I'm a little over two weeks old now; I am referring to my internship time here at the Los Angeles Dream Center of course. My actual age is 22 and I'm a recent college graduate from an art and design school in Columbus, Ohio. At the Dream Center I will be a Graphic Design intern in the Marketing department for one year. Just a month ago I was sitting at home in Ohio fighting to stay focused for this internship and I could've quit right there... It's definitely God that I'm here today. Fear of flying and failure did not win. My decision to come and for how long surrounded God's question to me: "How much do you trust Me?"
Ever since I found my purpose for living in Christ, I have consciously decided to make my life count for something by pouring into the lives of others.
My uncle once told me something about time that's never left my heart. He reminded me that it never stands still, so we as people must choose to move forward with it or to slip back in the past. Moving forward is about growing and to stay back is to stunt our own growth. The ironic part about my decision to intern at the Los Angeles Dream Center is that the same uncle who gave me these wise words about "time" feared my journey here, yet his words inspired me to take this leap of faith.
I see this journey as an exercising of my faith where I am able to see just how big my God is. He has pushed me out of my comfort-zone back in Ohio and encouraged me to take a great leap of faith to truly discover His omnipresence here in Los Angeles. During the "waiting process" for preparation to deal with this great transition in my life, I diligently prayed about the distance from the "norm" of family, friends and life as it were.
Even though my family is far away, I have peace from God that He is right here with me as well as the blessings and prayers of loved ones on my life so big, the geographical distance is not that bad. I can use social-networking sites, email, text and calling to stay connected to those I love. Additionally, the residents, volunteers and staff here are so kind and loving that they quickly become your extended family so that your stay here can truly be enjoyed.
I hope that you prayerfully consider if God wants you to be here, for how long, in what area of focus – even about your roommate(s). Get prayed up and armored up (Eph. 6:10-18). Don't expect the grass to be greener on the other side and that nothing can go wrong because if you do, you only set yourself up for disappointment. Instead be honest with yourself and with God. Intentionally ask Him day after day – not because you think He forgot but because you mean it – to prepare you for this next big step with Him. Be honest with yourself and plainly say, "It won't always be easy but with God it will be possible."
You can make it because if He wants you here He will see you through to the end – financially, spiritually, emotionally, psychologically, etc. I have experienced some "interceptions" while being here, but I haven't let that hold me back because I just keep saying, "God is good." And He is as well as faithful! The good has always outweighed the bad and Romans 8:28 reminds me that this will always be my reality.
To me, there is no better way to make one's life count than to pour it into another. (God blesses us abundantly so why waste the overflow?) You never know who will outlast you or what lives another can reach that you cannot. For this very reason, I find it vital to pour into another person's life good pockets of hope, information and love. Here at the Dream Center, we are blessed to do just that. The whole Dream Center is of an equal heart to do outreach and what I like to call, "Doing the Holy Bible," to the glory of God. I'm glad I'm here; to be able to use my artistic gifts in Kingdom building is a real treat to me.
-LaQuesha
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