Naomi's Story: Oh, To Be Known

by NAOMI NEWTON | @naomi254

This is a personal story of breakthrough.  As of late, I was asked to create a 10 year vision + goals for my life by new part-time employer (Lululemon Athletica).  I am a visionary by nature, but most often with the big stuff it looks more like fleeting thoughts: “what ifs” and “someday I will…”  Therefore, this was a challenge.  A huge risk of the heart to take.  It’s one thing to dream with God in seeking possibilities;  it’s another thing to write them down and make by whens.  Now they are real. 

Believe it or not, this was a really difficult exercise for me.  It’s not my lack of optimism— I have plenty.  It was the realization that I had not made room for creating my future.  Not enough at least.  I have only taken one step at a time.  Taking what has been handed to me, rather than FINDING favor.  Searching it out.  In addition, these goals (personal, career, & health) are to be displayed for the public to view.  Wait!! I have to share the most vulnerable thing ever?!  My dreams, my heart. 

Growing up, I had learned that there are dream killers.  “Be careful, because people won’t believe you can do it, and they’ll squash your dreams.”  I have held onto a lot of my dreams, keeping them safe as I know how.  There is truth to doing so, like the Scripture says “Don’t cast your pearls before the swine.”  I think on this journey, we need to find the balance.  Less self-protection, and more faith that God is going to make a way for us, even in opposition.  The key is boldness, not fear.  Boldness cannot go outward, unless theres boldness inward.  Now that I have freed myself and shared some of my vision with others, they actually have a greater understanding of who I am.  Oh, to be known.

Danielle's Story: Follow Those Nudges

I had the opportunity to minister to a lady named Tameka! After feeling prompted to go to Dillard’s with my friend, I just knew I was going to run into someone to give prophetic word of encouragement. As we walked around, no one was being highlighted to me. Before I was about to give up, I noticed this lovely lady looking at the purses. I had seen her when we first came in, but then realized that she was the one I was supposed to talk to. 

As I saw her, I didn’t really have anything for her, but I knew I was supposed to talk to her. I walked up and introduced myself and as I did that, I instantly got a prophetic word of encouragement for her. I felt that God wanted her to know that He was going to restore some family relationships and that she was a good mother, specifically to her daughter. As I kept sharing what I felt like the Lord had given me for her, I could not read her face at all. I wasn’t sure if she was receiving the word or confused or ready to leave. Finally, I got to the end of what I felt like the Lord had for her and she asked if she could give feedback. 

When she was giving me feedback, she said how accurately I heard from the Lord and that she was encouraged by what He had given me for her. After the good feedback, we continued to talk about spirituality and hearing God speak to us. It was a great time of connecting and I could really tell she was really touched by God. 

It would have been so easy not to walk up to her since the prompting that I felt from God wasn’t a huge outstanding push or shove. I basically had a little nudge from Him and then was obedient and she was impacted by His love. I would encourage our readers to follow those small nudges and be bold! God will be right by your side when you choose to partner with Him and step out to bring encouragement!