The Dare Dreamer Movement by Julene Fleurmond

Creativity That Lifts the Spirit – Visit Dreamfleur’s site Dream in Soul for more soul inspiration: http://dreaminsoul.com/blog.

On Dream in Soul I interviewed Marvin Sapp, pastor and Gospel artist whose latest album “Here I Am” has made a historical mark at No.2 on the Billboard 200 charts. Read and click below for the interview.

Here I Am: Interview With Marvin Sapp

Marvin Sapp’s latest album “Here I Am” has reached No.2 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it the highest debuting Gospel release ever.*

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“Here I Am”

Within the resounding success of his latest album “Here I Am,” and the breakthrough his previous project “Thirsty,” Marvin Sapp is still down-to-earth, thankful and even surprised at how his music has been embraced. Among the accomplishments he stays continually grounded in the purpose of his mission to reach the masses. As the senior pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Michigan he stands firm in his creed “I am a preacher who happens to sing,” and presents both his messages and music with powerful, life-changing Word and truth.

“Here I Am” his eighth album, recorded live last October, is filled with heartfelt encouragement and a mix of musical arrangements from more traditional gospel to the more contemporary. The project and messages within are sure to be enjoyed by a range of people, clearly shown by the album’s surge to the No.1 position on Billboard’s Gospel and Christian charts and No.2 on the Billboard 200.

Marvin Sapp chatted with Dream in Soul about the vision behind the album, and also shared some Soul Dreamer Inspiration about ministry, industry, talent and calling. Read and listen in to the conversation below:

Dream in Soul: Hi Pastor Sapp, thank you for taking the time to speak to me today. Can you talk about where you are now since your last project “Thirsty” and what inspired you to create this new project “Here I Am”?

Marvin Sapp: Well this record “Here I Am” is just a tad bit different than “Thirsty.” “Thirsty” is a little more worshipful than this record. There’s worship on it, but this one is not only worship but is also a record that really strives to encourage and enrich, and to talk about personal identity, as pertaining to personal identity in Christ.

So many times we feel as if we are inadequate and that we don’t possess any abilities and skills to be able to accomplish the goals that God has set for us to accomplish and go after. “Here I Am” just speaks to that whole concept of people really understanding that man looks at the outward appearance but it’s God who looks at the heart, and how we don’t need people to define us.

DS: Definitely, the song “Never Would Have Made It,” touched a lot of lives and had great success. Did you come into this new project with any type of expectations, fears or hopes?

DS: Definitely, I know the song “The Best in Me” was very also popular when it came out. Were you surprised at how successful it is right now?

In this clip from Tangle.com, Marshawn Evans, an esteemed entrepreneur who has appeared on Donald Trump’s The Apprentice, and an inspiring woman of God, answers how she thinks the Proverbs 31 woman parallels to the woman of the 21st century. Marshawn is the founder of Skirts in the Boardroom, “the definitive guide to being a modern-day sassy, savvy, sensible, and smart woman leader.”

DreamFood: Inspiring Points
– “Comparing yourself to somebody else always results in a negative response…”

– The Proverbs 31 woman was fulfilling her calling, it was possible for her to be multi-dimensional

– We are not called to be the Proverbs 31 woman in doing exactly what she did – we’re called to be who we’re called to be

– “…it’s about how you can be multidimensional by maximizing your personal purpose…”

Marshawn on Christian Women “Dreaming Bigger Dreams”

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On my other site Dream in Soul, I interviewed Dr. Naima Johnston an inspirational singer and author who gave tips for artists on following their calling. Check out part of the interview below and click “Continue Reading” for the full interviews. Dr. Naima also has seminars to help anyone who needs guidance to reach their dreams; visit her at www.naimajohnston.com for more information.

Called to Sing: Interview with Author and Singer Dr. Naima Johnston, Part 1

Dr. Naima Johnston shares how she overcame many obstacles to respond to her call to sing. Her new book Called To Sing: 13 Mistakes To Avoid When Starting In Music Ministry addresses issues that many artists fail to recognize as potential problems that can stunt the growth of their ministries.

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Attempted suicide at 14. Sexually assaulted as a teenager. Told she wasn’t good enough to sing at 18. Struggled with eating disorders in college. Abused by live in boyfriend at 22. Saved by grace at 24. Broken-hearted and desolate at 30.

These are some of the tribulations that Dr. Naima Johnston faced throughout her life. In her early 30s, after she left her position as the Associate Director of Student Life at Wright State University to pursue a career in Christian music, she found herself confused, financially bankrupt, emotionally drained, and doubting the calling of God.

Growing into Your Calling: Part 2 of Interview with Dr. Naima Johnston

In Part 1 of the interview, Dr. Naima Johnston introduced herself and her passion to share her past mistakes in ministry to help aspiring artists. In Part 2 she shares how she overcame many obstacles to respond to her call to sing, and gives even more advice on finding your calling. Her new book Called To Sing: 13 Mistakes To Avoid When Starting In Music Ministry addresses issues that many artists fail to recognize as potential problems that can stunt the growth of their ministries. If you missed it click here to read Part 1 of the interview.

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Dream in Soul: How do you think someone knows what their ministry calling is? How do you know if you are called to sing?

“Get Up” by Mary Mary, is off of their new CD “The Sound” that comes out tomorrow, October 21st. The song is about being your best self and not wasting time to follow your dreams.

“It’s your dreams / Your choice, Your time, Your life
So don’t you, Don’t you / Miss it

What are you afraid of?
Don’t you know what you’re made of?
One of God’s greatest creations
Take this invitation now…” – Lyrics from Mary Mary’s “Get Up”

“I am a dreamer and sometimes when you have dreams you are met with obstacles, and your dreams will start to fade. But what I’ve found is that when God has given you a dream, no matter what it is, when you want to give up and believing becomes hard, and when you can’t go any further, the dream itself will start to believe for you. The dream itself will start to carry you through with visions and hope and encouragement.” – Tyler Perry (from www.tylerperry.com) (more…)