The dream giver

by Bruce Wilkinson, Heather Kopp

Publisher: Multnomah Published: 2003-09-03 Category: Personal Empowerment

Every person carries within them a unique calling, a special dream placed deep in their heart that beckons them toward their true purpose. Yet most people spend their entire lives in a place called Familiar, going through the motions of ordinary existence while their deepest aspirations remain dormant and unexpressed. This transformative parable takes readers on an unforgettable journey that illuminates the universal path from dreaming to doing, from longing to living out one's authentic destiny.

Through the story of an ordinary Nobody living in the Land of Familiar, readers discover a mirror of their own experiences with unrealized potential and suppressed aspirations. Like so many of us, this character has learned to accept a life of comfortable routine, surrounded by other Nobodies who have likewise settled for less than what their hearts truly desire. The narrative brilliantly captures how social conformity, fear of judgment, and the weight of others' expectations can keep even the most passionate dreams locked away in what the story calls the Dream Room of our hearts.

The journey begins when the protagonist can no longer ignore the persistent whisper of a Big Dream. This moment of awakening represents a critical threshold that every person faces when confronted with the choice between safety and significance. What unfolds is a rich allegory that maps the predictable stages of pursuing any worthy goal, complete with the obstacles, adversaries, and surprising allies that appear along the way.

Readers will recognize themselves in the encounters with Border Bullies, those external and internal voices that try to talk us out of leaving our comfort zones. These critics represent the doubts, fears, and naysayers that inevitably emerge whenever someone dares to pursue something extraordinary. The narrative provides practical wisdom for recognizing these obstacles for what they are and developing the courage to move past them.

The journey through the Wasteland captures the difficult middle passage of any significant undertaking, when the initial excitement has faded and the destination still seems impossibly far away. This portion of the story resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the loneliness, discouragement, and temptation to quit that often accompanies real transformation. Yet it's precisely in this barren place that the most important growth occurs and where travelers learn to distinguish between their own strength and the greater power available to those who ask for help.

One of the most powerful elements explored is the concept of Giants, those seemingly insurmountable challenges that stand between dreamers and the fulfillment of their calling. Rather than presenting these as obstacles to avoid, the narrative reframes them as necessary opponents that actually guard the very treasure being sought. This perspective shift offers readers a completely new way to understand their biggest challenges and why running from them only delays their destiny.

Throughout the journey, the role of faith, perseverance, and divine guidance emerges as central to reaching one's Promised Land. The story acknowledges that genuine dreams are not merely personal ambitions but are often gifts meant to serve others and make a meaningful contribution to the world. This connection between personal fulfillment and service to something greater provides a spiritual dimension that elevates the pursuit of dreams beyond mere self interest.

The parable format makes profound truths accessible and memorable, allowing readers to see their own life patterns reflected in the protagonist's experiences. Each stage of the journey offers practical insights that can be applied immediately to whatever dream or calling the reader may be nurturing. The simple yet profound storytelling cuts through intellectual resistance and speaks directly to the heart, making it an ideal resource for those who sense they are meant for something more but don't know how to begin.

Ultimately, this work serves as both inspiration and roadmap for anyone ready to stop living in Familiar and start the adventure toward their authentic purpose and greatest contribution.