The Dare Dreamer Movement by Julene Fleurmond

Recently I had an amazing time at Women of Faith’s ONE DAY event and wanted to share my experience and how it encouraged my heart…

The auditorium was a sea of excited and expectant expressions waiting to see what effect a single day could have on their lives. Soon the room was filled with waves of laughter and streams of tears – sometimes all at once – as Women of Faith’s ONE DAY event in Dallas made an impact.

Hundreds of women shared a bond and a deep sense of God’s love and dreams for their lives as speakers Christine Caine, Andy Andrews and Angie Smith, poured out their stories and faith-filled wisdom into open hearts.

This was the first year for ONE DAY events, created in response to women who couldn’t attend the two day Women of Faith Events. ONE DAY had a more intimate atmosphere that allowed the speakers to go deeper and the attendees to get more up close and personal and feel like they are part of a sisterhood that shares their faith and feelings about life.

I’ve been inspired by the ministry of Women of Faith for several years now, but never had chance to attend their live events, (other than last year’s event for teen girls, the Revolve Tour “Dream On” which was a fun and moving experience).

I was excited to go to ONE DAY, and what made it more personal for me was that it was held at Southern Methodist University where I went to college, in the very same auditorium I graduated in. Three years ago I sat in those seats and walked across that stage in apprehension, wondering what calling God had placed on my life, and on Saturday the encouragement from the ONE DAY speakers had an impact on me in ways I couldn’t imagine.

The theme of the event was “In ONE DAY God can change everything,” with Psalm 118:6 as the leading verse:

“I will not be afraid, because the Lord is with me.”

Each speaker had a unique style and broke the ice with humor before delving into more serious and somber parts of their stories, to inspire us to see God’s divine plan in our own lives. I loved their transparency of sharing the not-so-pretty parts of their backgrounds that can help others going through similar situations. Here are a few highlights of what they shared…

Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope all of you love birds enjoy this day and make every day ahead one filled with love! Even if you don’t have a Valentine or are going through a hard season, know that you are cherished…

No matter what you are going through – wading in the darkness that tries to engulf you – know that the Light is stronger, darkness won’t last much longer. Though it may get lonely you’re not alone – you are loved, more than you know…

I only first heard music from Kina Grannis a few months back but her soft, refreshing sound already makes her one of my favorites! Since it’s February 14, here is her song Valentine – it’s so sweet and the video is just as creative as what we’ve always seen from Kina:

What a treat for Valentine’s Day – the talented Beckah Shae did this moving cover of “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys and she and her husband Jack Shocklee did the accompaniment all on iphones and an ipad – how creative:

Watch the video above for a poem I wrote recently to encourage anyone who may be weary in following their dreams. Those dreams were planted in your heart for a reason – don’t give up on your purpose…you’ll reap a harvest in due season.

This poem was inspired by my own journey throughout the years of experiencing visions yet sometimes getting discouraged when the dreams don’t always grow the way I imagined. Recently though I was inspired by the wisdom of mentors who encouraged me to nurture the deepest visions in my heart.

During a session of the Inner Circle Mentoring Mastermind (an enriching program I’ve experienced since 2011) with an amazing Reinvention Strategist Marshawn Evans she talked about the importance of dreams and said something that pulled on my heart strings:

“Dreams are designed to be experienced, not just imagined…to be engaged, not to be distant.” – Marshawn Evans

When she said that something inside of me was sparked and I realized that without knowing it I had disqualified myself from certain dreams because they seemed too lofty and impractical, but these are exactly the type of dreams that God wants to fulfill in our lives.

She went on to talk about how dreams are designed too big so you can grow into them, and that you need faith and God in order to see them come to reality. In Marshawn Evans’ Reinvent ME LIVE series that began in January she continued to talk about how important it is to take action on your dreams, find mentors and move into a larger garden when you have outgrown the place you have been. Soon after that revitalizing session (which I would recommend to anyone who is looking to fulfill a dream) I was inspired to share what I learned and bring some of my own deeply buried dreams to life, and it came into form as this poem.

I have so much expectancy for 2012, and recently one of my dreams which I had abandoned years ago is beginning to come into fruition. Since I was a little girl I had always wanted to sing to inspire others through music and creative performances, but had always let fear and shyness eclipse that dream. I’m excited to say that after months of auditioning with an established music company, I was recently offered an Artist Development Agreement to create an inspirational music platform (which I will announce more in detail on the site later). It wasn’t easy leading up to this point but this example is proof to me that those deep, decaying dreams in your heart can indeed come to life if you put in the work to revive and sustain them.

What’s your dream? What vision or passion have you set aside for the more practical and everyday cares of life? I dare you to nourish the seeds of those dreams and bring them to the Light – God can take you further and higher than you can go on your own. Give your dreams some love and let them grow today – Dear Dreamer, the world awaits…

– Julene Fleurmond, dreamfleur.com