I was 10. A fifth grader. Laying stomach down, chin propped up with fists.
A commercial interrupted my afternoon tradition of Saved by the Bell and The Cosby Show. It was an airline commercial. I don’t remember which company it was or what they were advertising. That wasn’t important. What happened next, was.
I turned to my mom, ‘That’s what I want to do.’
She looked at me with a questioning stare. ‘What?’
More determined this time. ‘That’s what I want to do.’
‘You want to be a pilot?’
‘No, Mom!’ Thinking to myself at the time how funny she was. ‘I want to be her,’ pointing to the TV.
The commercial had shown a woman in her 30’s, dressed in a dark skirted suit, briefcase in hand boarding a flight for a business meeting in New York City.
Now, you have to understand, my mom stayed at home to raise me while my dad went to work, usually a company he started. And the only travel he ever did was in our home state. My mom had been a teacher in her ‘previous life’ but never worked outside the home after I was born. My grandmothers and all other influential women in my life had made similar career choices. I’m sure she was wondering ‘Where is this coming from? Where did she get such a notion?’
Until that moment, I had no idea.
That commercial didn’t give me an image to mimic, but for the first time I could see and respond to part of the vision God had planted in my heart. At such a young age, I didn’t realize what was happening.
Thankfully, my mom knew in that instant that something big was taking place.
She saw a vision being birthed, His vision in me. One that was different from her own but still very valid. One she didn’t quite understand but wanted to encourage. A vision she knew was planted while I was knitted in her womb.
My mom recently reminded me of this pivotal story in my life. (When I feel ‘abnormal’ and like I don’t fit in. When I don’t know why my story is so different from other women. When I’m excited about another door that God has opened that others would see as too much work or travel. My mom, one of my biggest cheerleaders, is there with an insight, a prayer, a virtual shot of God-sized confidence.) Sometimes we forget how God has prepared us for the moments in our lives and need others to remind us. She has done just that for me, all my life.
How does this story end? Well, I don’t know, it’s still unfolding. But I do know this. I’ve traveled to New York City with every job I’ve ever had, sometimes solo but never alone. I have a passion for business and love to help inspire others. And I’ve recently had the honor of starting my own business.
I know this might seem boring to some or maybe even strange. I know it’s very different than most of your stories. Sometimes I don’t understand it either. But that day in 5th grade, God shined on my soul-dirt and began to grow the tiny seed He planted years before. It wasn’t my dream. It was His dream, for me. And with Holy Spirit power, I plan on living it out. . . but without the navy suit.
What is God’s light shining on in your soul-dirt, years ago or for the first time today, that may sound strange to others but is His will and purpose for your life? I’d love to hear about how He’s gifted you and how you’re living it out.
Leave a Comment
shelly @ Life on the Wild Side says
I love this, Stephanie, because God does not have the same path for everyone. As long as we are faithful to follow His lead, we are good to go. Thanks for sharing your story–it’s inspiring to me.
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Jennifer says
Lovely story. So good to know that God has known us since before we were born and opens our eyes to His plans for us. I just feel led to say that the navy suit may yet come to pass! I am sure it was specific for a reason.
Stephanie says
I’ve actually worn the navy suit before, in previous jobs. But I don’t have to now. 🙂 The great thing is it doesn’t matter what I have on, only how God is crafting the today moment to continue to grow the vision planted so long ago.
Sharyl@The little brown house says
Stephanie:
Beautiful story! And what a good reminder that God calls us all to do different things at different times in our lives – thanks so much for sharing this wonderful Spirit filled moment in your life.
Cari says
A friend of mine (Holley) said just last night, “God-sized dreams aren’t one-size-fits-all.” I think it’s spectacular that you had such a clear vision of how you would show up in the world. Thank you for sharing!
Wanda says
A great reminder to the dreamer in each of us! GO FOR IT!!
Anonymous says
Oh, I so needed to hear that God planted these dream-seeds in me. It’s kind of scary sometimes to admit my dreams. But remembering that HE’s the One Who planted them there, well, that’s just super duper encouraging. So — I write. And I dream of writing. For His glory. With His Holy Spirit power.
Amy Sullivan says
Isn’t it funny that even then, you knew you what a part of you would look like as an adult?
God has always told me to write. Before I could spell, I wrote. Sure, it was letters and nonsense, but it was writing. For years I didn’t feel as if my voice was important. There was a world full of talented people, and what could I possibly have to say? Who would listen? Who would care?
Slowly I’m learning that it doesn’t matter who is listening. I’m still suppossed to write.
Becky K. says
Thanks for sharing! It’s so wonderful to see someone living out of who God really created them to be!
Since I was in 2nd grade I’ve known I wanted to write children’s books. I have been a professional writer in different capacities, but have yet to really focus on writing for children or trying to publish the few pieces of I’ve already written. Sometimes that dream seems so far away. But like, Amy (comment above), I know I am meant to write. Starting my blog earlier this year has been a good part of that for me, too.
One day, I believe God will allow me to write stories and poems that will be good enough and meaningful enough for children everywhere to read. For now, I’m learning to be content with the other dreams I am getting to live…wife and mother!
Holley Gerth says
Stephanie, I love this post. It is so YOU. And who you are, the ways God uses you, are beautiful, my friend. Thank you for reminding us all again to follow our God-sized Dreams. You are so good at that! XOXO
Melissa May says
Love that… I have this crazy dream of standing in front of thousands of women and encouraging them to trust Jesus with all they’ve got. I have dreamed of officially being in ministry for years now and in this last year God has opened doors for our family to let God flip our world over and, God-providing, we’ll be heading out into the mission field overseas next year sometime. I’m still waiting to see how the dreams all fit into His plan, but it’s clear He is at work. Thanks for reminding me to remember the dreams…
Jenni says
As a mother of 4 young children, I attended a church meeting one day and was totally inspired–to work on my extended family history! Where in the world was I going to get time for that? But that is what God wanted, so I delved in and found great joy and excitement in it. Eight years, and two more children later, after much diligence and many nap-time, at-home study sessions, and Saturday research sessions, I received my Bachelor degree with an emphasis in family history, and continue to have a love for it. My entire family has been blessed. Now…if I can just figure out my next path….
hiyaluv says
i love this post so much because lately i have been getting so wrapped up in what “society” and my family believe I should be doing with my life and letting it interfere with the fact that I am truly happy with the path that I am leading with my life and where God is taking me. I want him to continue to lead me wherever that may be whether society and my family agrees with it or not. Please write more like this;)
smiles,
gina
Marica says
Thank you.
Robin ~ PENSIEVE says
Stephanie, I missed this til now, but I love it! How unusual to know at such a young age what you were destined for! It\’s clear God carved this space for you because you\’re definitely a creative mastermind 😉 :). You KNOW how much I regard your marketing savvy; what a wise woman your mom was back then to help guide you in this direction…to recognize God at work in you even then. Bravo & God thanks :).