The answer is a resounding YES! Even in the midst of these challenges, I feel liberated. For the past five years, I lived in a state of fear. I was afraid to make a change - fearing the loss of stability and fearing the possibility of failure. Then, I read a book titled "The Dream Giver" by Bruce Wilkinson (author of "The Prayer of Jabez"). It sounds a bit cliché, however, I can honestly say that this book changed my life. It provided me with the insight I needed to take a chance and make a move. The introduction reads:

"Everyone has a dream! You may not be able to describe it. You may have forgotten it. You may even no longer believe in it. But it's there. Meet Ordinary, a Nobody who leaves the Land of Familiar to pursue his Big Dream. Once the Dream Giver convinces him to escape his Comfort Zone, Ordinary begins the journey of his life - overcoming Border Bullies, navigating the Wasteland, and battling the fierce Giants in the Land."

This book is a modern day parable that provided a road map that I am traveling to this day. I urge anyone who has a dream that you are unsuccessfully hiding under such excuses as "I have a responsibility to my family", "Now is not the right time", or "I can't afford failure" consider the possibility that maybe this dream was given to you for a reason. Believe me, it has been incredibly inconvenient for me to pursue this dream. If I could have successfully ignored the nagging voice within, I would have gladly remained in the comfort of Familiar forever.

Now I am in what the book describes as the Wasteland. I have successfully left the Land of Familiar and am now struggling with the realities of the sacrifices I have taken in order to live the Dream. However, I believe the trials I am experiencing are the growing pains necessary for progress to occur. I also believe that God is responsible for this dream and I take this journey with humble confidence that ultimately my efforts will be for His glory.