The Dream
Recently I was having a conversation with my business coach, a friend who is a great encourager. We talked about my avoidance of sharing much of who I am in the context of the blogs that I write. So, I decided this time I would get a little more personal. Don’t worry, it won’t be that personal:) I want to invite you into my journey of pursuing a dream that had been hidden in my heart for over 30 years. It’s a dream that I would take out every once in a while, look at it and wonder…would it ever become a reality? The practical questions would come flooding in; the when, the how, the whats and then I would put it away as the Lord whispered “some day, but not today.”
As I look back over my life with all of its twists and turns and ups and downs, I have seen the way God has been preparing me, not wasting any experiences or choices, even when I didn’t understand, in order for this dream of ours to become a reality. We often think our life is or should be a linear line; neat and orderly but the reality is, it looks like a lot of scribbling; with lines going up and down, backtracking and crossing over, it’s a wild ride. We are God’s idea, therefore our dreams are His as well. He plants the seeds in our heart, tills the soil, waters them and brings the growth.
What surprised me the most was the turn of events that brought this dream to the forefront in order for it to become a reality. I didn’t see it coming and yet, could not have orchestrated it more perfectly. It’s true, God is at work even when we don’t see it. It’s part of the way He redeems and restores beauty from ashes.
After an episode of burnout that required me to quit my job and lie low, my recovery back to normalcy wasn’t happening. It was a very dark and despairing time for me. I wondered if I would ever feel “normal” again. I was experiencing severe panic attacks (something I had never experienced before) and I had little to no motivation for life. This continued on for several months, so with the encouragement from my husband and as a birthday gift, I attended a healing center in Texas. Through the course of the four-day retreat, I felt like I was given my life back; like God switched the light back on for me. He met me in the very deep places of my heart, unlocking and breathing life into areas that were shut down. I learned how to connect to my heart and my life was forever changed.
It was there in Texas that God brought the dream back to the forefront of my heart and mind revealing this is what He wanted me to do, to open a healing center that focused on the heart speaking very clear directions. I came home with a renewed spirit and so the journey began.
A Dream Come True
With the support of my husband and a few friends we applied and obtained our 501c3 nonprofit status, formed a board and Emmaus Road Ministries was established. The hunt for property and lodging ensued. Where would we find a house big enough for a healing center and a separate place for us to live? Should we live out in the country, riverfront property, or close in to town? How are we going to fund this until we are up and running? How many acres should we look for horse property? I laid all of this at Jesus’ feet. This week, a little over two years since the journey began, we moved into our new separate home and right outside our window is a beautiful old historic house with a sign that says Emmaus Road Healing Center. And there’s room for horses and we have our own backyard with a hot tub! He far exceeded our needs and gave us more than what we could have hoped for (my sister is our neighbor), just as He always does. Now the fun begins! Fundraising, decorating, updating, landscaping, barn building; all with healing in mind.
Our mission is to create a safe space and time for the healing and restoration of people’s spirits, minds, and bodies. Partnering with Jesus to minister reconciliation within each person, empowering you to leave with a greater ability to live fully alive and whole resting in who God has created you to be.
A Word of Encouragement
I’m writing this to encourage you. To speak hope into your heart, even in the middle of really difficult times. In the midst of COVID shutdowns, crazy elections and hostile activities, a place of healing was birthed. What dream has God hidden in your heart? Even when things look impossible (and believe me this seemed too big) let your heart and mind rekindle your dreams. Spend time in the “what ifs” with a belief that you are God’s idea and he places dreams in your heart that He wants to see fulfilled. It’s never too late! And my fulfillment of a dream is yours as well. What He has done for us He can do for you! It’s His good pleasure!
If you want to be part of Emmaus Road Healing Center sign up for the newsletter to get updates of progress, how you can pray and ways that you can financially support this ministry. We are hoping to have our first retreat in late Spring.
I love it when God speaks! This is going to be amazing for many!
Thank you for sharing your journey,
I look forward to visit it when it opens!