My manuscript sits in front of him, ready to bleed red at the slice of his poised pen. My heart races, pounding through my wool sweater, and I study the snowy mountain peaks through the window behind him. Deep breaths. I can do this. I can do this.
The pen rattled to the desk. I could hear him thinking. And, I will never forget his words. "This story fascinated me. You know, the mindset is so different between my generation and yours. My generation throws money at trips. We send the missionaries. Your generation? You don't want to sit still. You want to go."
Jerry B. Jenkins nailed it on the head. And, he's right. While different desires may exist between generations, the heart is the same. When dreaming big, we desire to make an impact.
The greatest artists, musicians, and writers of our time desire to leave a memento behind that will change the world. Athletes and public figures want to leave a legacy, be remembered. Civil servants, the military, and the rare few sincere politicians desire to leave an impact for generations to come. Business men build an empire. You fill in the blank.
As a writer, my job is to influence and persuade. If I focus on building my own platform, then my influence will be skewed. If I realize my platform is just another tool to promote what the Lord has placed on my heart to say, then I'm no longer promoting myself but the message.
Impact. By definition, the word is loaded with implications and possibilities. It isn't a question of whether or not your dream will make an impact. The litmus test comes when asking the direction your impact will have.
Even the worst individual, aka Hitler, left an impact. He had a goal, a dream, albeit, extremely misguided. He made a name for himself. But, few recognize him for greatness. His agenda was selfish, unconcerned with the lives of others. His legacy is ugly.
Mother Theresa made a mighty impact. She is known around the globe for focusing on those with great needs. Her impact is raised awareness, a spirit of sacrifice, and a mission to those who cannot provide for themselves. She changed the world. Hers is a legacy that is eternal. She influenced lives for the Lord. She fulfilled the call of aiding the poor, the orphan, the widow. Her dream was others-focused, and thus her legacy is beautiful.
We all have a dream. Some of us have more than one. Are we pursuing a dream that will make an eternal impact or a temporal change? Make no mistake, you WILL effect others. Will your impact be positive or negative? I truly believe some of you reading this have the ability to be the next Mother Theresa, the next Jerry B. Jenkins. I truly believe you have the ability to impact the world for Christ. Will you be the catalyst? Will you brave the critics to pursue a Christ-centered calling? If you are faithful, the Lord will make your impact greater than you can imagine.
If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, your dreams should align with His commands. Our call is to make disciples. To impact culture, not abdicate it. To influence rather than be influenced. To instigate rather than follow.
Do you see the greatness of your opportunity to impact? Seize it with me!
As you pursue your dreams, how can you change from temporal pursuits to dreams of eternal significance? How can you change your mentality? Will your dream be better or worse for it? Leave a comment below, and journey with me!
"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." John 14:12-14
Great post, Kariss. I remember when I was first praying over my writing and the words came out of my mouth, "Lord, I want my writing to do more than entertain people--I want my writing to minsiter to them, to bring them closer to You." And that's been my dream ever since. I want my writing to serve Him and honor Him and bless my readers, empower them to grow. I want to write for Him, not me. I'm His tool, his instrument.
ReplyDeleteGood message, Kariss!
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