Hey God, “Thanks But No Thanks!”
Guest Post by Pamela Lozano
Hey God, “No Thanks!”
When we head out toward a dream that God has put in our heart, it’s a good thing we don’t know where that dream may lead us or what we might face along the way.
If we knew up front all the hurdles we’d have to jump, the criticisms we’d have to face, the hardships we’d have to tackle, and the self-doubts we’d have to conquer - we would probably just crawl back under the covers and say, “Hey God, No Thanks!”
A Dream Is Born
Six and a half years ago I launched into one of my dreams. I wish I could say it’s been easy...
After being a youth pastor for fifteen years, I heard a lot of stories from teen girls who were dealing with self-hatred; girls who despised the way they looked. And as a result, many of them struggling with eating disorder and other issues of self-harm. Most of these stories came from “churched-girls” who had grown up in homes with loving parents who only wanted the best for them. Yet behind closed doors, many of these girls were struggling to cope with life, and desperately struggling to love themselves.
Pure Design Ministries
As I continued pastoring, my heart broke and I began dreaming of ways I could help teen girls - both within the church but also through a role well beyond the church. So, in 2012, I launched Pure Design Ministries.
Pure Design Ministries is a non-profit 501C 3 organization that seeks to create a counter-cultural brand that empowers girls to set higher standards by imparting confidence through truth and authenticity. We primarily accomplish our mission through blogs, social media posts, online and in-print publications and annual conferences.
Pure Design Teen Magazine was the first key piece. This dream began as I looked for a tangible way to get into the lives and homes of as many teenage girls as possible. Without any prior knowledge in publication or printing, I asked my fifteen-year-old daughter, who loved fashion, to start a magazine with me. This magazine would merge my love for mentoring girls and my daughter’s passion for fashion! Excitedly, she agreed. So we reached out to a couple friends and their daughters and now six years later we have a team of twenty-five volunteers and many others who help with our publications and events!
I wish I could say this ministry and the magazine took off like a rocket, but the reality is growth has been very slow, yet thankfully, also very steady. It hasn’t been easy, but the satisfaction of doing something I am both passionate about and believe deeply in is indescribable. Add to that the deep sense of knowing I’m right where I’m supposed to be, and I am able to embrace this place and be at peace.
Three Lessons I’ve Learned Along The Way
Here are three lessons I’ve learned along the way that I hope will encourage you as you pursue your dream.
You carry the vision for your dream more passionately than anyone else
There have been several amazing women on my team over the years, but no one lives, eats, breathes and sleeps the vision of my dream like I do. The women on our team are absolutely vital to carry out what we do, but I am responsible to care for the dream God has entrusted to me.
You must have a long-term mentality
We live in a culture that idolizes instant popularity, growth and fame. However, for dreams to truly last they have to be built over time with hard work, effort…and a lot of prayer. Make sure you are passionate before you launch your dream, and make sure you have the stamina and commitment to keep with it, maybe even without pay for a long period of time.
God’s delays are divine delays
I’ve come to embrace the term “divine delays.” In the past two years, I’ve experienced more delays than ever. Things I hoped to accomplish were shelved, money I hoped to make didn’t come in, and collaborations I hoped would come together didn’t come through. I have learned to trust that God’s timing is absolutely perfect, and His delays are purposeful. I know God doesn’t delay His promises to punish me, but to prepare me for something better down the road. His delays are ultimately for my good.
Dream On
These three keys may not sound fun, but the joy of walking in your purpose and accomplishing our dreams is unmeasurable. Begin today by crawling out from under the covers and say “Yes” to the things God has called you to do.
Pam Lozano
Pam Lozano is the Founder and President of Pure Design Ministries and Teen Magazine. She has been a youth pastor for over 20 years and currently works with her husband at Oasis City Church in Westerville, Ohio. She loves investing in and mentoring the next generation to raise them up to be who God has designed them to be. Pam loves to sing on the worship team, write, drink Starbucks with friends, and go for long walks.
Pure Design’s website & social media platforms are:
Purchase Pure Design Teen Magazine, The Pure Beauty Devo. and other great products at: www.puredesigngirl.com
PS - If I can help you fulfill your dreams in 2019, schedule your 20 minute no-obligation get-to-know-you session today.