Expect the Unexpected

Wow, it doesn’t seem like it’s possible but 1 year ago I was in New York anxiously awaiting to figure out what it was that I was getting into. I was about to meet other young adults who had the same passion and desire as I did, a passion and desire to serve God and enter into ministry. 3 weeks of training went by and we were commissioned as the class of 2013 and now it’s mid July 2014, which means, I have been serving with the Dallas Leadership Foundation in Dallas, TX for almost a year now (later blog to come as to what’s happened in the year since I have been in Texas). Yeah, coming to Texas was never on my radar until God placed the opportunity in front of me and decided to send me to Texas, so you can definitely say that it was the unexpected.

It seems to me like that’s how God is, He is always full of surprises and when you think you have life figured out, He will toss you a curve ball that you never expected. Expect the unexpected and expect great things from God.

Now that I am almost 1 year into my ministry assignment, I am finding myself wondering, “what’s next?” even though I still have a year left where I am. While I may not know all the answers and I may not currently know what’s next, I do realize that God is putting things on my mind as to what may possibly be next and all I can say right now is that it truly is the “unexpected” since one possible path is one that I have been saying “no” to since I started this ministry journey but lately, God has been stirring things inside me which may change that “no” to a “yes”.

So, expect the unexpected when God's involved in the picture and expect great things from God since His plan is always great and while we may not see the bigger picture, He will reveal to us just the right amount that we need to see and place us where we need to be.

- Hayley Terrell, DLF Intern

The Power of Unity

There is something amazing that occurs when people unite. It is a chemical reaction between people and life experiences that creates the product of hope. Celebration of Hope, hosted annually by Dallas Leadership Foundation, was nothing less. They unite with partners from around the city and together they bring hope to the less fortunate in the city. But, this event not only blesses the less fortunate but it also blesses the volunteers as well, making the event even more powerful. 

Before the sun was up and the city was awake, Dallas residents joined Dallas Leadership Foundation in setting up tables, signs, and tools. Then at 7 am, the volunteers began to arrive. Although it was early in the morning, the atmosphere was joyful. You could feel the positive energy from everyone. After the volunteers registered, they were given a substantial breakfast consisting of bagels, yogurt, and fruit. Then, everyone circled up for a word of prayer. To those in the circle it was a simple prayer. But, to those who witnessed it from the outside, it was a circle of unity between all races, all ages, and both sexes. It is  truly refreshing to be reminded of our true purpose, and what we as people have in common. To be reminded that there is more to life than what we know, ‘or what we think we know.'

After the circle up, everyone met up with their leaders to begin their day of work. The day went by peacefully and swiftly. Everyone worked cooperatively with each other. But, most importantly our event brought hope and love to others.

It is amazing what we can do in this day and age. When so many things go wrong and so many people are filled with despair from warfare, poverty, sickness, and personal esteem. We may not have healed the entire world with our works that Saturday, but we believe that Jesus has a plan for the future of this world and that we can help one person at a time. Jesus is what we have to hope for, and Jesus is who we work for.

Be blessed.

- Guest blogger Allison Hall