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Sunday Edition


01
Feb
2006
This Is My Dream


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I am not a big fan of reality TV shows, but I must admit that I have become hooked on American Idol. The new season has just begun, and this is my favorite part of the whole competition. The shows right now are all focused on open auditions. This is where anyone can walk in off the street, and get their shot to be heard by the judges. It just amazes me at how many people with no musical talent at all, really think that they stand a chance at making it through to the next level of the competition.

One of the comments that I have heard over and over by the contestants is "please put me through, this is my DREAM". It seems that a lot of people dream of being successful in the music industry, but don't have a clue as to what is required for that to happen.

Dreams can be the fuel that carry you toward your destiny, or they can just cause you to look foolish.

Songwriters are some of the biggest dreamers that God ever created. He made us that way for a reason. There's nothing wrong with dreaming of success. And if your going to be a dreamer, then dream big. But there are some questions you need to answer for yourself before you set off in pursuit of your dream.

First of all you must identify the origin of your dream. Did it come from God or was it born out of your own selfish desire? Did your dream come from someone else's wish for your life? You must identify if your dream was born of a corrupt seed or not. Some people are tormented for a lifetime by a dream that God never gave them. But if God placed the dream in your spirit, then pursue it. But don't look for people that will support your dream. You need a dream that functions independently from support. You don't need other people to get comfortable with your dream before you go on with it.

Next, you need to determine the resource for your dream. When I am reviewing songs from beginning writers I often hear this comment, "I just don't have the music industry contacts to become successful." But I say that God will use something that you do have to fulfill your dream. If God places that dream in your spirit, He will not make your dream dependent on somebody else's belief in it. If Jesus can feed 5000 men, besides women and children, from one boy's lunch, then He can take what you have and use it the same way. You need to stop saying that you don't have what it takes and start saying "God has given me everything I need to fulfill this dream."

When God gets ready to promote someone to a new level, he never takes a poll or holds a board meeting to see if it will be alright.
You need to look in the mirror every day and say "God is my provision for my vision, and my dream will not lie!" When you do see a promotion to a new level that brings you closer to your goal, there may be some folks that will accuse you of forgetting where you came from. Well, the Israelites remembered Egypt, but they chose not to keep living there. Just because you choose to move on, doesn't mean you've forgotten where you started.

I want to encourage all of you to seek the heart of God. Determine what dreams He has for you. Then go for it!

Until next time, keep on writing!

Daryl Williams
http://www.darylwilliamstro.net

Reader Comments

Again, 100% on the mark!

My verse is Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, and HIS righeousness, and all these things shall be added unto thee"


Commented by John Snodgrass On 02/02/2006
I mean, "unto YOU"!!!!


Commented by John Snodgrass On 02/02/2006
This was a good word for me - good timing as well. I agree with John's input also... Pastor said recently that Peter did not begin to sink until he took his eyes off of Jesus. As long as he was looking at the Savior, he was doing the impossible!


Commented by Sally Quick On 02/02/2006
You are right on! Thanks Daryl for your article.


Commented by Chris On 02/08/2006
This is a great and encouraging article. I particular like the line:

When I am reviewing songs from beginning writers I often hear this comment, "I just don't have the music industry contacts to become successful." But I say that God will use something that you do have to fulfill your dream. If God places that dream in your spirit, He will not make your dream dependent on somebody else's belief in it.

I think one of the best things that could happen to Christian music in general and Southern Gospel in particular, is for the singers and songwriters to stop looking to the secular industry's model for producing and distributing music, and develop a method that is aligned with this statement by Mr. Williams. Why do we think that some record company executive is somehow God's divine instrument for determine what is good music? The industry is such a source of frustration and turmoil. Maybe it is time to abandon the industry and do something better. Maybe God does not give us music for the industry's sake.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit

- Galatians 5:25. 

Visit My Website



Commented by Keith Prater On 02/11/2006
Amen,I've heard a lot of young artists thru the yrs say they just needed a big break.If you live consecrated to the Lord & stay humble, the Lord will increase you with more opportunities.


Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 02/24/2006
I have to fully agree that "IN HIS TIME" and "IN HIS HANDS" are just not often heard enough in the business. God may call you to minister in song, but I have to believe whether writer or performer it is not always an up-front deliverance of the call.

Many serve in church as music directors, choir leaders, etc and others are called to spread the gospel by traveling and performing. The level one may or may not reach is not that person's decision adn when you work against God's will it never leads you to the right place for the right reasons.

Many years ago I did the secular music thing for the wrong reasons. I wanted to be in a place that God had no intention of putting me and I did not know that because I did not know HIM! Now as I struggle with my ministry and the burning desire to minister in song as often as I can I have to let Him hold the reins and pull me in and I hear him in my heart telling me "slow down... it is not time for that" when I think I need to do this or that. Like I said, when I THINK I NEED TO DO THIS OR THAT.

When HE is ready for me to do it HE will guide me and send me yet I know I can dream of having a song on the radio (whether I wrote it or sang it) and dream of singing to larger crowds and seeing many come... but for now I will continue in His will of ministering in the small country churches where people deserve the same quality of music and testimony, as He allows me to grow in this ministry and write stronger songs and strengthen my presence for Him.

Whatever it is He'll have me do I am His willing vessel and after many. many years I know to listen to Him.

There are no breaks unless God wills them. He needs me to do what I do just as he needs others of prominence to do what they do and I thank Him daily for the opportunity to serve Him with this God given talent... no matter how big or small!


Commented by Solo Holden On 02/27/2006
Great article. As a songwriter or BIG DREAMER I can say that nothing can take the place of the feeling I got when I sang my song outside my mama's house to my family and seeing the look on their faces when they cried and smiled at the song I wrote. My songs are from GOD, for GOD and HE will open the doors in HIS time for HIS GLORY not mine! Hang tight and never give up on the LORD!


Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 03/13/2006
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