Last week the US press was all over the story of Susan Boyle, Britain’s Got Talent’s latest discovery. There’s something about her audition which has chastised a culture fixated on looks and sex appeal, and revealed a potential that one could only dream of. Her story has captured people’s hearts and imagination. Another act on the show are worthy of a mention. Flawless are an 11 piece dance outfit that actually live up to their name; their moves and their timing are absolutely astonishing. They said their goal was to “chase the dream, not the competition”. Simon Cowell said he found something powerful in that in the midst of a difficult economic period, there was this group of young people, who liked one another, worked hard and were passionate enough to chase after what they believed in.
These auditions were inspirational.
Inspiration – we need it don’t we? We need the story of an overlooked woman who finally gets her chance to be heard. We need the story of a group of 10 young men from North London who are not a gang, or violent crime statistics, but are hardworking and talented friends, and good role models. Inspiration makes us rise above the mundane and the status quo and reach for something more, reach for the miraculous. It’s inspiring to know that these stories are as real as the tough things in everyday life.
It’s important to be grounded but even in these days, we need to make room for passion, dreams and inspiration. We need people who will reach for impossibilities that will change reality. Those are the dreams that brought an end to racial segregation in the US, that ended apartheid in South Africa. These are the dreams that seek to end human trafficking and care for the environment.
They’re the dreams that hold marriages together and fight for our families, serve communities and cities. These dreams that refuse to say the gospel is irrelevant, or that the church has no potential in today’s world.
Such dreams are not fantasies; they do not expect to be fulfilled quickly or painlessly by the tap of a magic wand. They recognize the requirement of sacrifice, change, perseverance, hard work, and sheer gritty stickability. Fuelled by inspiration and passion; delivered by dedication and sweat.
“Without vision the people perish” Proverbs 29:18
What inspires you? What’s God’s vision for your life?
