Good Morning!

Life, as we know it, has undoubtedly changed in the last week! The good news is that we now have new chances to dream, imagine, and create. No matter what our current circumstances are, we can create our hearts’ desires by clearing our minds of the old defaults and embracing our deep yearnings, as well as unexpected opportunities. Of course, this involves intentional self-care to free our minds from excessive thoughts that have taken up residence with ‘free rent,’ minimizing our busyness, and making space for new strategies. I found this quote and was impressed by its simplicity and impact:

Gym quotes: Create your vision, then go beast mode to achieve it.

When was the last time you went Beast Mode on anything? I was intrigued, so I did some research. Beast Mode began as a nickname for football running back Marshawn Lynch, which he trademarked in 2009. It has become a lifestyle of commitment to live life fiercely.

I also discovered 10 Ways to Unleash the Beast in You (everdaypower.com, 6/2021). They are as follows:

  • Face your fears – not being fearless, but fearing less
  • Train yourself like an athlete – syncing the mind and body provides mental, emotional, and physical power
  • Manage your nerves – honor the nerves and accept the underlying excitement
  • Challenge yourself regularly and keep learning – let this become the new comfort zone
  • Be courageous in your communication – be honest, speak truth
  • Don’t be afraid of your own shadow – don’t be scared of the darker sides; understand and control them
  • Be humble and grateful – actively embrace an attitude of gratitude
  • Use powerful language – use empowering words and challenge limiting beliefs
  • Get stuff done – turn thoughts into action
  • Trust yourself – release the inner lion or lioness and be unstoppable!

I had a moment of pure humility when I realized how these guidelines reflect many Scripture passages. I immediately recognized parts of the Beatitudes (Matt 5:3-16), the call to courage (Deuteronomy 31:6-7, 23; 1:6-7, 9, 18,), how to treat our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), managing our nerves (Matthew 6:25-24), speaking truth (Psalm 15:2, 52:3, Proverbs 22:21), humility (Ephesians 4:2), and more. So many beautiful parallels that feed into our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.

In his book, In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day, author Mark Batterson writes about seizing and thriving when faced with opportunities. He talks about stepping out in faith to chase lions and honor God. Based on 2 Samuel 23:20-21, Mr. Batterson writes about a little-known warrior named Benaiah and how he chased a lion. He writes:

“God is in the business of strategically positioning us in the right place at the right time. A sense of destiny is our birthright as followers of Christ. God is awfully good at getting us where He wants us to go. But here’s the catch: The right place often seems like the wrong place, and the right time often seems like the wrong time.”

Later, Batterson writes:

“He [God] is always using past experiences to prepare us for future opportunities. But those God-given opportunities often come disguised as man-eating lions. And how we react when we encounter those lions will determine our destiny. We can cower in fear and run away from our greatest challenges. Or we can chase our God-ordained destiny by seizing the God-ordained opportunity.”

Such wisdom, I’ll bet Mr. Batterson has seen some adversity, just as many of us have experienced what sometimes feels like debilitating disappointments at various stages of our lives. Maybe we’re going through a trial now. Perhaps we’re beginning to heal. Or we might be defining our passion and entering into a new season. Ultimately, creating our vision does demand us to seek opportunities and fiercely pursue our dreams in Beast Mode.

Entertain spending some time reviewing the Scriptures noted above. Ponder the ways Beast Mode can support dreams. Allow creativity to blossom into vision. Take note of and meditate on Habakkuk 3:2:

“For the revelation awaits an appointed time;

    it speaks of the end and will not prove false.

Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

Be encouraged, feel affirmed, fear less, speak truth, honor yourself. Embrace Beast Mode this week. I can’t wait to learn of your victories!

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda