Step out from the Shadows – Fri 5/7/2021
Dream:
There you were, standing nervously behind the curtains of the stage, in the shadows. As the moderator spoke, you reflected and reminisced on years gone by, that led to this moment.
Always minding your own business, happy with working behind the scenes. Helping others to shine. Often unnoticed, and overlooked, you were steadfast in your day to day activities, committed, loyal, arriving early while others slept. Once the work was done, here they came, full of their own self-importance, oblivious of you, a faceless nobody.
For you, no task was too small, each requiring attention to detail, much like an artist mindful of every stroke upon a blank canvas, painstakingly bringing forth a work of art, a masterpiece.
Whether it was greeting visitors, managing the phones, ordering supplies, sending out invites to events that you yourself were not invited to, you were there. It did not matter that no one saw the work that you did while others took the credit. You were a team player, doing your part. All you cared about was that you walked in purpose for that given assignment at that given time.
Whether at work, church, a community play, or family event, your work reflected your commitment to excellence. Each task completed wiith a smile and a flair that seemed effortless. Graceful even in your walk, your eyes scanned the room, watching for telltale signs of a problem.
When the event was over, special guests were acknowledged, awards given out and the guests were gone, there you were – cleaning up the spills, mopping the floors, washing the dishes, throwing out the trash – you made a mental note to remember next time to not pay the janitor and dishwasher in advance. Both of them had slipped out not caring that you were stuck and left alone to clean up, throw away the trash, and turn out the lights.
After you cleaned up and every dish, glass & utensil was put away, you locked the event hall and departed with a paper plate in hand laden with leftovers. You walked the short disance to the subway. It was already midnight but you were grateful that in the city that never sleeps, there were still people out and about. Forty minutes later, you got off your train stop at Newkirk Avenue and took the stairs up to the street. An old man stepped out from the shadows.
But you were not afraid as this was your routine begun three years ago on a cold winter’s night when somoene tried to rob you. “How you doing Ms. Tee?” “I’m doing good Mr. Charles, praise God. How you doing, you staying out of trouble?” “Yup, trying as best as I can. I waited for you, to make sure you get home safely”
We walked the four blocks in silence toward the building where I lived. I stopped at the door and took out the door key. “I appreciate you Mr. C. And here you go, this plate is for you. You enjoy it now.” A huge grin spread across his face. “Thank you Ms. Tee. Get some rest now.” “Thank you Mr. Charles, same for you.”
There you were, standing nervously on stage, in the shadows, when you heard your name called – simultaneously from the front of the stage as well as behind you, whispering in your right ear. You recognized and turned to the Voice behind you, familiar, assuring and reassuring.
Voice: Get ready, it’s your turn. It’s your time.
Me: Huh?
Voice: I said get ready, it’s your turn.
Me: What? I’m not going out there for all to see, to be criticized, and tomatoes thrown at me again, amidst boos and jeers and criticisms. I am staying right here. Someone else can be the star.
Voice: Not this time. It’s your turn. Your voice must be heard, but you must also be seen.
Me: I ain’t ready for this.
Voice: But you are. You’ve been in a holding pattern for what may have seemed endless waiting, more than 40 years. Because of the weight you carry from the cargo and the passengers, you have been in a holding pattern. Everything had to be made ready. The runway is lit and you are about to land.
Me: But the spotlights are glaring, blinding me.
Voice: Don’t worry about those lights, you do not need those lights or your natural eyes to land safely. Never mind the boos or the criticisms. You have weathered the turbulence and the storms, traversed terrain not crossed by many. Trust me. I am Your Light and you reflect My Light which is greater than those lights. Trust the instruments in this vessel, this plane that I have created. Listen to my Voice to instruct and guide you. You will be all right. Get ready. You are coming In for a landing. Those lights may feel intimidating, but stay focused.
You are not alone. I have extra troops standing by, awaiting orders.
Let your Light shine before men and they will see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Go ahead. Step out from the Shadows!