The Dare Dreamer Movement by Julene Fleurmond

On my site Dream in Soul I had the honor to interview Dianna Hobbs, who is a writer, journalist, speaker, entrepreneur and now recording artist. She shared her heart and journey of pursuing her buried passion and gives advice to others who may need direction in bringing their God-given dreams into fruition. I am so very inspired by her wisdom and the many facets of her ministry, especially her publication for women, EEW Magazine and her new music. I had her first single “Do What He Said” on repeat recently while working on a project I had been struggling with. You will definitely be inspired by her words of encouragement:

When you have a divine urging inside of your heart it can be hard to ignore it, but can sometimes become difficult to press forward to what God has called you to do. Purpose often doesn’t come without its detours especially when obstacles and disappointments blur the vision God placed in our heart.

Dianna Hobbs can attest to facing obstacles when pursuing music, her buried passion. As the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of EEW Magazine, the premiere Christian publication for African American women, she has paved a path of influence in media throughout the years, along with pouring out daily encouragement on her blog.

Behind the scenes though she felt God drawing her to begin her music ministry. It was only recently that she got the courage to do what He said, and thankfully she did. Now Dianna is inspiring many hearts through her music, which blends CCM, pop, R&B, and sometimes, soft rock along with encouraging messages. In this interview Dianna talks about her journey and gives advice to others who may need direction in bringing their God-given dreams into fruition…

Lisa Bevere is a bold woman of faith, and I love the videos below featuring her story of how she came to ministry. Despite initial defiant thoughts and doubt she is ministering to women everywhere about the power of God. I’m inspired by her to push past my comfort zone and step out to what God has called me to do.

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I love this interview from StreamingFaith.com with the ladies of Mary Mary, Erica and Tina Campbell, where they describe how they are expanding their ministry to reach young women through their book Be U. They give great advice on life and insecurities:

Recently I was asked to share part of my story of overcoming obstacles and hardships as a teen with a website for teen girls called Girls 4 God. The editor of the site, Annika, has an inspiring ministry and features the stories of various women to encourage girls to grow in Christ. I was glad to be able to contribute part of my experience:

He Touched Me & Made Me Whole

Despite of the pain God has renewed me and I want to share my journey with other girls so that they know there is hope beyond the hurt…

It is amazing how God has taken me from being moss under a rock to being planted as a blooming flower in His fertile ground. Our teen years can be really difficult at times when we’re going through changes, pressures and frustrations, and mine were no different. Despite of the pain God has renewed me and I want to share my journey with other girls so that they know there is hope beyond the hurt…

Growing up I as a child was extremely shy but entering my teen years my self-esteem plummeted. I became increasingly self-conscious and would not ever step out or let my voice be heard aloud except when needed. I disliked the way I looked, felt as if I didn’t really matter and would cower at the sight of people, only speaking freely to my closest family and friends.

Coupled with that I felt abandoned after my father left the family when I was a child. I was also struggling with an illness at the time that made it difficult to go to school regularly, and so in high school I missed many days because of trips to the doctor’s office. It was a dark and lonely road.

Everything seemed bleak and I was merely going through the motions, not embracing life to its fullest potential. At 15-years-old I became depressed and only half aware of being alive and I was hardly taking care of myself.

My body and spirit were shriveling into a tense, broken, guarded existence.

I only felt good about myself when I could please and have the approval of others through my abilities. My life revolved around serving and pleasing people but not only in a godly way; rather I felt that my only worth was in doing what people wanted me to, that they would be angry with me if I didn’t, and that there was nothing else about me left to offer. I had lost all joy I had as a child and even forgot the hobbies and pastimes I had enjoyed; nothing seemed worth it anymore.

I grew up going to church and still went with my mother, but the truth of God’s love didn’t quite become real to me until I was in college. After dealing with loneliness and isolation I began seeking after God like I never had before, asking Him to reveal Himself to me so I knew He was real.

In 2009 I had an experience when God showered me with His love in a real way. It began when I was very ill and had to be rushed to the hospital as a result of a complication. At the time I could remember being only half aware of what was going on around me. My chest was tight and I was scared that I might die there in the hospital. The fear didn’t last long because an intense feeling of peace and calm that I’d never felt before embraced me.

In those moments it seemed as if God was comforting me, telling me to let go and stop holding back.

In those moments it seemed as if God was comforting me, telling me to let go and stop holding back. The thought of, “Who told you that you were worthless? Who said you weren’t allowed live? Who said you can’t?” kept repeating in my mind. I felt as if He was telling me to stop trying to make sense of my circumstances, stop belittling myself and to trust Him with my heart. He controls every beat, created me wonderfully and He is always there with me – just let go. Obeying that command has been a day-by-day release, but I can feel Him enveloping me in His freedom more all the time. Not only has He taught me to let go of anxiety and trying to live in my own strength, I know that because Jesus is the antidote to my sinful nature I can have a deep, intimate relationship with God that is beyond anything on Earth.

Before I was afraid to speak, to share, and to live freely. Now I am speaking, sharing and living to show and tell others about the love that saved me. He’s given me visions of my destiny and my passion now is to wake others up from sleepwalking through life to realize that they too have significance in Christ. From speaking engagements to sharing my story with youth that I teach, God has been amazing in revealing my purpose and launching me into hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

My pain has become a conduit to reach others going though the same.

I know He loves me, and I know He loves you – will you let Him into your heart?

You don’t have to wait until a major event like an illness to happen to realize that you and your life are worth it in God’s eyes. Let Him takeover today – let loose your fears, hurts and troubles to Him. Jesus says:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29).

You will be amazed at how trusting in the Lord as your Savior and strength in life, and deciding to live your life by only His opinions of you will liberate your heart, mind and spirit.

He freed me from darkness and nurtures me to grow beautifully into His light; for that I am ever grateful.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord…
Jeremiah 29:11-14

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Inspiration

Update in 2012: When I first heard the song “All This Time” from one of my favorite singers Britt Nicole, her words resonated with my heart I related to her story. The song became an encouragement to me that God was there walking with me every step of my journey, be inspired:

All This Time lyrics

I remember the moment
I remember the pain
I was only a girl
But I grew up that day
Tears were falling
I know You saw me

Hiding there in my bedroom
So alone
I was doing my best
Trying to be strong
No one to turn to
That’s when I met You

Chorus
All this time
From the first tear cried
‘Til today’s sunrise
And every single moment between
You were there
You were always there
It was You and I
You’ve been walking with me all this time
You’ve been walking with me all this time

Ever since that day
It’s been clear to me
That no matter what comes
You will never leave
I know You’re for me
And You’re restoring

Every heartache and failure
Every broken dream
You’re the God who sees
The God who rescued me
This is my story
This is my story…

Chorus

I hear these people asking me
How do I know what I believe?
Well I’m not the same me
And that’s all the proof I need
I felt love, I felt Your grace
You stole my heart that day

All this time
From the first tear cry
Till today’s sunrise
And every single moment between
You were there
You were always there
It was You and I
You’ve been walking with me all this time

Ever since the first tear cry
It was You, You and I
You’ve been walking with me all this time

In honor of Women’s History Month, here’s a tribute for women everywhere – “Every Woman.” (The poem and graphics below were part of a project I created for a Women’s History Month celebration I had the opportunity to chair at the University of Miami.)

The last two stanzas were added in 2012 and inspired by my friend Kara Norman, founder of Empower Her, Inc. She is truly making a mark by inspiring girls and women through her work: http://www.empowerherinc.com.

Every Woman

by Julene Fleurmond

Every woman should learn
To look past her imperfections
To nurture the essence of her spirit
To embrace her own reflection.

Every woman should live
Never compromising herself
To dream dreams that are impossible
To know when to ask for help.

Every woman should know
That within her are the seeds of greatness,
That she is loved by a Love even greater
And that she is too blessed to stress.

Every woman should believe
That she is divine royalty
Placed on this earth to leave a mark,
To share her heart and write history.

Every woman should walk
In purpose, grace and confidence
Because she has the power to impact the world
And change begins with a single step.