*Welcome in everyone. There has been an influx of so many wonderful souls to my little corner of the internet that I have cultivated for myself so I just wanted to say hey. One of my desires for this newsletter always, and especially on Sundays, is to give you a place to take a deep breath, to let out a sigh, to unclench your shoulders, to have a place to rest. I need that. I think we need that. And hopefully, you will find in my words an echo of your own imaginings. I hope that when you get a notification of something I write you will be expectant, knowing that it will be heartfelt, possibly challenging, but infused with love. Ya’ll are amazing.*
“Our dreams are before us and before Thee, the dreams which we had forgotten until, in their quietness, all the stillness before Thee brings them back with their living touch.” Howard Thurman
I was talking with a friend a few weeks ago on my birthday and she was expressing fear and anticipation of some dreams that she has been holding on to. The fear of the unknown. The fear of failure. The fear of never trying. I listened to her and my heart swelled with belief. I didn’t sully the experience by telling her not to be afraid. Neither did I tell her that she should just “think positive.” Our fears are real and deserve to be heard. Our longings need a place to rest. When she was done and had exhausted her thoughts, I offered her a gentle anchor…if she wanted to consider it:
What would happen if those dreams that are hidden in your heart became our dreams?
I’ve been a dreamer since I was a child. My young mind would fill with these impossible dreams that did not coincide with the reality of a young, poor, shy, stuttering boy from Chicago. They were silly dreams that may never happen. But…all these years later, I’m still dreaming. Still hoping to find beauty in unexpected places. I have been joined in my dreaming by those who have slowly, but surely, come to give me a cool drink of water. A meal in my traveling. A tissue for my tears. I have had loved ones help me dream my dreams. Practically, I think of so many who gave me the courage to pursue a PhD. How could I do this impossible feat I would often wonder in the application process. I’m definitely not smart enough. Not cut out for this type of work. But…my people lovingly dreamed with me. Some paid for my applications. Others helped by listening to me cry. Some gave me hugs. I can’t dream alone anymore these days. Maybe I’m too tired. Maybe I’ve learned my lesson. I don’t know. All I know is that it takes a village to raise a child and that goes for dreams too. Help me raise this dream to maturity ya’ll.
Dreaming can be lonely when done without affirmation and love. I think of a friend who has given me $50 a month for maybe two years. He came up with the idea and marks it “for dreaming.” I can’t fathom that kind of consistent love and support. Maybe. When all is said and done…these dreams will be our dreams. I know that dreaming can be scary, particularly for those of us who have been disappointed and discarded. We have hoped for things that have never come to life. We have given over our dreams to others who have scoffed or who have run away. I don’t have simple answers for that and neither will I try to sell you some fake positivity. I do know, or rather am coming to know, a God who can hold our dreams together. A God who can sing a different song in the night and in the day. A God who can blow on embers that have long gone out and make them roar into a fire. Perhaps there are new dreams to dream in the presence of others.
In light of Black History Month, here are a few books I’m reading and something I’m listening to.
*Oh, and here’s a recent post that seems to be resonating with people. It has gotten the most views I’ve ever had on here.
Wow I'm so glad that the most recent post was so impactful. I shared that post with a friend! Also, everything you write resonates with me. Sometimes I don't have the words to respond as I feel like I sound like a broken record. I'm just so touched and inspired. Your dreams become our dreams. I feel like I could cry. I am so happy you have had such support. I wish I had people like you and your friends in my life. I love the friends in my life who have been intentional and sincere. It does break my heart though that I don’t feel completely supported with my dreams like that. People investing money, heart, into your dreams is a blessing. However, I am hopeful there are still opportunities to meet souls like that. And I am so appreciative of my friends who do give space and encouragement to my dreams. Those who while they may not be able to go the extra mile, have encouraged my talents, encouraged me in the possibility of things, who have offered time. Anywho, I am grateful and I am hopeful for people whom I can feel truly safe with. 🙏🏾
"Our fears are real and deserve to be heard. Our longings need a place to rest." Thankful for these words, and for your restful Sunday musings.