LYNETTE ELLIS
How do you define a God-inspired dream?
A God-Inspired dream is one that you cannot achieve in and of your own power but is so grand that you can't do it without God. It is also, one that burns inside of you until you pursue it and once actualized is the answer to the prayers of many outside of ourselves.
What is your God-inspired dream or personal calling?
My dream was to open a Home Learning and Childcare center that specializes in Speech & Language development. I wanted to go beyond your typical home daycare and create an atmosphere of love, comfort, education, and opportunity for children and their families. Right now I am walking in this dream and hope to expand it in the future. The personal calling that I am living out is a call to create a strong foundation of education and personal relationships within children.
How are you currently living out your dream/calling?
I currently, own a Home Learning Center "Love, Language, & Childcare." I serve 5 pre-K children in home right now. Over the past 4 and 1/2 years I have served children from infant to preschool ages in this way.
Tell us a little about your journey to discover your dream/calling?
I went to school for 6 years to become a Speech Language Pathologist. It was the job that I always thought I wanted but once I started working the job, it was not what I was expecting. I wanted to work with children so that I could build a strong relationships with them and make a lasting impact in their lives. As a Speech Learning Pathologist, I had 60 kids on my caseload and was not able to impact them all in the way I desired. So, I found myself dissatisfied with my job at the time. I have a friend who used to always ask people, "what would you do forever, for free." My answer was always, "I would play with four year olds and do projects with them." I thought to myself, when I get married, I'll do that. I'll open a home daycare and take care of other kids as I raise my own." As time went on I thought, "what am I waiting for?" You don't have to be miserable, you can do what you love now. So, I began to research and pray about opening a Home Daycare. I began to right down all my visions and plans and ideas. This was a big move, I was considering quitting my job and starting my own business. Finally, one Sunday while I was at church, I was asking God, "Is this really what you want me to do? Should I move forward with this." At the end of the service, I went to the altar to get prayer. Before I could even voice my prayer request, the woman who prayed for me said, "I hear God saying, 'Go For It.' My mind was blown! That was my confirmation in that moment that it was time for me to "Go For It" and that this was truly a God-given vision and that I was going to be the answer to many people's prayers as I walked this out.
In what ways does your dream/calling impact others?
I believe that my Childcare setting is impacting the lives of the children I serve in countless ways. They are getting a foundation of biblical principles, communication and relational skills. My current 4 year olds, will be able to enter Kindergarten with foundational math, writing, literacy, and communication skills. More importantly, the foundation of unconditional love and acceptance that they will have experienced with me will carry them throughout their lifetime.
What fears did you have about pursuing your dream and what challenges did you have to overcome?
I feared the pay cut I would I have to take, failing, making a mistake with the children or one of them getting seriously hurt on my watch. I believe I have in someways overcome and someways am still overcoming the challenge of being a business woman. I love what I do with the kids as far as teaching them, relating to them, lesson planning, etc. But the business side of things has been a challenge for me. Another challenge I over came was other people's doubts. I had a lot of support in pursuing this dream, but I also had a lot of people who didn't think I should do it. Most of them had my best interest at heart but it was still difficult to get past the people who couldn't see the vision that God had given me.
What would you say to a woman seeking to ARISE to pursue her God-inspired dream?
God has given you a vision that others can't see until you show it to them. Trust the God in you and know that you hold a treasure that the world needs. Try taking a few steps toward the dream each week. Start writing it all out and making it plain.
Where can people go to learn more about your practice?