I Have a Dream
Hear the Hearts of defined scars
Dream Love in the Spirit
March 2011
Scars of Racism Obesity Alcoholism Beauty Much more...
“Don’t let your scars define you but define your scars”
The heart of the Dream March 2011 Vol. 1 , No. 1
Dream Editor in Chief Steven C. Semones II
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Publisher New Direction Media Associate Editors Allen Rogers Suzy Laughlan Beth Webster Stephanie Jackson
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Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around. Proverbs 13:12 (The Message)
Art Director / Design Steven C. Semones II Assistant Graphic Designer Mitch Perritt Editorial Writers Jason Cook Shaun Doyle Sheri Philips April Edwards Jessica Jones Martin Dr. Matt Cullum
Features
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Cover Story:
Scars can define you or you can define your scars
A devotion on how we can let our scars define who we are or we can define our scars. By: Steven Semones II
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Scar of alcoholism Jason Cook
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Scar of suicide Shaun Doyle
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Scar of Beauty & Abuse Jessica Martin
Scar of Racism
True life story of how a young Native American (Lumbee) endured racism growing up and how she used her experiences to make her a stronger person that learned that all people where created equal and have a purpose. By: Sheri Phillips
www.resonateministriesonline.com
Columns
Scar of Divorce
A story of a young girl that grew up without a father in her life, how when she met Christ she learned the true meaning of forgiveness, and how she is turning her scar into healing. By: April Edwards
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Self Imposed Scars Dr. Matt Cullum
Ministries & Business Highlighted
I Have A
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A word from the heart of the editor.
Choose to Define your Scars or they will define you By: Steven Craig Semones II
We all have scars in our lives. Some we have caused intentionally, some that happened simply by accident or by our own carelessness and others that were out of our control, caused by people close to us. No matter what caused your scars, we must remember we have a choice to make, and there is no one else that we can rely on to make this choice. Are you going to let the scars define you or are you going to define your scars? It is easy to feel like we are the only one with scars, and the only one that has had to deal with tough things in our lives. Sometimes even though the scar was just on the surface, the pain from the scar can go much deeper inside of us than it was ever intended to go. You can either let your scars define you or you can choose to define your scars.
“You can either let your scars define you or you can choose to define your scars.” I can remember one time being inside of a hospital waiting room during a bike rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. They kept bringing motorcyclist in to get looked at that had road rash and other injuries from falling off of their bikes. There was this young guy that was sitting over near me in a wheel chair waiting for his family to pick him up because he had wrecked his motorcycle. He had a cast on his leg and many wounds that would soon be scars. He was so proud of them because even though he could have easily lost his life riding his motorcycle, he got them doing something he loved. He was still going to get back on the bike as soon as he got well because he wouldn’t let the pain stop him from
doing what he loved. I have seen scars that aren’t on the surface, not visible, but they are deep and have done a lot of damage. I have known people that have been raped, molested and abused and I have seen them do two things. I have seen them let it define them in a way that was never true and then I have seen some of them define their scar. They finally brought it to the light, exposed the lies that came from it. Lies that told them they were worthless, would never be able to love again, and no one would want them. They now have happy families and have children because they took something that could have destroyed them and gave it to Christ. They now speak out against it, and give hope to others that have experienced this same scar in there lives. While in ministry, I have had many kids in youth classes that have had family, friends, and others take advantage of them in ways that should have never been. They fought anyone that tried to get close because of the trust that was broken from someone that was supposed to love them and keep them safe. I have seen the awesome healing power of God from just loving them and showing them that they have purpose, that they are worth so much, and they really are a jewel that God made with purpose! The love they received helped them to truly let go of the hurt and pain and define their scars and not let their scars define them. They realized they were worth so much more than an act that someone close to them should had never done.
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There are so many scars that we can talk about and so much pain that can come from the scars in our lives. I have a dream that you can find hope knowing that the love of Christ will overcome anything that you have ever experienced. You have to be willing to cast your cares upon Him and allow Him to totally trade your sorrows for happiness. Sometimes it isn’t the scars healing but it is us and how we let them define us. I hope you know you are beautiful, you are smart, you have purpose, and God has a plan for your life. Even though others may have doubted you, and can only see a scar I see something more because I see where you come from, and the woman or man you are today. To me, scars don’t have to define you but you can define them and help others find the same peace and strength of not being ashamed or afraid. When you allow the darkness to be exposed by the light, the darkness will go away and the ugly will be made beautiful as your life and your inner beauty will shine through with forgiveness and with strength. I pray that today no matter the scar or the pain, you choose to define your scar and not let it define you because you are worth so much more and you deserve the things you desire deep down in your heart and soul. The only one that can hold that back from coming into fruition is us as we face the question. “Will I define this or let it define me?”
“Will I define this or let it define me?” _______________________________________________________________________
A Personal Scar of my own that I chose to define I was fat from about 5th-8th grade. Still a little big in 9th. I got called Big Punn and other things. I always had a good personality so I would always brush it off but it still hurt. I remember when I was in 9th I had a crush on this girl named Kelly. I asked her to go out and she said she might she had to think about it. I overheard her talking to her friends and she said, “I like him but he is kind of big!” Wow talking about a dagger in the heart. I worked out everyday after that, I ran, and that summer I lost about 15-30 pounds. I went back to school and the first person I come across was Kelly. She was like wow Steven you look good, she wanted to date me then, but I was like I was the same person than as I am now and if I had to loose a little weight for you to be with me than I can’t be with you. I am glad I lost the weight but I lost it for the wrong reason. It was one of those defining moments in my life, and I still have a complex of getting fat again. I am originally big boned and it is hereditary in my family. But I have had to give that up and release it but it still hits me from time to time.
Scar of Alcoholism By: Jason Cook There is NO way OUT! The topic this month has to do with scars, which for me involves healing. The prophet Isaiah declares that ―By HIS stripes we are healed.‖ Read more if you would like to hear my story… April 23, 2004 was the date, and it was SUPPER time. I had been alcohol free up to this point. However, I decided on my 21st birthday I was going to have one drink. Innocent enough, my best friend at the time – a guy named Andy decided to buy my first one. Little did He know that he had set me up for what would become an addiction nightmare. It wasn’t long after this first one, I was addicted. I wasn’t the kind of addict that had to drink every day to be drunk, but the kind who got drunk every time He drank. My Grandfather was a serious alcoholic—consuming up to 24 beers a day. This lifestyle was crazy for me! It ruled my life. However, this time was the most ―friendly‖ time I had ever experienced. People who wouldn’t talk with me outside of work, all of a sudden wanted me to hang out at the bars with them. Crying out for attention, I went. Alcohol makes you a social butterfly when you fall under its influence. This is how the scars started… I loved the high buzz I felt. I loved losing total control of my body. My Godly parents were divorcing at this time, so it was a relief to be away from all the drama. I continued in this lifestyle by justifying what I was doing. I can still hear my thoughts: ―It’s ok because the Bible doesn’t condemn drinking Beer, No one will ever know, what I do is my business.‖ The scars were digging deeper into my mind, and emotions. Then came the day--the day I got busted and realized there was no way out. I was involved with a heavy alcohol drinking night, and was turned in for consuming alcohol at a time I wasn’t supposed to be. The deepest scar was placed then, and there. That day was just before my 22nd birthday. WOW! The lies I had been told about there being no way out, was all shed in an instant when the healing, delivering, freedom giving power of Jesus Christ hit me like a ton of bricks. The freedom I hadn’t known until this point, I had come to know in a RADICAL way. The Bible declares that It is for Freedom we have been set free. This scripture is referring to the law of the previous covenant. However, the reason I had stayed away from alcohol all along was because I was told it was wrong. Once I discovered that it was not the law that should keep me from it, but the altercation of who I was it provided. This was it’s evil! The scars, Jesus used this powerful time to heal. The wounds may be deep, and covered by scars, but no less healed. I today have three scars on my hands. One from running, one from cutting, and one from a fourwheeler accident. All have required stitches, but they are no less healed. I still retain the cover up, but the deep seated injury is still there. God wants to do the same for you—to set you free from the pain, and heal your wound. You may walk with a scar, but in that scar—there is a powerful HEALING!
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Prayer to Pray: Father , I have dealt with some major issues that have given me scars. I pray that as painful as it may be, open up those wounds and remove the infection that has cost me my joy. Let my new scars be the power of Jesus Christ that has healed my pain. I give you the glory, because healing was conquered on the cross. You have the power, and I ask that you fulfill that promise to me. Amen.
and wondering if anyone would really miss me. Even today as I write this message it brings tears to my eyes. I love the life that I live today and can’t believe how close I was to not living it. To this day I don’t know how my mother found that poem. It must have been God that put it in her hands. I honestly can’t think of any other way. We don’t like to think that suicide is anything that would ever affect the lives of our friends or family but the truth is very painful. In the US, it is estimated that there is a suicide attempt each and every minute. That means that more than half a million people will attempt to take their lives each year. The simple truth is this: Suicide affects more people than most of us realize. So how can we make a difference? By reminding those around us that they are loved and that God has a purpose for them. Sometimes, the signs that someone is hurting aren’t obvious. Some people hide their pain and cover their scars. If we wait and watch for the signs of trouble then it might just be too late.
Scar of Suicide
It might be in the halls of your school or maybe a hallway in your place of business. It might be in the hallway of a hospital or your church. It might be in the hallway of a friend or family member’s home. It might even be the hallway of your very own home. The challenge is simply this….tell the next person you pass in the hall……God loves you!
By: Shaun Doyle “I walk these lonely halls, But no one knows I’m there. I tell no one about the pain inside Because I believe no one will care. Then I cry out loud saying “Why me Lord!” But no one hears my cry. Or do they, but just ignore me? Guess I was right, I’m just a waste of time”
In the US, it is estimated that there is a suicide attempt each and every minute. _______________________________________ Personal Scar that I chose to Define
The above poem was written by a young high school student several years ago. When you read his words, you probably begin to think about a few things. You try to theorize what’s going on in this person’s life to cause them so much pain and despair. You wonder about the scars that he hides or the burdens that he bares. The biggest question that you will probably ask yourself, ―Is he thinking about taking his own life?‖ Well, my mom asked me that very question the day she read my poem. This was something I wrote during a dark time in my life. I didn’t feel that my life was worth living. I was hurting deep inside and wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue feeling the pain anymore. I just wanted the pain to stop. I just remember thinking how easy it would be to just throw in the towel and end it all. I would look at a bottle of pills and wonder. I remember holding a knife in my hand thinking it wouldn’t hurt for long. I even remember staring down the barrel of a loaded gun
I was picked on in school too growing up. The only fight I even got in was in 8th grade with a guy that kept calling me a gorilla and making grunting noises in class to make people laugh at me. I know I’ll never forget it because in the course of the fight I did something to my right hand and even to this day the bones in my hand will make a cracking noise when I make a fist. It is humbling in a way because me and that guy actually spoke to each other the day after the fight and we both apologized for the way we acted and although we didn’t become friends we still talked to each other into high school. My hand is a reminder to me that people can change but also that you have to sometimes stand up for yourself and believe in yourself if you ever expect others to do the same for you. It also reminds me that there are consequences for your actions and that some consequences can follow you forever and that you must look at each situation before you act and decide if you can live with yourself and the actions you plan on taking.
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Scar of Racism By: Sheri Philips RACISM = a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
nantly white. Some of those years there were a handful of African Americans in the school as well. So it was white, African American, and then there was me. I felt like I didn't fit in anywhere. Not because it was true but because that was how I was made to feel by both the white race and the African Americans. My skin was too dark for some and way too light for the others. This, as you can imagine was very damaging to a child at the age of 5...8...12...14...17. I had bad experiences with racism my whole life but especially as a child. I was called derogatory names more times than I can count. One instance I can remember, was a girl that was a lot older than me that didn't like me because of the color of my skin. She would taunt me all the time to the point of physical contact. On one occasion she grabbed me and pushed my face to the ground. She not only pushed me to the ground, but right into a dead bird that she had found laying on the ground. I couldn't understand where all this hatred for me was coming from. I was so scared that day. I was only 6 years old. I can remember it as if it happened yesterday.
As I got older I learned to defend myself. I would stand my ground and I wasn't afraid of anyone anymore. They still hurt me the same but they would never know it as far as I was concerned. I put up a wall to protect myself. It wasn't until later in life that I started to appreciate my experiences with racism. It sounds crazy, but I wouldn't change one thing that "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do ever happened to me. I have grown to be proud of who I am that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." and the skin I live in. I have grown to love others because of who they are not by the color of their skin. Without those ex-Martin Luther King, Jr. periences I could have grown up to be ignorant to the fact that all humans are equal. I could have gone down the wrong road like those that taunted me in regard to racism. Although I was surrounded by racist all my life, which was hard, it is howNobody wants to be discriminated against. Nobody wants to feel ever what made me who I am today. I have broken the cycle inferior or less important or deserving than others. In a perfect with my daughter who has love for all people no matter the world that never happens. We however live in a place that in this color of their skin, their sexual preference, or any difference regard is not always perfect. My experience by no means is even they may have compared to her. I continue to learn from my close to as painful or awful as others experiences with racism. However it is my experience and my reality. Growing up, my par- daughter as well. She shows me everyday that it is important to not judge people because of their differences. The quote " ents were the best parents one could ask for. Like this world, they I have a dream that my four little children will one day were not perfect but they did the best they could at the time. My live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color family is at heart a true Southern family from North Carolina. As Native Americans from the Lumbee Tribe we have brown skin and of their skin, but by the content of their character." by Martin Luther King Jr. says it all. When we achieve this unique features that are recognizable to us as Lumbee. It wasn't a daily occurrence but racism was evident in my family from Grand- dream the world will still not be perfect but it will be a world of love and in the end that is all we really need. parents, Uncle's, cousins, etc. As a child it was very confusing to hear the negative comments made about other races, most often the African Americans, and then go to school and hear those same comments said to me because of the color of my skin. I can remem" I have a dream that my four little children will one ber being embarrassed because of how different I looked compared day live in a nation where they will not be judged by to others in my school, especially compared to the girls with fair the color of their skin, but by the content of their skin, blonde flowing hair and all the features that were unique to character." their race. I liked boys but they really never paid much attention to the girl with curly dark hair and brown skin. They were usually -Martin Luther King Jr drawn to those fair haired girls that I was so jealous of. I went to a Catholic School my whole life which was predomi-
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tion came to see him after the Sunday service that morning. What?! God is so AWESOME! I knew that some amazing healing was about to take place in both our lives. I have never By: April Edwards felt so free in all my life. That was only a week ago and I have literally told every single person I come in contact with Hello. My name is April and I am a believer in Jesus Christ. I about what God is doing for me and that when he promises struggle with my past and having unforgiveness for my Father. That you something he delivers. God promised me he would heal is what I would have said a month ago. The portion of my recovery the cancer that my Dad has too. I know that he has a long that I am about to share with you focuses on something I have car- road to recovery ahead of him and I am just glad that I get to ried with me for over 20 years. My mother and father were dihelp him. I want to also add that without a strong inner group vorced before I was even two years old. My brother Evert and I of family and friends I could not have done this. God puts were primarily raised by our mother Faye and our Grandparents. people in your life for a reason! Don't take them for granted. We occasionally went to see our Dad, Wendel, on the weekends There are lots of twist, turns, bumps and detours on the Jourand for longer periods during the summer. My dad lived with his ney of life, but with a good map(Bible) and a great tour guide mom, our Grandma Estelle, so he never really had to take a whole (Jesus) it is well worth it. lot of responsibility on for us when we were in his care. My Dad was an alcoholic by every definition of the word. He was a womanizer and just generally not a good role model. I don't remember a James 5:16 (NIV) whole lot about my childhood with him. I have seen pictures and that is pretty much how I remember it. Skip ahead to current times. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray I have been through the God centered recovery program Celebrate for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer Recovery about a year ago and I am now a 12 steps study CR of a righteous person is powerful and effective. leader. I feel like God has really brought me a long way from the bad decision making and partying girl from several years ago. I was very reckless in my youth and teen years. Without a proper male role model to look up to I got caught up in some pretty bad situations. God has brought me through drug abuse, alcohol abuse, Special Thanks: Members of Journey Church and Cornerstone Church of God, Rogers Families, Nobles Family, my abusive relationships and just really destructive behavior. Once I Mom, Faye , my Brother, Evert, my sweet husband Travis for started going through CR God started allowing me to see that I putting up with me, and last but certainly not least the person needed to forgive EVERYONE in my past to move forward with my salvation. I was able to forgive everyone but my Dad Wendel. I that planted the Jesus seed in my heart and encouraged it to refused to forgive him because he hurt me and I wanted him to hurt grow. One of the best friends I will ever have in this Journey, too. What God was about to show me was that hurting people, hurt Amy Rogers. If not for God placing her in my path I would have never made it this far. So thankful that these people people. I have struggled for the past year with forgiving my Dad more than ever before. Just my Dad, no one else! And a week ago never gave up on me. God finally said to me, as I was driving home from my Mom's house, NOW. I was thinking that I could ignore him like every other person that tried to get me to reconcile with my Dad. This was not an option. I wanted to just keep going straight on that road back home to MB and without hesitation I turned right and headed toward my Dad's house. What am I doing??? That is all I could think, but God was in control at this point and he was not showing me mercy. See God knew that I was ready. He knew it was time for me to move forward. The next thing I remember is standing at the door to my Dad's house and walking through it was like losing 100 lbs. My Dad is very sick right now because about a month ago he was diagnosed with cancer in his mouth and jaw. God knew I was concerned for my Dad and put me in the right place at the right time. As I sat there in the dimly lit room there was another visitor there from the local church. We all joined hands and prayed. PRAYED!! I have never prayed with my Dad! I have never even been to church with my Dad! God healed my heart in one swift move. Forgiveness washed over me and I knew God was in the room with us. I got news the next day that my Dad had given his heart to the Lord when the pastor of that church and several men from the congrega-
Scar of Divorce
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Scar of Beauty
Scar of Abuse
By: Jessica Jones Martin
(Anonymous)
Throughout history, changing trends in beauty have brought about many interesting fads and looks. From childhood throughout adulthood women change their looks consistently. We believe that the latest cut of jeans, shirt or newest hair trend will make us look thinner or more attractive. Unfortunately I have struggled with the idea that I am not keeping up with the current trends as well as I could. I do have, Lord willing, many more years of changing trends to consider, but I am thankful that God allowed me to understand that the beautiful creation I am has nothing to do with my hair, body or clothes.
My scars are a mix of tragedy and self infliction. They once had me ensnared in a cycle of anger an addiction. The more I tried to ignore the scars the more they controlled my life. I thought I would eventually grow out of it. I thought I could bury them with things in the world. I was raised in a committed Christ centered home. I was taught that God loves me and wants the best for us. Yet when I was 8 years old I was molested by a teenager. I didn’t understand what happened yet I knew it was wrong. I was told that if I told anyone that he would murder me and my family. Naively, I believed him and kept it to myself. Sadly this happened more than once. This ended when my family moved across town. As I got older I fully understood what had happened and I became angry and turned to anything that altered my reality. It wasn’t long until I became addicted to drugs and dealt drugs to support my habit. This cycle continued for a few years and it escalated in all the worst ways. I knew the truth the whole time that God loves me and wants the For many years I believed that I had to weigh a certain best for me. Yet I couldn’t understand why he allowed me to go amount and wear a certain size to feel beautiful. When I through such sorrowful events. I would often vindictively pray thought I had reached the perfect proportions I sought out atten- and ask why He allowed such things. Once during those prayers, I tion from others around me in hopes of feeling accepted. I heard a response. He said to me ―I never meant nor wanted for pushed aside what I believed in because I was choosing to be- such sorrow to imprison you. I love you and I want to heal you.‖ lieve a lie. The lie was that I was not good enough unless I was When I heard those words it was then I began my journey back to revered as the most attractive and desirable person in the room. Him. What made matters much worse was I allowed people in my life who pushed me further into the lie and I allowed myself to get sucked into situations that a Godly lady could have avoided. “My scars are a mix of tragedy and self infliction.” My reputation and integrity were being compromised. I was allowing people to dictate how I lived my life. I thought I had to wear certain clothes to attract attention, or to keep a boyfriend. Failed relationship after failed relationship, I began to find that I was actually very lonely and miserable. Thankfully I had Godly family and friends who never gave up on me. They saw the beauty that God had invested in me. God had blessed me with intelligence and gifts I wasn’t even using for Him. After failed attempts at many things I began searching God’s word and seeking Him in prayer. I found that he began to put the pieces back together and place people in my life to help me understand that I am valuable and beautiful because He made me that way. Although I still struggle with this, I have come quite a long way to understanding that taking care of myself requires balance. Being healthy is important, but that health needs to extend to three important facets my body, spirit and mind. When we learn to balances these aspects of our lives we become beautiful and attractive for the right reasons to those around us. Although I have many scars that have had to heal over the years from relationships and my unfortunate decisions I do know that God has helped me mend them and I am proud to share where they came from.
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Self Imposed Scars By: Matt Cullum, D.C. “Nothing happens until something moves.” –Albert Einstein
level, in whatever area may be important to you. In order to change a behavior you must first identify that it exists. So, take a minute and identify one or two beliefs about yourself that you have that are holding you back in life. Whether it’s a belief about your health, your knowledge or even your ability to succeed. Next, write that belief down on a piece of paper. Don’t type it. Putting pen to paper makes it official. It can’t be easily erased. It must either be scratched out or written over.
We all bear scars that were imposed on us by other people, situations, and our environment. However, sometimes the most damaging and lasting scars are those that we inflict on ourselves. Much of what we think, say and do is directly informed by what we believe Which brings me to the next step. After identifying a belief, about ourselves, and our own ability to succeed and to grow as peo- in order to change it, we must eliminate it and redefine it. So, I want you to scratch out your negative belief, and below it, ple. write a new, empowering belief. For instance, if you wrote ―I How many of us have ever made the following statements? ―I can’t am overweight because my mother is overweight,‖ scratch it out, and write, ―I am in control of my weight. I am a healthy, lose weight because my parents are overweight.‖ Or, ―My father had heart disease, so it runs in my family. There’s nothing I can do active, fat burning machine.‖ to avoid it.‖ Or even, ―I could never be rich like that, or beautiful The last step is the one that takes true commitment. Every like that, or successful like that because of…‖ day for the next 30 days, you are going to write your new This is the way that many of you talk to yourselves and about your- belief on a piece of paper and carry it in your pocket everyselves on a daily basis. Its no wonder we, as a society, are not living where you go. Anytime you feel that old, negative thought creeping back in, you are going to take out the paper and read up to our God-given potential. These statements are known as it out loud. The more you say something out loud, the more ―limiting beliefs.‖ Any time a challenge arises or a change takes place in your life, you are prone to addressing the situation with one you believe it to be true. This one simple exercise will truly and radically change your life and your thoughts on your fuof your ―limiting beliefs.‖ For example, I was talking to a friend several weeks ago about life and some changes that were going on ture. with him. I made a statement about setting the goal of going to Europe on vacation this year. His immediate response was, ―I could We all have scars, but only we determine what we do with never afford a trip to Europe in my line of work. I’ve just accepted them. You can choose to reopen those wounds on a daily bathat I will never have vacations like that.‖ First of all, this person is sis, to let them fester and grow. Or you can choose to overcome them, to use them to transform who you are and to barely over 30 and he is already limiting his potential to the point reach every goal that you set for yourself. You cannot rely on that he definitively states that he will ―never‖ do something. Secondly, this person is actually in the ministry. So, not only is he lim- others to make the change for you, but you will see that as iting himself, but he is also limiting what God may choose to do in you become your biggest fan, others will see the light in you and want it for themselves. God created you with unlimited his life. possibilities, but in order to move you have to take a step. Your ―limiting beliefs‖ are not always original ideas, but rather ideas that were imposed on you by a parent, a teacher, or a mentor. “God created you with unlimited possibilities, but in Many of you believe what you believe about money, or health, or order to move you have to take a step.” even your own abilities because you watched a parent never quite take that step that would lead them to greatness. Or you witnessed a role model struggle with their weight, or a friend struggle with smoking or alcohol addiction. Our experiences in life, and those around us, create the picture of the world that we see. The problem with this way of viewing the world is that it relies on our own limited experience and often creates a clouded lens through which we see ourselves. You are so much stronger, so much more able, and so much greater than you ever imagined yourself to be. You are God’s own creation, His pride and joy. For you to view yourself as anything less than capable and destined for greatness is a tragedy. With that said, I want to give you a simple tool that you can use to overcome this way of thinking and to truly take your life to the next _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Ministry Spotlights Music
Rediscover You
Rediscover You is a name that really exemplifies this band because we always are rediscovering who we are in Christ. It is easy to loose your self when you think you truly have found yourself, but you truly have to loose your will, ambition, wants, desires, and truly rediscover and find who you are in the perfect plan and will of God. This is where we want to stay, and constantly in pursuit of a deeper walk with Christ. Challenging people everywhere we go to reevaluate who they are, there motives, and truly find there God given destiny. We believe that each person has so much more inside of them than they can even see. We understand that people doubt, criticize, and try to bring you down. It is time to dig deep down in your heart and find out who you really are, and what God has truly put inside of your heart. It is time to be committed and decide if we are going to serve Him with everything or nothing. We are doing the same thing as we play at each event, and open door. We want to share Gods love, Gods power, and Gods grace as we simply surrender ourselves in Worship and praise to Him. As we are looking for the next open door that God will open, we are in preparation, in prayer, in bible study, and in worship with God in private. We truly believe that Worship can not truly be done in public if it is not done in private. We love you, are praying for you, we believe in you, and we are hoping you choose to Rediscover You. http://www.facebook.com/RediscoverYou Booking & Contact/ David Squires - 843.254.9777
rymgmt.booking@yahoo.com
Kids Crusades
Go Ministries
Go is a non-profit organization, based out of Conway, SC, whose purpose is to produce an interactive worship experience for communities in which families know that they must seek God first. These worship experiences, called Kid’s Crusades, include dramatic performances, story-telling, puppets, a live band, and other high-energy fun! These productions have been produced in many forms and areas, including the Dominican Republic and England. They can be as elaborate or as conservative as desired. These events, beneficial to communities and churches alike, can be used as a special church event, children’s ministry during special church events, community outreaches, and Vacation Bible schools.
Book Go at your church today! Website: http://gothewebsite.blogspot.com/
Business
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10 DREAM / March 2011
www.Launchageneration.com
I hope you where inspired and challenged in the first issue of Dream Magazine. I am twenty-five years old and I have grown up in Myrtle Beach, SC all of my life. I have a Dream to see people that have lost hope to find hope, that have lost there desire to dream to dream, and for broken hearts to be mended. Life is about choices and outcomes to our choices. I don’t care what someone has told you, what they have said you can’t achieve, but I believe that you can do whatever is deep down in your heart. It will take hard work, some sweat, and tears. Nothing worth achieving is easy, but if you are willing to put the time into achieving it I believe you will do it. I have thought many times even if you never achieve the dream that was put inside of your heart, you die knowing that you never gave up on what was put inside of you. Nothing or no one can ever stop you from reaching your dreams, but only you. We all have things in our lives, we all have felt heartbreak, dealt with loss, had some highs and some lows, but we still must persevere as long as air is in our lungs. Life is short and that is reason enough to ask yourself the question what are you waiting for? As you look around this world you see nothing but negativity and people that are tired of just going through a robot kind of life. We have no choice than to dream because what else do we have without that in our hearts and minds. We not only must dream but we have to
I HAVE A DREAM... believe that it will and can be done! In Dream magazine you find powerful stories of people that have dreams whether it is in there personal life, there ministries, and there businesses. I love to hear the heart of a person and there dreams because you find there passion that seems to flow out of their innermost being. I am a minister that wants to cause people to dream, to find there purpose in life, to lead with encouragement, and to share the freedom I have found in Christ which is the one that will not allow me to drop this dream to be a catalyst of change that is inspired in dreams and is followed by action . I know we live in a world that is tired of hearing words so I want to lead, dream, encourage, and live it with my life. I once read a young boys quote he wrote before he died that simply said , ―you don’t know what you would live for unless you know what you would die for. I would die for you.‖ I live my life and give it so that you can also find the peace and freedom that I know because I know you are worth it! I have a dream that my words will not go void but be something that impacts this world my lifetime and beyond! Acts 2:17; Proverbs 29:18; 2 Chronicles 7:14 Ecclesiastes 5:3
- Dream Magazine Editor in Chief
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