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Ready For War…(Another Side To Being A Dreamer)

April 9, 2014 By Chelle Wilson 5 Comments

Reflections ministered by ACTW[pinit count=”horizontal”]

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (ESV)

I am a writer. Writing is my call; the vehicle for my dream. I am also a liturgical dancer. I have ministered through dance as part of an ensemble for more than 10 years. When called upon to minister through dance, we take that call seriously.

My ensemble is filled with praying women; we don’t rehearse, gather, or consider any invitations without much prayer and sober consideration. One of my favorite experiences was being invited to literally “take over worship” at a local church, dancing the Processional, the Hymn of Praise, and Recessional for a Christmas service. I so loved the full integration of dance into worship. We’re ministering as part of a Good Friday service in a week, and I am praying and seeking God’s face in order to be ready.

Dancing my prayers and working hard in worship is another side to being a dreamer. What we don’t talk about enough, what’s important for you to know, is that sometimes dreaming means you should be ready for war. (<==== Click to tweet)

According to one article published about liturgical dance on the web, “Behind the choreography is the belief that the dance must be a heartfelt expression of faith and prayer. It is a physical expression of worship. Young people especially need to see a connection between body, movement and spirit. The aim is not to dazzle audiences but to deepen their religious experience, to make dance a prayer.” When we minister through dance, our goal is to lead participants into deeper worship, inspiring them to experience something they might not have experienced purely as observers or passive congregants. We are worship leaders. You are as well, when you are living out your God-Sized dreams.

We go to war, in all areas of our lives, but it has been my experience, and that of my fellow dreamers, that in pursuing your dreams, there are battles to be fought. I anxiously anticipate warfare – learning the art of spiritual warfare is a critical skill to acquire. I find that with liturgical dance, I minister as much for myself as I do for those in worship with me – and knowing how to fight (in the spirit) expands my capacity as a dancer.

Last year, I attended a liturgical dance workshop facilitated by one of the most gifted dancers and worshippers I know, author and artist Susan Gaddy Pope. I’ve written about the experience of worshipping with, dancing with Susan here. That weekend, we prayed, learned and danced spiritual warfare. It was a remarkable experience. I left both empty and filled, as I was when I wrote this after dancing…

Life is scary. Pray, breathe, and dance anyway. Things will not always go the way you planned them. Pray, breathe, and dance anyway. Dreams that you know God planted within you can sometimes scare you with their scope, the work it will take to bring them to fruition, how far the outcomes seem from where you currently are. Do your part. Pray, breathe, and dance (dream) anyway. Dancing is my reminder that Emmanuel comes.

I use dance to battle in the spirit. Dance is my prayer language. Sometimes I need to dance in order to further my writing. What are your weapons of warfare? Dancing is my reminder that we are never alone, that the dreams He planted within us He will complete. (<=== Click to Tweet) I am reminded that He, not me, is in control. Repeat after me…Pray, breathe, and dance anyway. It’s time for war.

Shared by: Chelle Wilson 

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Filed Under: Dreaming Big, Fears Tossing Your Dream, Living Your Dream

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Chelle Wilson

About Chelle Wilson

Bios tell readers who you are. She prefers that you engage her and decide for yourself. She clutches inherited pearls while tossing dreadlocks. Contentedly enigmatic, read her words if you really want to know who she is. What’s on her playlist as the rhythm of her soul? Hymns, anthems, jazz AND jazz vespers, hip-hop, Gospel and Gregorian Chants. Her gorgeous Boxer Sando taught her so much about Faith, Love, and Trust that she wrote a book about him. Her first love married her nearly 25 years ago, and together with God, they made two beautiful people and a life.
Find me at Treat Me To A Feast:Notes From My Abundant Life, on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and at Amazon.com. I am a regular contributor and founding writer at God Sized Dreams. For four months last year, you could find me on NBC’s Today Show. Who knows where I'll turn up next??

Comments

  1. AvatarAlecia says

    April 9, 2014 at 9:38 am

    I would LOVE to see this in person someday!! I can see how getting caught up in dancing/worshiping would be good for your spirit and for the spiritual battles we all face. Many of these battles keep us from going after our dreams. They stop us before we can even get started. Thank you for reminding us that worship is just as important as dreaming!

    Reply
    • Chelle WilsonChelle Wilson says

      April 9, 2014 at 8:31 pm

      Alecia,
      we danced almost as a roman chorus in a play written by one of our deacons. Dance is my very present reminder that we are not powerless when under attack. There is always something we can do to seek God’s face and worship while He is working in the background. I don’t want people thinking that dreaming is easy…it takes bravery, Grace, and sisters holding your hands and your heart.
      So glad you received this reminder.
      Peace.

      Reply
  2. AvatarMandy says

    April 12, 2014 at 9:11 am

    You know I love this right? So beautiful and powerful! Thanks, Chelle!

    Reply
  3. AvatarElise Daly Parker says

    April 14, 2014 at 3:50 pm

    Beautiful my friend! I am reading an awesome book on spiritual warfar…the battle is real! I know God is dancing through you and you are giving Him back the gift He’s given.

    Reply
  4. AvatarDolly@Soulstops says

    April 14, 2014 at 8:46 pm

    Wow, Chelle…you are talented, but most importantly, I appreciate your heart…Thank you 🙂

    Reply

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