Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.

Today’s episode, “March or Dance?”, looks at the reason I started this podcast and the challenges I am facing when it comes to fulfilling my purpose. Journey alongside me as we are encouraged, refreshed, and energized together…

Hello, friends! Welcome to my podcast. I’m so excited to share an encouraging thought along with a story each week. People are undergoing some of the most stretching times in history and today more than ever we need to be determined if we are to fulfill our purpose in life.

Show notes: March or Dance? 

I’ll never forget the day that the thought, the God-nudge flooded my mind in that deep, quiet part within. God whispered that I had marched for Him and that was good but now he wanted me to dance with him instead.

That analogy meant so much to me. I wept, then trembled with fear. It was one thing to march. If you’ve ever watched a high school band at a football game, you’ll notice a set pattern. They’ve perfected their routine before the game. And practiced as often as they could. Got the steps down pat. Totally prepared.

Like I tended to be.

But dancing, the kind I knew God was talking about, would be very different. I was being asked to join and not take the lead. I wouldn’t know exactly where on the dance floor I might end up. Maybe a quiet corner, or in a group of other dancers, or even in the center of the room, drawing every eye to us.

As the orchestra played in the background, it would change and so would the dance. A fiery tango. A beautiful waltz. The Macarena? Even line dancing wouldn’t be out of the question.

Some parts would remain the same. I would still need the determination, the perseverance I’d learned over my years of marching for God.

But it wouldn’t be the determination to follow the patterns and stay in perfect line and timing. Instead, it would be the determination to surrender to God’s will.

Every time. Like writing a novel. Starting a podcast. Obedient, step by step.

I would follow God’s dance, his lead, his music, and go to the part of the dance floor where He led. At times, I could be asked to sit out a dance and rest.

A different determination. A daily determination.

As I began to dance, very tentative at first, I learned some interesting lessons.

1. I would feel awkward at times. Learning anything new pulls me way out of my comfort zone.
2. I tend to procrastinate or hide when I’m out of said comfort zone.
3. Not only did I need the help of God but I needed others to come alongside me.

To follow through on the shift from marching to dancing, I could not be afraid to the point of flight or be too proud to ask for help.

I needed to sell out. To live from both sides of my brain AND my heart.

You will too.

To this point in my journey, I’ve struggled with forward progress at times.

Held back by:

1. Fear
2. Discouragement
3. Family members
4. Friends
5. My job
6. My religious organization
7. My social life

It really all boiled down to one thing. What would people think? In high school, I had the same problem I still have today. I never was good at letting go and having fun at a dance. I wondered if people were watching me, what they might be saying, maybe even laughing at me behind my back.

But I decided I wanted to discover the part and purpose God has for me. If the world laughs, so be it. I have the greatest dance partner in the world and it’s time to let go.

How?

Over the last few years, my novel writing had slowed. To a trickle. The writing had not flowed freely in quite a while. I had a lot going on in my life: my husband had several surgeries as did my mother. I was dealing with my own health issues and there were some relationship challenges. I found myself at a place where I struggled to make simple decisions, much less write. By the end of March, 2020, I knew something had to change. When I heard my favorite author had openings for consulting, I sent an email. Anything had to be better than being stuck. He accepted my cry for help. With help, I slowly emerged from the well I’d slipped into.  I’ve now been in the coaching program for ten months. I’ve learned so much about writing, marketing, and most important of all, branding. I figured out who I was and began to write from that place.

The writing flowed. But it wasn’t easy. I had to answer questions. Think. Dig deep. Figure out who I was and why I even wanted to dance. I wouldn’t take anything for what I’ve learned.

How about you? Are you ready to take a leap of faith? God has plans and purposes just for you. For your relationships. Your work. Your play. Your reaching out to the world around you.

Do you tend to hide or procrastinate like me? I so understand but you don’t want to miss what lies ahead. God has a plan and purpose for you beyond what you can ask or think.

Let’s pray:

Father God, we come to you now, to join the dance you’ve invited us to. We want to know your plans and purpose for our lives. We surrender our fears, our misguided cares, our hiding and our stalling. We want you, God. Lead us onto the dance floor of life. We are ready. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Feel better? I do. And I’m glad we’re journeying together.

Until next time. Stay determined to dance.

Future topics include:

1. Our determination to dance.
2. Listening and hearing.
3. Reflection and Prayer.
4. Procrastination.
5. What will people think?
6. Stepping forth.

And much more…

Links mentioned in this episode:

My website

My writing consultant/coach

Remember:

March or Dance?

Video of the week

I absolutely love music and each week, I’d like to share an upbeat song we can enjoy together. 🙂