Dream In Soul – Creativity for the Kingdom:

In the darkest times our trust and hope is intensified, and when we surrender our strength for His our purpose in Him is clarified… All My Trust is from Chris Biano‘s upcoming worship album God of Now. Watch above and be encouraged as he shares a moving personal story that sparked the writing of the song.

Be sure to support the making of the album through his Kickstarter project by clicking here.

Kickstarter Project Intro

Preview of a New Dream in Soul Fiction Story Series by Julene Fleurmond

One band. One mission. Lots of secrets…

They’re a group of 20-somethings navigating the road of faith, relationships and dreams. Stay tuned for this upcoming fiction series on Dream in Soul, and catch a glimpse into their confessions below…

I creaked open the side stage entrance door a sliver and shakingly sneaked a peek at the mob we were about to confront. Through the thin opening I could see their faces lit dimly by colored spotlights – they didn’t look angry or dangerous, more like excited and harmless. They were definitely not toting pitchforks as they conversed with one another, unaware that I was spying on them to get myself used to the idea that I’d be addressing row after row of them in a few minutes.

The gigantic auditorium, larger than any we’ve ever played, was abuzz with the energetic drone of teens laughing and chatting with their friends as they waited for us to come out and the event to begin. You’d think as many times as I’ve done this before that I’d be over the hovering cloud of anxiety trying to suffocate my enthusiasm. I swallowed my nerves and just hoped I wouldn’t pass out or lose my lunch before or while we were out there. Though that audience looked happy now I’m sure none of them wanted the Chick-fil-A waffle fries and nuggets I’d scarfed down earlier (formerly known as delicious) to make a reappearance.

This was our first big venue, opening for a band I’d been listening to since I was an awkward tween-ager jamming out to my bulky portable CD player (do they even make those anymore?). I should be stoked. So why was I wishing that I was anywhere but here?

Live, Love and Dream For a Greater Purpose from Dream in Soul Creative

When we dream only for what the world calls success we miss out on having a greater impact that can only manifest if we partner with the Creator…

As Spirit-led artists (in every field, not just what we usually deem as “creative”) we can intercede for Heaven to come to Earth & minister God’s heart to inspire the people around us. Eternal dreams are those that at the core focus on drawing in the lost to the only beacon of Hope.

When we allow Him to overshadow our temporary aspirations, He can flow through us to usher in a new movement of creativity that bears fruit, brings light and set captives free. In the Renaissance that He brings in this season, His Kingdom comes and Dream is done. As we create let us have an Eternal perspective and not forget the power we have access to – we are the vessels that can help bring Heaven to Earth.

If our dreams will only make an impact on Earth then we dream too small; aim for a higher, greater goal that will endure into the Eternal.

Remember that the ultimate dream that we can pursue is the Dream-Giver – He is our forever prize.

Watch the powerful video above of a man who despite adversity is using his creativity for the Kingdom to impact others…

We received this moving video from Union Rescue Mission (URM) that is part of their “Stories from Skid Row” mini-documentary series. Featured in the video is Brian Mitchell, URM’s in-house graphic designer who shares his story of going from drug addiction and homelessness to the abundant life…

Brian’s Story

All my life, I felt alone, isolated, like I never really fit anywhere. Even in my own family. Instead of connecting with friends, I retreated into a world of art and fantasy. From the age of 3 or 4, I would spend hours, or even days, drawing characters, making up stories, living in a world that existed only in my head and in my art.

My parents didn’t understand and tried many different ways to change me. So as a teenager, I rebelled — dabbling with LSD, mescaline, mushrooms, whatever I could get my hands on. Hallucinogens brought my art to life. And I loved it. Before long, I was eating 50 to 100 hits a day.

Then I found crystal meth. And that was it. Meth enabled me to focus on my art at a whole new level. Not only that, I could draw for three days straight, until my body would collapse from exhaustion. But I craved it.

Somehow, in all that insanity, I got married in my early 20s. My wife even gave birth to two sons. But both were born with serious health problems. My first son was born with DiGeorge Syndrome, kind of a cross between autism and Down Syndrome. My second son was born with an incurable heart condition and I had to make the heart-breaking decision to take him off life support. When he died, so did my marriage.

The Loneliness of Homelessness

After that, everything fell apart. My wife fell into prostitution and heroin addiction. My surviving son ended up with my wife’s aunt. And I ended up living on the streets for the next seven years, isolated and alone, disconnected from everyone but my drug dealers.

But as I grew lonelier and more exhausted, I wanted to change. That’s when I came to Union Rescue Mission. I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into, but when I walked inside the building, the compassion and love I felt brought me to tears. I felt known, like everyone here could see me — the real me. I wasn’t alone anymore. And something about that made me want to be the best man I could be.

The Real Me

I gave my life to Jesus that first day and I have never craved drugs since. I took advantage of every service the Mission offered, from health and dental care, to counseling and spiritual care. They met every need I had. And I have never felt so alive physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’ve rebuilt relationships with my family, and even my son. And, I returned to school, and I’m now working full-time as a graphic artist.

I never knew this kind of life was possible, and I never would have experienced it apart from Union Rescue Mission. Because the people here were willing to show me compassion and love me, I am a real person now. URM didn’t give me my life back. The truth is, I never had a life. What I can say is, thanks to URM, I now have a life.

About Union Rescue Mission

Union Rescue Mission (URM) is dedicated to serving men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. We provide comprehensive emergency and long-term services to our guests to help them escape the dangerous streets of Skid Row.

URM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established in 1891. Today, we are one of the largest rescue missions of our kind in the United States, and the oldest in Los Angeles.

“The caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things unknown but longed for still and his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom.” – Maya Angelou

Imagine being stuck in a constricting cage – then realizing that you have placed those bars of boundary around yourself. People pleasing & fear of man are two snares I have found release from in this season (sometimes in painful and uncomfortable ways) – but it’s amazing how much freedom there is in seeking to please One…

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

My struggle with anxiety and insecurity started when I was a shy little girl caged in fear that grew as I did. Not knowing where my identity truly originates from I tried to place it anywhere or in anyone elses’ affirmation other than the one that matters most.

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25(NIV)

Being bound to the opinions and expectations of others is like a disease that squeezes the life out of your heart and keeps you from being free – the real you that God created. …Rejection and isolation hurt but sometimes He uses just that to break the chains of anxiety and imprisonment that held you, and shakes the places where you placed your identity so you can have a firm foundation in Him.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Approval addiction may go undetected when we long to belong & be accepted, but the condition’s only cure is affirmation from the Creator of the Universe. There is no greater way of being known and loved then having true ‪‎validation from above‬. Look to Him to know who you truly are…

But now, this is what the Lord says—
He who created you, Jacob,
He who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)

Maybe you can relate to my journey to finding my true Identity, watch the video below for a creative summary of my story: