Dare to Dream (Sometimes Dreams Do Come True)

Dare to Dream

(Sometimes Dreams Come True)

The Opportunity

On Thursday, August 29, 2013, I had the privilege of taping a 13 minute segment for Magnify Him, the flagship music program that airs on 3ABN’s new Dare to Dream urban network.  Needless to say, this was a major milestone for SYR Ministries; and, I am very grateful for the opportunity.  If things go as planned, my taping will be shown in the next few months or so.  I will be one of the two featured artists on the show.  For the program, I participated in a brief interview and ministered two of my original songs, “If I Would Trust God” and “All You Need”.  As many of you know, “All You Need” was officially released as a single in August 2013.  Both songs are also on my one and only album, If I Would Trust God. For those who are interested in seeing the program, please rest assured that I will send out an announcement as soon as I receive the program’s air date.

Watch Shondolyn’s Appearance on Dare to Dream Now

Dare to Dream

Over the past few days, the media has seemed to be in an uproar concerning the quality of programming on television.  It is becoming increasingly difficult to sit in front of the television set with your family without an inappropriate comment being said, inappropriate clothing being worn, or Christian values being mocked.  For that reason, networks like Dare to Dream have been a dream come true for many. 

My family was first introduced to the Dare to Dream network in January of 2012.  At the time, we had already been enjoying 3ABN programming at home, so we were excited to find out that a new network had been created with an urban focus.  Dare to Dream is the only 24-hour Christian network of its kind because it is dedicated to addressing the problems of crime, poverty, substance abuse, the erosion of the family unit, and chronic health concerns.  Besides watching Magnify Him, we also enjoy tuning in to watch shows on finances, marriage, vegetarian and vegan cooking, and sermons. For example, there is a marriage show that we love called Making it Work.  It is hosted by Dr. Kim & Arthur Nowlin.  They are a fun-loving couple who speak very candidly about the challenges of marriage and how to work through those challenges.  After watching their show, future couples would definitely go into marriage with their eyes wide open, and current couples will gain a new perspective on things as they realize that they are not alone.

Related Links

Magnify Him

When it comes to Christian music programs, Magnify Him will always rank at the top of my list.  To be honest, I always wanted to be on the show; but, I could never bring myself to actually send in my information.  Even though an appearance would have been like a dream come true, it seemed highly unlikely.

Part of the show’s appeal is the format.  The entire program is dedicated to featuring two Christian artists.  In most cases, you get to hear each artist minister two songs and give a short interview.  This is beneficial because it is good to get to know a little about the people behind the music.  Many times, artists are supported based solely on their singing, but, there is usually more to each of them than meets the eye.  It’s easier to connect with and relate to people when you learn their story or a little about their background.

While preparing for the taping, I really enjoyed meeting and working with the staff on the set of Magnify Him.  Initially, Dr. Yvonne Lewis emailed me directly concerning the preliminary information, and then Ms. Kathy Dugger kept in contact during the weeks leading up to the taping to make sure that I was well prepared.  Even though it could have been quite intimidating, both Ms. Dugger and Dr. Lewis did a wonderful job of making me feel comfortable and at ease throughout the entire process.  I truly felt welcomed and “at home.”  

 
The rest of the crew was just as exceptional.  Everyone from the stage manager to the audio engineer was very friendly and made me feel at ease.  Just before the taping began, they invited my husband to join us as a word of prayer was offered; and, everything else seemed to fall into place.  Before I had a chance to get really nervous, it was all over.  My only disappointment was that I didn’t get to meet Duawane Starling, the co-host of the show. 

Magnify Him is broadcasted at 3:30 am, 11:30 am, and 8:30 pm Monday-Thursday; 3:30 am and 11:30 am on Sundays and Fridays; and 3:30 am, 1:30 am, and 8:00 pm on Saturdays.

Dare to Dream Online and Schedule
http://3abn.org/media/dare-to-dream-broadcast/

Abundant Living

While we were there, we did get a chance to talk to one of our most favorite couples in the world, Curtis and Paula Eakins!  They are the hosts of 3ABN’s Abundant Living and happened to be there that day.  Over the years, we have enjoyed many of their health and cooking classes.  We have also attended one of their dynamic health conference retreats.  One thing is for sure, with Paula in the kitchen, everybody knows the food is “gonna be off the chain!”  This down-to-earth couple is just fun to be around and they are simply hilarious!  More importantly, they make living healthy and eating a plant-based diet doable, desirable, and oh…so delicious!! J  If you have time, please check out the links below for more information about health, healthy recipes, as well as Paula’s outstanding cancer survival story.

Related Links

3ABN’s Healthy Recipes
http://3abn.org/recipes/

Closing Remarks

Once again, I would like to thank Dr. Yvonne Lewis and the staff of the Dare to Dream Network for your support, assistance, and the wonderful opportunity to be a guest on the Magnify Him program.   Thank you, Risa Lowery, for recommending me for the show.  Risa is a recording artist, guitarist, and truly angelic singer, from Huntsville, AL, who will be featured on Magnify Him as well.  I would also like to thank our bosses and co-workers for allowing us to make the trip.  My mother-in-law, father-in-law, and brother-in-law were also vital because they made sure that our son did not miss school.  As always, I want to thank my personal family for all of the support, encouragement, and help you have given to me, from the time I was old enough to hold a tune. Thank you to the countless others that have supported my ministry over the years. 

Even though the Magnify Him opportunity is obviously important to the ministry, my overall goal for the segment was to encourage others.  My ministry isn’t about people seeing my perfection, because it does not exist.  My goal is to show others that you can live a much better life if you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, and through him you can live with a new purpose.  It is through Christ that we can do and become whatever it is that He desires.  Apart from Him we can do nothing but fail.  If you just dare to dream and think outside of what you see around you and what others are saying about you, God will take you to new heights!