit into a tapestry that has been woven for eternity. You may not be called to rule and save an entire land as Joseph was, but your God-given dream is supposed to bless somebody’s life, in the same way that Christ has blessed ours.

I’m so excited. Can’t you tell?
What’s your dream that keeps on dreaming?
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
GMA’s Robin Roberts Presses On
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© ABC News

When we look up “courage” years from now…
we’ll see inspirations like Good Morning America’s anchor Robin Roberts.

Today, Robin is undergoing a complete bone marrow transplant “to treat myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, a disorder in which the bone marrow fails to produce enough healthy blood cells”. She developed MDS, a rare blood disorder, as a result of her breast cancer treatment several years ago.

If that’s not enough, Robin is still mourning the loss of her 88-year old mother, Lucimarian Tolliver Roberts, who passed away AUG 30th, just 3 weeks ago today. Ms. Tolliver was the first African American to serve as chairwoman of the Mississippi State Board of Education. Robin fought through blocked and flooded roads caused by Hurricane Isaac to get to her mother’s side in Gulfport, Mississippi before she passed, but she made it. Robin’s father, Col. Lawrence E. Roberts, a Tuskegee Airman and decorated Vietnam veteran, had already passed in 2004.

Robin has taken chemotherapy over the last 3 months and then went into the hospital 11 days ago to prepare for the complete bone marrow transplant. She just finished 8 days of intense chemotherapy, including 18 hours straight on Tuesday, to completely wipe out all of her bone marrow cells and immune system cells to prepare her to receive the new bone marrow cells from her sister, Sally-Ann Roberts, a perfect donor match.

Chemo is no joke.
My husband and I know this firsthand. When you’ve experienced something like it, and then you see someone else going through it, your heart immediately wells up.

It takes courage to undergo any major medical procedure, but that’s not why I’m calling Robin so courageous. When faced with life or death, we all hopefully do whatever we can to choose life. I applaud Robin’s bravery for using her national television platform to educate the world on each one of the health challenges that she faces with no vanity or pride.

Even when I have thought “This is too much. Kick the cameras out. Take care of yourself, Robin”, she has allowed the cameras to keep rolling, capturing the truth about treatment for breast cancer and now treatment for MDS. I love yal, but ain’t no way I would’ve allowed cameras to roll on me and Kevin going through his chemo, before and after, and everything in between. It’s ugly. And honestly, I don’t care to cherish those painful moments.

But there Robin is, hospital bed, large Jimmy Kimmel LIVE sweatshirt and pink Nike hat, letting the world see her weakened state, no makeup, no athletic prowess, dishing about “If you change the way you think, you change the way you feel.”

In this 30-second video clip from the hospital, Robin thanks everyone for their love.

In a longer GMA video, Robin’s oncologist, Dr. Gail Roboz, explains Robin’s treatment.

Robin is a woman of faith.
She believes in the healing power of God. As her family in Christ, we lift Robin up today, just as we did when she made the announcement back in June (BLOG: Here We Go Again).

Believers are instructed in James 5:14-16: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Assuming the elders of Robin’s local body have physically prayed over and anointed her, we globally add our intercession and prayers of faith that make the sick person well, knowing that the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much.

We pray:
a very specific prayer that Robin’s body will not reject, but completely accept, her sister’s bone marrow. We pray that the next 30 days of recovery will be infection free. We pray that the Lord will rebuild Robin’s immune system quickly and that she won’t suffer from shingles or influenza or pneumonia or any other sickness. We pray for her white blood cells to reproduce quickly to be able to fight for her. We pray that each good cell that Robin needs to live will be infused with Christ’s resurrection life. We pray that “this sickness would not end in death, but it is for God’s glory that the Son of God would be glorified through it.” John 11:4 Lastly, we pray that Robin, her sisters and brother will be comforted by the Holy Spirit during this time of loss as they grieve the passing of their mother. Please lift them and carry them, Lord. You are able.

Love to Robin and all our family members who are surviving today.
We are praying for you,
Naima

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Bring Your Dreams
© NaimaLett.com/blog

© source

What’s your dream?

Are you in LA? Bring your dreams on Sunday.
Not in LA? Email us at the link below.

OK, let me explain.
Well, first, let me ask a question:

What did you see yourself doing long before anyone told you that you couldn’t?
What did you envision as a child? As a teen? Young adult?

I believe that we all catch a glimpse of our God-given destiny when we are young and innocent and can believe with childlike faith that it can actually happen. This occurs before life’s body-slams or the realization that we must survive in a fallen world with an active enemy who opposes all God-given dreams.

I believe God plants dream-seeds in our souls so that we know which unique path is ours. Since I was 4, I dreamed of being an artist. As a child, I created and organized dramas. From childhood up, I was always the candid one who spoke truth and said what everyone else was thinking but hesitant to say. Is it a wonder that I’m now an actor, producer and preacher?

Dream Resuscitation

How long has it been since you allowed yourself to “go there” and believe that you can still reach your dreams? Has life worn you out? Is it time for dream resuscitation?

Do you remember Joseph’s story in Genesis 37-50? At age 17, Joseph had a powerful dream about his future, and he got a lot of resistance. As a matter of fact, Genesis 37:5 says “Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.” This probably doesn’t surprise you, but folks were not happy with “the Dreamer”, as they called him.

By the time Joseph became Pharaoh’s second-in-command at the age of 30, he had gone through 13 years of pure hades: sold by family into slavery, false charges, imprisonment, and being utterly forgotten for his good deeds. He was between 37-39 when he saw the vision in his dream come true. That’s 20 years, Fam. I know actors that give up after 1 year, much less 20.

I’m not sure why we think reaching our God-given dreams is going to be easy. Is it because they’re from God? Well, biblically-speaking, there are usually major tests along the way. Just FYI.

Bring Your Dreams

If you’re in LA on Sunday, bring your dreams to H0PE IN THE HILLS. We’re going to pray for them. I was talking to one of our members yesterday, and God laid it on our hearts to pray for his dreams on Sunday. Then, the Lord opened it up to an all out A.P.B (all-points bulletin):

CALLING ALL Dreamers, Dream Chasers & Dream Makers!

You are a person of interest. You are WANTED. Bring your dreams on Sunday to the Lord and we will pray over them.

Only 1 stipulation:
1) You gotta write it down. Write the vision and make it plain. Writing it down is an active act of faith and it helps you get clear. Also, it helps you see where your blocks are: disappointment, hope deferred, hard times, etc. Bring your vision with you Sunday. We won’t ask you to read it out loud, but we will ask you to lift it up to the Lord.

If you are not in LA, feel free to SUBMIT YOUR DREAM in our CONFIDENTIAL Prayer Request section on the website. Under SUBJECT, please put “BRING YOUR DREAMS”. Again, we won’t read these out loud, but I will hold them up to the Lord and pray over them. I promise.

This is not a gimmick or publicity stunt. If you know me, you know I mean business when it comes to people doing exactly what they’re born to do. I help folks find their God-given purpose and follow their dreams while deepening their faith. And I trust God. If He says we need to pray for your dreams, that’s exactly what we’re going to do.

See you Sunday,
Naima
aka Dream Pusher

Have you written down your dream?
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P.S. THANK YOU for all your responses to yesterday’s blog, It’s That Time! We will let you know the results ASAP. Thank you for taking the time. You were very helpful.