For The Colored Girls Whose Dreams Aren’t Bold Enough

When I was young I used to have the most ambitious dreams for my future. I wanted to work in the wildest professions, have the biggest house, and be part of the most loving family.

As I got older, my adult dreams started to become a little less wild and a little more realistic. I didn’t realize this until I achieved what I once thought was my life’s professional goal well before my anticipated completion date.

I was both excited and confused.

Sure it was great to be so far ahead of schedule, but it didn’t feel at all like what I thought it would. Sure I was happy — still am — to be here. After all, this is what I’d worked so hard for.

But is this it for me?

God didn’t wait long before responding to this rhetorical question. “I have more for you,” He said. “If only you’d ask.”

Ever since God and I had a falling out in 2017, I’d been praying safe prayers. I was asking for things I knew would manifest. Things that were reasonable. Nothing miraculous; and truly, nothing that I desperately wanted. I prayed for things that wouldn’t leave me too disappointed if they didn’t actualize. Things that I felt I could contribute to to make them happen.

Things that wouldn’t completely destroy my faith like it had been a few years ago.

See, I knew the life I wanted to live — like, really wanted to live — but in my rational mind it was illogical. It didn’t make sense. And trying to pursue it frightened me.

Thinking this to myself made me realize how cowardice I was when it came to defining my dreams. Truly, the ones I had written down weren’t at all the ones I desired. They were merely the ones I thought were easiest to attain. I was skipping to Plan B before I even prayed for Plan A.

God revealed to me that I’d been praying for a life I’d settle for, but not the one I actually wanted. And when He spoke to me, He was professing that He has more for me if only I’d ask.

So I decided to start asking.

I decided to stop shying away from the true desires of my heart and start being honest and direct. I decided to start being specific. And in the midst of that, I’m encouraging you all to do the same.

It’s time to stop dismissing God’s omnipotence because of our own limitations. It’s time to stop requesting things that are realistic because our faith doesn’t believe God can go beyond that. It’s time we get out of our own way and relish in God’s true unyielding power.

And to do that, I launched the Dream Big! 10-Day Prayer Challenge.

When I decided to pursue big dreams again, this is what I’d planned to do privately — like much of my self-work — but before starting I felt led to encourage others to do it as well. Other women who might’ve, along the ride, toned down their dreams too. Women who may have been too fearful to pray big things over their lives. Women who’ve settled because achieving what they really wanted seemed bleak. Women who needed the reminder that what they desire is never too big for an omnipotent God.

For the first ten days in July we’re asking God for what we really want. We’re saying honest, bold, specific prayers and trusting God to deliver according to His will. We’re having faith in what’s to come and rebuking the feeling of settling. We’re dreaming big or not at all.

The plan for the next ten days is below. I’ll be posting reminders and helpful probing questions on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. So, join me as we push our faith (and prayers) to the next level.

Dream Big! 10-Day Prayer Challenge

July 1 - 10

6. friendships
7. family
8. spiritual growth
9. healing
10. finances

1. career
2. physical health
3. mental wellness
4. housing
5. romantic love