I was just sitting there, taking in all the incredible speeches of the night.
Mostly, I was impressed that I showered and put on a skirt and some pumps—yes, I said pumps, because long live the fashion of 1986 thank you very much.
But even more intriguing than my fashion choices of the night was the event itself.
Highlighting those in the entertainment industry that have forged a way, while also holding firm to their faith in God and mentoring numerous folks a long the way.
Contrary to popular belief, some incredibly talented people behind the scenes and in front of the scenes in Hollywood happen to be true and solid people of faith.
So there I was, sitting in a crowd of people watching the next video clip that would intro the next recipient to be honored. His list of credits were incredibly impressive, but when he got on stage, and said with gentleness and frankness, that there’s a difference between Ambition and Calling…
I was SHOOKETH.
He then went on to explain:
“The main difference is motive.
Are you just as happy to see someone else succeed in the area you feel Called…”
Um. Excuse you?
I know.
Stunned.
Can we break that down for a minute?
I mean, I literally had to stalk this man on Facebook, in order for him to clarify what I heard, because for some reason, throughout my decade journey of adventure in Los Angeles --the land of dreamers and perpetual purpose chasing, countless seminars, church conferences, and the like, I don’t quite remember a 3 hour talk of any kind, putting it out there as succinctly as this.
I mean—the man could have ‘mic dropped’ after that statement.
But he is much kinder than I am.
Therefore, he elaborated and told some great stories. Of which I can remember none.
But I still remember the reverberation of Calling versus Ambition.
I know when we normally think of ambition, we equate it with drive and motivation. Like, do you have ambition in life to get out of bed, brush your teeth and shower?
Or often, do you have ambition to do something significant with your life? And yes, the word “significant” can be a semantics playground. But in essence, is your ambition self-centered, for the glory of self, and the edification of self, solely?
Is it rooted in self-preservation?
It’s this sense of “MINEZZZ”, when it comes to this thought of Ambition. And what’s driving you to actually want to succeed? Is it success for ‘success sake’? To prove worth?
Versus…
Your Calling which sounds more like, “OURS” – meaning, it’s something that you might possess as a gifting or a strength, but you are aware and willing to release it, to work at it, to share it, and have the capacity and freedom to deeply celebrate others as they succeed in the same field or career.
Calling often goes beyond the borders of just a career or a job, but is knit closely to who you are and what you love at your core. It already whispers to you secretly, “Believe it or not, You’re made for this. You’re already worthy.”
So as a person of faith, my first and highest calling is to God first.
So any and all things that bring attention to Him in my life, makes my heart feel utterly complete and joyful.
And when I see others showing people the true beauty of God, the sacredness, the holiness, the joy—I’m not stirred to offense or jealousy. But I’m thrilled.
As Calling is being unveiled before me in my personal life, I’m understanding more than ever, how relational calling is--how heart driven it is, and how it actually does incorporate our dreams and desires, and what we are made for, but it’s not of our own making alone.
I once prided myself on doing everything on my own. Not being a burden to anyone, by always trying to be self-sufficient. I thought that meant “true success and worth”.
But that was me being stubborn and naïve (and yes, prideful). But I’m getting better.
Reckless Ambition, tricks you into thinking you can do it all on your own. And sustain that pace for the long run. But Nope.
We all know countless high profile people that have shown us the results of trying to walk this out. It’s just not sustainable.
So as I step more into my calling, this year, I realize it’s definitely a community effort.
It’s a family thang.
We need each other.
And that’s part of the beauty of a Calling.
You won’t be alone in it.
It’s just so sweet.
So for me, as I connect more behind the scenes with the Christian festival David’s Tent, I’m utterly aware of how precious it is to my heart and to all those involved. And how God, has taken such great care to lead me down the path of my Calling over the course of decades for it to actually make sense.
I’m amazed at how’s He’s used everything from my university training, to my current career in TV production and events, to my odds jobs, to my love of prayer and pastoring teenagers, to my love of music, dance, and worship, to having family based all over the U.S. and U.K. to so many other details—
It’s just all becoming so clear, that it’s all been a small part of my overall Calling.
Hindsight of the journey will tend to uncover that for you.
But as we close the chapter on 2018…
If you’re clueless about your calling, don’t stress about it.
Just ask God what the next step is meant to be.
But steward your gifts, your talents, your skills, and your strengths well-- in the midst of your waiting, because you just never know when there’ll be a crash collision of you, your heart, and your beautifully awaited destiny.
.
Wisdom’s Knocking:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.”
-Psalm 119:105