Years ago, a pastor named Pastor Reddick spoke prophetically over my life and told me I was a teacher. Over the years, I walked into this calling - not truly realizing it. I have worked with children all my life in various capacities - as a daycare worker with toddlers, vacation bible school, AWANA, team parent for sports, classroom parent, PTA vice president and PTA secretary, 12–13-year-old group leader, substitute teacher K-12 - with special needs babies, director of a nonprofit with a focus on justice-involved youth, and now a professor.
Every job I have ever worked - I have been placed in a position where I could impact the lives of those around me. Often, I would be given difficult tasks I had to learn which provided the knowledge to teach others, but without the title of supervisor. This in essence meant that God gave me favor. He opened doors for me that no man could shut and shut other doors that no man could open. He allowed my gifts to make room for me. Yet, he kept me humble.
Moreover, my natural personality is to encourage and motivate others. So many have said Crawford you should be a motivational speaker. The issue is that I have never liked speaking openly in front of groups. I know it sounds crazy right - especially since I have to present my research as a professor, and I stand in front of groups of young adults daily. Every new semester, I am nervous although I’ve been doing this for several years. Despite the natural anxiety that comes with doing something - new stepping out of your comfort zone allows you to step out on faith. When you are authentic - this truth permits you to do what you have been called to do.
Many years ago, I asked the Lord to allow my heart to break for what breaks His heart. As a result, a need to see the best in others developed deep within my spirit. I desire to help those in need and to love the unlovable. I want to see others succeed, and I love to share the knowledge I have. Therefore, pouring into others seems effortless. It is one of the things that makes me who I am. Moreover, I found when I walk in my calling I don’t have to be the best at what I do - I just have to be willing. God has paved the road for me to do what He has placed in my heart to do.
So many people are pregnant with purpose. They say to themselves - I wish I could do this, or I desire to do that. They go to bed thinking about it. They wake up thinking about it, but they just aren’t sure how to go get started. The Lord has allowed them to even dream about it. That thing they just can’t shake is what they are supposed to be doing. The time is now. Don’t wait another day, month, or year. Folks have spoken prophetically over you, but fear has taken over. No more. Today is the day we will step out on faith.
Heavenly Father, I pray for each person reading this blog. Touch now the inner places and show them your heart. Lead and guide them on this journey to walk in their calling - the very thing you have placed them on this earth to do. I bind fear in the name of Jesus, and I loose a boldness in them right now. I pray that they will forever be changed from this moment. I pray that they will eagerly run after what You have for them in the same manner that the deer pants after water. May they forever seek Your will for their lives in Jesus Name. Amen.
Comments