The Importance of Silence
I’ve been reflecting on the importance of silence—knowing when to speak and hold back, especially regarding my projects. I’ve realized how sensitive I am about my ideas; sometimes, out of sheer excitement, I share too much, often not with the right audience. This has led me to examine my mental space and recognize that I was subconsciously seeking external validation. While it feels nice to be acknowledged, that temporary high can quickly fade, leaving us vulnerable after exposing our dreams too soon. This can be dangerously detrimental to our future and hinder our potential to achieve our greatest accomplishments.
I’ve come to understand that external validation doesn’t require faith, and ultimately, our life’s journey is about developing our relationship with the Most High. Faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). God provides what we need when we need it, but often, we try to jump ahead, believing we know a faster route, only to encounter delays that jeopardize our dreams. Timing truly is everything. By observing the underlying reasons for our actions, we can heal superficial needs and align ourselves with the right path. Naturally, these thoughts led me to scripture, nudging me to read Exodus.
Biblical Parallels
In the biblical narratives of Pharaoh and King Herod, both rulers sought to eliminate infants to protect their thrones, driven by fear of a future that threatened their power. Pharaoh ordered the killing of Hebrew baby boys to suppress the rise of a potential savior (Exodus 1:22), while Herod sought to eliminate Jesus, the prophesied King, fearing the loss of his dominion (Matthew 2:16-18). This dark parallel symbolizes the struggle we face when pursuing our God-given dreams and ideas. Just as Pharaohs and Herod’s attempt to extinguish new beginnings out of fear and disbelief, we often encounter skepticism, doubt, and opposition from those who may not understand our vision.
To protect our dreams, we must guard our ideas against the negativity of “unbelievers”—whether they are people, doubts, or circumstances that threaten to undermine our pursuit. This requires faith, resilience, and a commitment to nurturing our aspirations, much like the holy families in those biblical stories who sought safety and guidance.
Modern-Day Reflections
The act of protecting our dreams can be seen as a modern-day reflection of the biblical fight against forces that seek to snuff out potential. Just as the infants were destined for greatness, our dreams are birthed from divine inspiration and are meant to flourish in a world that sometimes feels hostile to their existence. In this way, we honor the courage of those biblical narratives by fiercely protecting our visions and pursuing the paths that God has laid before us.
In Exodus 1:22, Pharaoh commanded that all Hebrew boys be thrown into the Nile to curb the growth of the Israelite population. In a courageous act of defiance, Moses’ mother chose to protect her son, hiding him for as long as she could. When he became too large to conceal, she placed him in a basket among the reeds, trusting that God would protect him and fulfill his destiny (Exodus 2:1-3). This story serves as a powerful metaphor for how we nurture and protect our ideas and dreams.
Nurturing Our Dreams
Just as Moses’ mother safeguarded her son in a hostile environment, we must shield our visions from skepticism, doubt, and negativity until they are ready to be revealed. Eventually, there comes a time when we can no longer keep our ideas hidden; they grow too big and too important to remain unshared. However, just as Moses’ mother made a deliberate choice about how and where to place her son, we too must be intentional about whom we share our ideas with.
It’s crucial to seek out those who can genuinely support us in executing our vision—mentors, allies, and collaborators who believe in our potential and can help nurture our dreams into reality. In a world where many may not understand or appreciate our aspirations, it’s essential to discern who we allow into our creative process.
The Right Audience
Sharing our ideas with the right people can lead to encouragement, constructive feedback, and the resources necessary for growth. Just like Moses was placed in a safe environment to fulfill his purpose, we should cultivate our ideas in spaces where they can thrive. Conversely, sharing our dreams with the wrong people can have detrimental effects. Skeptics and naysayers can sow seeds of doubt, stifling our creativity and undermining our confidence. When we expose our visions to those who lack understanding or belief, we risk receiving criticism that can discourage us from pursuing our goals.
The wrong audience can lead to misinterpretation, mockery, or even sabotage, causing us to second-guess our instincts and abandon our ideas altogether. Just as Moses could have faced grave danger if placed in the wrong hands, our dreams can be jeopardized by negative influences or toxic environments.
Creating a Nurturing Atmosphere
By consciously choosing to share our visions with supportive, uplifting individuals, we create a nurturing atmosphere that fosters growth and resilience, allowing our ideas to flourish and ultimately fulfill their divine purpose. Protecting our ideas is not just about silence; it's about discernment, faith, and the courage to nurture what God has placed within us until it’s ready to take flight.
"Nurture your dreams like seeds; with patience, care, and persistence, they will grow into the reality you envision."-Unknown author
Conclusion: Cultivating Our Aspirations
In conclusion, our dreams are exactly that—ours. While the desire to share them with others is natural, we must challenge ourselves to be more discerning and protect our ideas during their vulnerable stages. This might even mean not sharing them with those closest to us. Although this can often feel disheartening and may lead to feelings of alienation, it is crucial to seek strength and guidance from God. We must trust that those who truly love us will continue to support us, regardless of our choices.
Ultimately, we must do what is necessary to push forward, remaining obedient to the instructions given to us. These divine instructions come from God, who knows the best plan for our lives, and His plan is what leads to ultimate fulfillment.
As the author and speaker, Marianne Williamson beautifully said, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Let this be a reminder to reflect on the power within us to nurture our dreams and protect them until they are ready to take flight.
Affirmation
"I am worthy of my dreams, and I trust in the timing of my journey. I protect my visions with courage and discernment, knowing that they are divinely inspired."
Reflection
Take a moment to reflect: Are there dreams you’ve shared too soon? Who are the people in your life that uplift and support your aspirations? Consider journaling about your thoughts and feelings regarding your ideas—this can help you identify the right audience and the steps needed to nurture your dreams while staying true to your path.
God bless and be well,
Much love,
Shakila B.
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