I read this today and thought of the work Freedom Resource Center staff does with each of the consumers that walk through our doors and/or call us on the telephone:

A few weeks ago I met a man who told a story I shall never forget.    

When he was in third grade, his schoolteacher told his mom that he’d never amount to much. “Lower your expectations,” his mother was advised. (Can you imagine!)

But, he added, there were three adults in his community that supported him even when others had given up on him. A Barber, a Pastor and a Neighbor were there for him through the years, making sure he understood his homework, thought about his future, and shared his report cards.  

“They held my dreams for me until I could hold them myself,” the man said. Today he’s an accomplished leader in a large nonprofit.   

How do we “hold dreams for others until they can hold them for themselves?”

This story from Terry Chadsey, Center for Courage, is very important to me because this is what my parents and I were told when I was in 6th grade.  I am grateful that my parents encouraged me to discover and hold dreams…I’m sure they held my dreams until I was able to hold them myself. Makes me pause and wonder…whose dreams am I holding? Who’s holding my dreams?

Wishing each and every one of you peace and wellbeing as you hold the dreams of others, until they can hold them for themselves.

PS: Remember to hold the one’s you love just a little closer and tighter this week (without expectations).