December 6, 2020 

When I was 18-29 years old, I would have LOVED to be the girl who works on photo shoots, especially in the fashion industry. I would have loved to work behind the scene or even be the model (which I was for a short time within the fitness industry). I dreamed about being in fashion and the all the flashiness that goes with it.  

I found Lauren Conrad (the star from the reality TV show, of The Hills) to be such an inspiration to me.  The TV show, displayed her life as an intern in the fashion industry, and I loved the way she worked behind the scenes at photoshoots, fashion shows, and assisted at luxurious parties. 

For a short time, I strived for a life in fashion, but eventually I gave up on this dream; because all I could attain were part-time jobs or internships.  So instead, I found a full-time job in a whole other industry. I worked at this full-time job for 6 years. I regretted giving up on my dream, but I couldn’t possibly leave a job where I was promoted several times and was growing my career.  Plus, I felt comfortable there and my co-workers became some of my best friends, during that time of my life. How could I leave all of that?  Plans formed in the back of my mind, that I would probably be there until I retired.  

But then God took my life in a whole new direction when I gave my life to Him. I got married, quit my job, and moved to Texas.  

I find it quite ironic that AFTER finding Christ, I some how found myself in a position I would have longed for in my early twenties. I was led to a person who gave me the opportunity to assist behind the scenes in photoshoots.  

My experience I received from working with my friend, opened the door for an opportunity to interview with a major fashion magazine, in NYC. 

At this point in my walk with God,  I wasn’t looking for my dream job, I wasn’t striving for it, but all these opportunities were landing right in my lap.  

And guess what?  

I didn’t want them.  

It was good to help my friend with photography and I thought it was fun and exciting, but it didn’t really do anything for my soul; and I wasn’t expecting it to. I already knew I had something so much greater and more meaningful with God, but I still felt extremely dumbfounded on how much God has changed my heart.  

I worked for a year helping my friend, which was good, but as for the photography and photoshoots, I just didn’t care for it. I knew God was calling me to put focus fully on something different.    

I can’t help but think, how can someone just not care about something that they once dreamed so deeply for? How can someone give up the dream opportunity that fell into their lap, that they once regretted giving up on?  

This time I’m not giving up on it, but I’m walking away from it.  

I encourage anyone who has dreams and passions, to not let these things navigate your life, but rather to submit these dreams to God. And genuinely pray and ask God to change the desire of your heart if this dream is not from Him. If it doesn’t change than fine. But if He does nudge you in a different direction, let Him. He may have other plans to use you in a way you never expected. And being obedient to his call will be so fulfilling.  

One day, you’ll look back and see those things that you denied and you’ll be so thankful that you did. It is only through obedience that God can bring you into what He has for you, and I promise you that it will be so much better than what you’re leaving behind.