Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Vision (08/03/06)
-
TITLE: Singers, Dancers, Writers and Missionaries! | Previous Challenge Entry
By
08/06/06 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Thinking about this new challenge, reminds me of the hit television programs, American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. Each contestant possesses a talent unique to him; an area in which he shines. He has confidence in his particular field of expertise, a style in which he excels.
Then the trials begin in earnest. One after another, contenders are eliminated, as they are subjected to being required to sing or dance outside of their stellar box; perhaps needing to become a team player, when they have been used to performing solo artistry.
The rocker has to master country or pop, or sing harmony within a group. Even singers are instructed to choreograph their music. Dancers must adapt to not being the only one in the limelight.
Most challengers cannot live up to the standards raised for the elevated plane of success. The tension builds and what used to be a joy in their lives becomes a victim of the executioner. In the end, they are allowed to return to the roots of their talents, doing again what they do best. The clumsiness and awkwardness falls away at last, and they begin to feel qualified again to be the best singer or the best dancer in America.
The true test has been to determine if they can take the heat, and get to stay in the kitchen. The sweat pours as they await the final decision by the judges. Only one person can ascend to the pinnacle. He has won!
But, what has he won? Now, the true pressure begins, as the star attempts to sustain the fervor over the next twelve months; when a new search will automatically begin again for someone else to take their place. They must truly believe in themselves and in the vision they have for the future. It’s a lonely place at the top. Some can make it; some cannot. It’s over all too soon.
I guess it’s only fair that aspiring writer’s should be challenged to write outside their own private box; writing about what they know best, themselves. That is a natural place to begin; a foundation needing to be laid. But to succeed in a field peopled with hundreds of average writers, success requires writing above average prose or verse; in order to capture the imaginations of the fickle world of readers. No one knows the definition or formula for success. It’s the reader who, in the end, determines it all.
While reading the account where Saul becomes Paul, I see that even he was propelled out into the world from his own comfort zone. Having the length of his life segmented by the extraordinary event of meeting with the risen Lord, following his approval of the stoning of the Christian martyr, Stephen, his vision was restored. After experiencing a new birth of faith in Jesus Christ, his natural inclination was to remain in Jerusalem. The Jews knew and respected his lofty position in the Hebrew hierarchy; surely they will listen to and receive the message of the Messiah, from him as a reliable witness! But, God said, “Flee from this place, and go to the Gentiles.”
Paul possessed an impressive lineage and achievements which should have stood him in good stead. But, he was no longer working the same side of the fence. His direction and instruction now came from the invisible God of the ancient prophets. God forced him to expand his vision, and the story of his ministry is history.
To end this essay in good faith, it is my intention to continue exercising my writing skills, acknowledging that it is a gift that God gave me. If I desire to use this gift to the highest potential of serving Him, then I want to think outside the box, in which I have kept it for so long.
It is time to allow to burst forth in bloom, that which has been planted. I am in the throes of discovering new goals. My eyes have been opened like a new-born kitten’s; and the Lord has given me a brand new vision!
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.