Mine is.
My American dream? Not a home in the Rockies or a place on the beach; not a Cadillac in the garage and PhD beside my name. My dream is not a six figure income or a secure nest egg for the future.
I agree with Solomon who once said in the book of Proverbs (in the Bible): “Give me neither poverty or riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God'” (Proverbs 30:9).
My American Dream Is Still Alive
But my dream is still alive: to make a difference in my world, using my own unique gifts and talents, to live in a land where “In God We Trust” is a motto we live by. I dream of replacing ugliness with beauty, turning injustice to equity, encouraging the weak, and restoring the fallen.
My dream is to point people’s hearts toward goodness and away from hatred, to reinstate love as a commitment, rather than a feeling. I want to rediscover integrity and promote harmony, to teach truth and grant forgiveness, to build up faith and tear down discouragement, and to root out bitterness and plant hope. My desire is to make Christ’s name known, not my own.
I am only one, but I am one. What I do with my life does not depend on who I am, who I know, where I live, or what I’ve done–but on what and in Whom I believe.
I agree with author Ann Kiemel who once wrote the book, I Love the Word Impossible! and others who encouraged me with, “Always have a dream!” How that dream is accomplished is not up to me. It can only be fulfilled by the One who gave it.
In a land where violence, mistrust, and confusion increase, I choose to dream, not with my eyes, but with my heart and with my spirit.
My American Dream Is Not for a Name or Fame
My American dream is not for a name or fame, or health or wealth, but for the opportunity to change what I can, and inspire others to do what I cannot–in the land that I love for the God whom I serve.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” Psalm 37:4 NIV.
My Personal Prayer for You
Lord, awaken our spirits to dream again. Show us how we can make a difference in our world for You. Write on our hearts the vision You want for us, one that leads others to acknowledge You and Your Lordship, using the unique, creative abilities You gave us–all for the purpose of honoring You and bringing You praise. Use us to encourage, to strengthen, to bless, and to love others into Your Kingdom. Help others to know that no dream is too big or too small when placed in the hand of our Almighty God. And if necessary, Lord, make us willing to resign any of our own dreams so You can redesign a better one.
In Jesus’s precious name,
Rebecca
It’s Your Turn
What about you? Is your dream still alive? What’s your American dream?
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