Stewarding your gift means putting yourself in a position to be heard. And if there’s anyone who can model that for us, it’s Gabby Douglas. Now, face it, you probably didn’t know who she was two months ago. I know I didn’t…
But by now we all have heard her story: She trusted her calling, she put in the work, she prepared and prepared, she prayed and she showed up in London in the absolute fullness of her gift. When the time came to perform, she sent the blessings up to God and they fell back down upon her.
At 4’11 and the age of 16, Gabby has stood on the global stage and put herself in a position to be heard. She’s taken her “royal” position as a minister to the world.
And here’s what I believe this spirited and courageous young firecracker can teach us visionary leaders and dreamers about the marketplace…
Hire a Good Coach. “I’ve got to get a coach I can believe in, and who believes in me,” Gabby told her mom two years ago. She left home and went to live with a family she’d never met in Iowa, because her new coach had a gym there. She made her decision—and that was that. She was lonely. She was homesick. And she stuck it out for her dream, with a coach who believed in her. Have you made the decision to invest in a coach who believes in your dream?
Be Consistent. Gabby recognized her own gift (her mother reports she could do perfect cartwheels at the age of 3) and said YES to her dream. God chose her and she owned it. You know how I like to say, Many are called, but few choose to answer that call? Well, she did, again and again and again. Former Olympian Kerri Strug wrote, “Gabby held her lead by staying dedicated to what she could control—her own skills and routines.” Where do you need to be more consistent, show more effort, be more dedicated?
Live in Faith. When you walk in pursuit of your purpose, you will be protected. Gabby moved 3,000 miles from home at age 14—and found a loving “second family” who took awesome care of her. Her mom emailed a scripture every day before practice. In an interview, Gabby said, “I wanted to perform for sharing God’s glory. When you’re scared of [learning a new] skill you just have to rely on God. He hasn’t given us a spirit of fear but a spirit of peace, love and sound mind. If I keep falling… I meditate. We have to put on the full armor of God so we are ready and prepared.” When fear knocks at your door, how do you strengthen your faith?
The promise is waiting for you. Thanks for showing us how it works, Gabby.
About the Author
Marshawn Evans is a Global Mentor and Catalyst for Women looking to Launch Their Dreams and Live Their Purpose. She equips others to AMPLIFY their lives, their leadership and their legacy by teaching the principles of influence, branding, and divine purpose. Her weekly eZine goes out to thousands of subscribers. Are you ready to unleash your brilliance and align with your REAL destiny? Sign up for a FREE subscription at http://marshawnevans.com.
See Also: “The Gift of Elevation”
Previous Post: “What Obama’s America Taught Me about Entrepreneurship“
DA Inspires 