Vision to Reality

When you think of those who have accomplished great things, you don't think of someone who opens a small meat or pastry shop. Most times you think of someone who against all odds created a reality that was beyond them. Case in point, Alexander The Great. Alexander conquered most all of the known world before his 21st birthday. If he would have lived in the future he would have most likely been considered that equal to Hitler.
Or maybe on a smaller note the founder of McDonalds or maybe a movie star that came from nothing, even an athlete from the streets that becomes a best selling book and movie (The Blind Side).
What is clear is that dreaming isn't enough. Those who do great things work hard and often fail many times before experiencing success and making their dream a reality.

For years I have had a growing dream and vision for a Youth Center. In high school and College I would doodle on my notes in classes buildings with Youth Center stamped in bold lettered pensil across them. I have countless ideas noted for programs and layouts of various types of building designs. The vision continues to grow to this day, but has never become a reality or anything of substance. Why?

There could be many answers to that question. One could be lack of time, lack of knowledge, a defenate lack of money, or even to little people with influence. Seems when I would take a step forward in the direction to taking dream to reality I would learn of something that would throw me ten yards back. So, of course I felt like the Linebacker who intercepted a pass and in the course of running linemen over and dashing fifty yards for a touchdown realized that it was called back due to a holding or clipping penalty. (something I have experienced)

Another another answer could be that the timing and place was all wrong. For years I had pictured the Youth Center in an inner city. Now, once again my passion burns and vision grows for a Youth Center that is multi facited with many programs and outreaches. In Nome AK, the price tage of such a building is not merely in the high thousands but more like Millions. The vision is defenately bigger than myself. It requires and act of God to bring it to the "reality" point.

When you start to add the cost of the land, foundation, plumbing, electricity, structure, and all the bells and wistles that make it code worthy, you come up with a huge number that is staggaring. That doesn't include the computers, carpet, paint, security cameras, equipment, water fountains, office decor, and lights that are needed for anyone to want to come at all.

So what should I do? Give up because it's too big? I have been told by almost every senior pastor that learns of my dream that it's too big and would take to many years. Every time I have come back with the reply, "Nothing is to big for God." Do I believe this? Yes most definately. I believe if God wants it then well, it will happen in His timing. Maybe now is the time when the odds seem to be stacked against me more than ever. I push because it's needed. I see a need and want to meet it.

Also, i have learned more. I am beginning to research Governement Grants labeled as Non Profit Youth Programs. I am contacting friends that could become investors. I figure if I work hard and make the effort to get it going in the physical form, God will show up along the way and complete what I can't.

What's the point in all this information?

It's more than a Never Give Up speach. It's about the desire to meet needs in a relavant way but a way that far to big for self. I challenge myself and you to do more than you are capable of financially or physically. Poor yourself into a passion that reaches people where they are exhausting everything you are for the cause of meeting a need and being the change you talk about wanting in the world..


Blessings,


Mike III AKA Big Daddy