Get In…Or Get Out Of The Way!
By Curtis on Aug 1, 2009 in Motivational
I know this sounds harsh but bear with me. Let me explain. I recently saw a documentary about a particular ethnic group and the struggles and triumphs they uniquely faced. A memorable part of this presentation was the highlights made of successful individuals who are doing phenomenal, unusual, impactful, insightful, undeniable, incredible work in their particular areas of passion.
What makes these individuals so impressive is that they are operating in fields that are common place but doing their work in an uncommon manner. The contrast between the norm and what they are doing is so stark, it almost seems implausible.
What each one of these successful people have in common is a belief that more could be done if they fully engaged in their passion. Fully engaged does not mean just showing up and punching the clock and hoping for the best. Being fully engaged to them means that they personally invest huge amounts of themselves into the success of their passion.
They dream big and work just as hard as their dreams demand. They see potential in others that can only be realized if they themselves tap into their own potential. They see that if they dream bigger than what they see in the mirror and work harder for the success of others, their own fulfillment comes as a sweet reward.
I wonder how things would be if we could duplicate their efforts of dreaming big and working big? I wonder what things would be like if this was the norm and not the exception? I wonder what would happen if we, who feel like we’ve identified our passion, would get all the way in…or get out of the way?
Here comes the harsh part; if we’re not going to do what it takes, and fully commit, then we should move out of the way and give someone else a chance. Too much is at stake for us to just “mail it in”. It comes down to making a conscious decision of commitment.
I believe that if God put a dream, passion, or ministry in your heart, He expects you to do it in a manner that testifies to its divine origin. Phenomenal, unusual, impactful, insightful, undeniable, incredible work should describe our efforts, even if our work is not public.
The Apostle Paul, speaking of the enabling power of God’s love says “Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” Ephesians 3:19, 20 The Message Bible
If they can do it, why can’t we? Let’s get in…but all the way in.
11 Comment(s)
By Michael S. on Aug 1, 2009 | Reply
Curtis,
As usual, inspiring and thought-provoking.
I pray that when I’m tempted to “just mail it in”, I quickly realize I might be missing out on an opportunity to impact someone’s life.
By Lawguy on Aug 2, 2009 | Reply
Wow! This reminds us of two powerful turths. First,God has indeed endowed each of us with unique wonderful gifts that He intends us to use. They are our powerful contribution to the world. They cannot be taken from us, they are ours to give to others. Second, if we do not use our God given gifts we can be replaced. We are not so indespensible that God cannot use someone else. Maybe not in the way He would have used us, but use otheres He will. This week I am going to “Get In” so that God does not have to get/move me out of the way.
By Denise Coleman on Aug 2, 2009 | Reply
Wow! Just what I needed to encourage me to do all that I can in Jesus name to reach the dream and use the gift God has instilled in me. Thanks Cuz!
By Darlene Sheardon on Aug 2, 2009 | Reply
I enjoy your blogs! Your blogs challenge the reader to stop living lives that are only mediocre. I too believe that we are to “Live our Lives by God’s Divine Design”. Looking forward to your book in 2010.
By Ophelia on Aug 2, 2009 | Reply
Excellent! always inspiring, soul searching, and motivational..you are truly gifted keep up the great work.
By Marilyn Fisher on Aug 3, 2009 | Reply
How often we forget the gifts God has given us. Many of us never us them or if we do its not for good. Just knowing that these gifts are freely given to us, it’s a true blessing and Gods people need to reevaluate their lives including myself to do Gods will.
I am a believer if you don’t use it you will loose it. Ephesians 3:19, 20 has inspired me today, because we have everything we want and need if more is required all we have to do is ask.
By Millicent St. Claire on Aug 3, 2009 | Reply
Curtis! Your writing is so beautiful. This is the whole crux of the matter. Get all the way in or get out of the way! People must let go of playing small and dream the big dream and do the big things that cause transformation in the world! I’m in and the vision I have for the LIGMO Movement has begun. It’s about giving people an expanded vision of themselves and tools in these crazy times we live in. We’ve got to be mindful of what’s going on around us and not allow ourselves to be infected with the stank! I love people like you who are solid and keeping their minds focused on what is good, pure, right and just and modeling that for others. That’s part of the work too. Thanks for the link and the love. I love you! Your Sister-Friend, Millicent St. Claire
By Gloria Felder on Aug 3, 2009 | Reply
I have read it, am encouraged by it, impressed by it, inspired by it, will remember it as I continue to work on projects. Thanks for sharing.
By Jonathan ThePlug Hall on Aug 5, 2009 | Reply
Very well put! This is something that “I” definitely needed to read. I look forward to seeing the new changes I am about to make from reading this blog. I have always loved my vision but now it is time to work EXTRA hard to reach my goal. The difference between a GOAL and a DREAM, is a DREAM has no deadline. Time to fulfill my dreams by making them goals. I’M GOING ALL THE WAY IN!!!!!!!
Great blog!
By Tamara Hinton on Aug 8, 2009 | Reply
For many, pinpointing what their gifts are is a challenge in and of itself. For others, understanding exactly how to use those gifts to edify God is the challenge. For me however, I found out early on what my gifts were/are and shortly after coming into the church I was able to identify how to utilize them for the Lord. I am in agreement that if you’re going to do something, you should invest your all into it. If people can put on mammoth performances and awards ceremonies simply for the monies that are to be made, why do we half-step when it comes to executing programs for the Lord. I am a firm believer that if we work hard at what God has given us an affinity to do, then we will see these “lofty” dreams realized. To do anything less would surely be a waste of time, talent and gifts from on high.
By Donna Gomez on Aug 11, 2009 | Reply
Like the old Campbell Soup commercial said-mmmmm good!
Reminds me of what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke about if you are going to be a street sweeper be the best street sweeper there is……
thanks for sharing.