The title of my blog is Hope, Vision, Ambition, Completion. I chose this title because I believe this reflects the sequence that takes place before our dreams are manifested. My first blog discussed hope and its importance in maintaining our mental health as well as the motivation that comes from our hopes becoming reality. I feel now that it is only appropriate to discuss the next phase in the sequence, vision.

The definition of vision, taken from www.dictionary.com, is

1. the act or power of sensing with the eyes; sight.

2. the act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be

3. an experience in which a person, thing, or event appears vividly or credibly to the mind, although not actually present, often under the influence of a divine or other agency

4. something seen or otherwise perceived during such an experience.

5. a vivid, imaginative conception or anticipation

As defined in the dictionary a vision is something we can see physically or it can be an image maintained in our mind. Whether with our senses or our peception, vision is something we can see. We have all heard the saying, “Seeing is believing.” If we see our life as we want it to be and can truly gain a picture of ourselves in the role we desire, we can believe in its possibilities. But a vision is much more than a fantasy or imagination, it is a realisitic clear picture of the plans we have for our future. It is more than imagining the expensive car or house we plan to own or the attactive mate we hope to meet. It is recognizing who we were created to be. It is knowing that the talents and abilities we were born with were given to us for a purpose. They were hand selected for us in order that we could complete our purpose and destiny.

During my empowerment speech in February, I discussed that every person is born with abilities that allow us to be great at the things we have a passion for. I was very bold and said, “We were all created to be good at something.” I wanted to substantiate that statement with evidence. So I researched biology and talent. Sure enough I discovered that we are all born with certain personality traits and talents that coincide with future aspirations. These genetic traits are designed to make us good at what we desire to do. For instance, I shared that while growing up I always got into trouble for talking alot. I talked to my schoolmates in class, people in the line at the grocery store, knew the ice cream man on a first name basis, even hung out with the retired man next door. For years my mom would get called into parent teacher conferences and they’d say, “Mrs. Jones, April is such a smart girl but she just won’t stop talking.” Or I’d hear my mom yell, “What are you doing?! You can’t just talk to strangers or go inside people’s houses!!” It never made sense to me. I remember feeling that life is meant to be enjoyed with others and intimacy is so important to our emotional health. I was outgoing, I loved making friends and no amount of criticism or correction would change that. Now mind you, I know that with maturity comes responsibiltiy and eventually I grew up and realized the importance of my mom’s words. I eventually developed a healthy balance. However, nothing could change my social personality. What for many years got me in trouble, caused me to be judged and even led to many misconceptions about me, was the very trait that has allowed me to be a successful therapist and motivational speaker. I was not born social and outgoing because I was supposed to change it and learn to be quiet and secluded. I was born this way because these characteristics would later assist me in being successful at my passion.

A scripture in the Bible says that when we trust in the Lord, He gives us the desires and secret petitions of our heart. Many people misread this scripture. This scripture is not saying that God gives us everything we desire, it is saying He gives us our desires. He places desires in our heart, which is why even from a young age we feel drawn to a certain profession, group of people, part of the world, organization, talent etc. These passions become more defined as we commit our desires, vision or passions over to the Lord for guidance. More importantly, when we commit them to the Lord, our purpose and plan begin to unfold. Our fantasies and imaginations now take the form of a vision. With a vision in place it is much easier to form short and long term goals. Forming goals is essential in making hope and vision a reality. But I do want to emphasize that commiting our hopes to the Lord is helpful, because when He places a desire in our heart, we can rest assured that it will be fulfilled. We can also trust that He will provide ALL that we need in order to accomplish them.

Proverbs 29:18 reads, “Where there is no vision (no redemptive revelation from God), the people perish…” This verse describes that without vision we simply exist but fail to thrive. It also states that our vision is revealed to us through God. For example, many of us have met someone that appears to float through life with no clear direction. They never seem to be able to commit to anything such as; friendships, school, relationships, church, careers, personal style, decisions, locations etc. Could it be that this person has not taken the time or been unable to actually develop a clear vision? Perhaps they just don’t believe they can hear God. As a result, this person is not thriving, they just exist. They do not leave their mark on the world and are seldom remembered for their contributions. This demonstrates the importance of the revelation of our vision. A vision must be revealed to us not simply fantasized or imagined. When a vision is revealed it comes with an understanding of its value, a strong desire to see it fulfilled and a determination to move toward it. It is purposeful, holds meaning and feels obtainable.

A vision is given to us through faith and grace. Hebrews 11:1 reads, “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Grace is defined in the Bible as the undeserved, unearned, unmertited favor of God. “For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws themonce they are given, and He does not change His mind about who he gives His grace or to whom He sends His call] “Romans 11:29. This means that God will never change his mind about us! He will never reveal a vision to us, give us desires, equip us with the genetic capabilities, then take it back. No matter what we do, how we fail, the mistakes we make, sins we commit, or even deny his exsistence…his plan and purpose for us is there and ready to be revealed once we ask Him for direction and let go of our ways. Our ways are simply our plans, our desires, our methods. When we get out of His way, he can take control and make all things work together for our good. It is really simple, although we make it so difficult. I’ve had my accomplishments, I’ve had my successes, but I KNOW that without God’s grace it would have never been possible.

But as always I love you guys! You are beautiful, you are blessed, you are strong. Thanks for reading, see you next time.

April Jones MS, MFTI