I guess I’m just a hopeless optimist. Ever since we moved into our neighborhood I’ve bought candy to hand out to the kids on Halloween. But no one ever comes. Not one kid in twenty-three years.

I can’t really blame them, though. We live at the end of a 200 foot driveway lined with trees and shrubs. Docile by day, these guardians of the driveway turn into an ominous force at night, especially through the eyeholes of a Batman or Spiderman mask. Truth be told, there are times when I’d rather not wander down my driveway at night either! Indeed, it takes the courage of a real Batman or Spiderman to seek a treat from the Gates’ household.

If only these wanna be superheroes in my neighborhood knew what awaited them at the end of that darkened trail. If just ONE brave soul had mustered up the courage to call on our house, they would have been showered with so much candy they’d be in sugar nirvana. And since I was alone this last Halloween evening, I would have thrown caution to the wind and given them the whole ten pound bag. (Better they eat it than me.)

Pursuing our dreams is like that too. Many of us stay in the comfort and safety of bright lights and well worn paths. We’d rather run up to the door behind others, receiving a metered out portion, while just a short distance away, a treasure awaits, untouched. Jesus told His followers that they should choose the narrow gate, because “small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

No worthwhile pursuit is on the easy path. To find it, you must don your superhero courage and trek into the scary unknown. And when you do, you’ll find God there delighted that you came to receive His extravagant blessing.

What courageous next step do you need take to pursue your dream?

[If you're ready to turn down the road toward your dream, why not join us at the next Dream Intensive on December 2nd? Readers of this blog can receive a discount, simply by asking.]

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The movie Courageous is already a success, and it hasn’t opened yet.

On Friday, September 30th, Courageous will open across the country on 1400 screens. As everyone knows, opening weekend is critical in the movie business. A film’s ultimate success nearly always depends on a strong first showing. Yet, no matter how many weeks Courageous ultimately runs in the theaters, it’s already a success. And it has nothing to do with the film, but everything to do with following a passion.

Courageous is the fourth release of Sherwood Pictures, a ministry founded nearly ten years ago by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Believing that even the small community of Albany could make a difference in the world, the church raised $20,000 to create their first film, Flywheel, which opened in a whopping 3 theaters. Yet, the proceeds and learnings from that film enabled them to make Facing the Giants and after that Fireproof, the latter becoming the highest grossing independent film of 2008 taking in more than $33 million. In my opinion, their latest installment is poised to have an even greater impact.

While male moviegoers will be inspired to be better dads, the more transcendent message of Courageous is in the belief of a small community in Georgia who trusted God that they could make a difference around the world by going into the moviemaking business.

The next time you wonder about what kind of difference you can make, think of the creators of Courageous—their passion will be on display this coming weekend and beyond. If you don’t think you have the talent, think Courageous—their skill improved with each movie they made. When you think your dream requires more resource than you have, think Courageous—they trusted God in prayer and stepped out in faith to achieve what no other church in the world has done. And all this from little Albany, Georgia.

Imagine what you can do with the dream God’s put inside of you. From your own little Albany, you, too, can put your faith on display for all to see. Start the way they did, ask God to show you His dream for you, then step out in faith and act on it. If you’re ripe for that journey, attending a Dream Intensive might be a helpful next step. And for your own inspiration, take in a showing of Courageous this weekend too.

In what ways does the Sherwood example of faith inspire you?

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What’s the difference between a dreamer and a visionary? While dreamers talk, visionaries act. Dreamers expect others to come along and make their dreams come true. Over time, they may become embittered when things don’t go their way. Instead, visionaries inspire others to be part of something bigger than themselves. Dreamers wait for provision—more money in the bank, empty nest, better job—before they act. Visionaries act today, even in small ways, knowing that every action brings them closer to seeing their vision come to light. Which are you choosing to be today?

Your thoughts? What steps could you take today toward your vision?

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