And then there was the email. The sender’s last name caught my eye immediately: MUNROE. It was from none other than the daughter of the late Dr. Myles Munroe, the renowned pastor and teacher whose words on purpose and vision shaped lives across the globe. She had watched one of our DreamScripted episodes, reached out, and soon after, we were sitting down together, recording conversations that will soon be shared with all of you.

There are moments in life that feel less like coincidence and more like confirmation. This was one of them.

If you know anything about Dr. Munroe, you know he was a giant—pastor, author, teacher, leader—whose insights on vision and destiny reshaped lives across nations. To sit with his children, record conversations, and prepare to share them with the world feels almost surreal.

What struck me most in meeting Dr. Munroe’s daughter is how familiar her story felt. We both know the weight of expectations and the beauty of discovering our own calling—careful NEVER to reject legacy, but to carry it forward in our own way.

This collaboration is more than just podcast content. It’s a living symbol of what DreamScripted stands for: faith lived authentically, purpose embraced freely, legacy honored without being imprisoned by it.

When these episodes launch, you’ll hear stories of vision, family, and faith—but you’ll also witness something quieter: the beauty of legacy evolving, children stepping out from shadows into light, not to erase what came before, but to fulfill it in new ways.

For me, that’s a sign from God. A reminder that honoring our past does not mean forfeiting our future.

Stay tuned—these conversations will bless you. And I hope they confirm something for you too: you are free to fulfill your purpose, without apology, while still honoring the giants who came before you.

With Deep Gratitude and In Christ!

We’re coming to you today with incredible, breaking news:

As of today, DreamScripted has officially reached 1,000 subscribers on YouTube! This milestone represents 1,000 souls from across the globe who have heard the message God entrusted to us and responded with a resounding, “We’re with you. We believe in the vision.”

We don’t take that lightly.

To us, this isn’t just a number, it’s a sacred trust, a divine affirmation, and a powerful reminder that when God breathes on a mission, it reaches hearts far beyond what we could ever imagine.

Statistical Reality

• As of recent studies (by platforms like Tubefilter, ThinkMedia, and vidIQ), over 90% of YouTube channels have fewer than 1,000 subscribers.

• YouTube has over 100 million active channels, but only 10 percent break the 1K mark, and those who do usually take several years. We did it in less than 5 months, having launched on February 13th, 2025.

• Reaching 1,000 subscribers means DreamScripted has entered the top ~10% of all YouTube Channels worldwide.

What Does This All Mean For DreamScripted?

Crossing 1,000 subscribers isn’t just a milestone — it’s a signal to the YouTube ecosystem that DreamScripted is a voice worth amplifying.

Now, the platform itself begins to open doors:

• Our videos are more likely to appear in “Suggested” feeds, reaching people who’ve never heard of us but need the message.

• We’ll show up higher in search results, which means when people are looking for purpose, leadership, or faith-driven content, DreamScripted will be there.

• We’re now eligible for browse features, monetization and even trending placement as we continue gaining traction.

In other words, YouTube is now helping us spread the message not just to hundreds, but to thousands and eventually millions.

The platform sees what God is doing, and it’s pushing DreamScripted forward.

After leaving Hawaii in January 2022 and spending time seeking where I truly belong, both in life and in the Kingdom, I can now say with confidence: I’ve found home.

A home in the calling, a home in the work, and a home in the will of God.

I’m reminded of the verse:

“He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But to as many as received Him…” (John 1:11–12)

Well, many are now receiving us, and more importantly, they’re receiving the One who sent us.

To all of you who have prayed, supported, watched, liked, shared, or subscribed, thank you. We see you. We honor you. And we promise to keep stewarding this vision with faith, creativity, and excellence.

Finally, Alas, God has truly landed me safely in his will 🙏

With deepest appreciation. Yours in Christ,

Tonight, we release the final episode of Season 1, and I want to extend my gratitude.

Because of YOU, we’ve reached:

✨ Over 120,000 views, streams on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube in 90 days.

🌍 Viewers tuning in from across the globe. We’ve seen steady viewers from Latin America, Europe, and South Africa. Wowzers.

Every comment, like, and share has helped build a community of purpose-driven people who dare to dream—and live it out.

But the journey isn’t slowing down…

⸻

What’s Coming Next:

🩵 DreamDrops with Shani – During our season break, Shani will be dropping short, daily video exhortations—powerful, spirit-filled reminders to help you stay grounded and inspired.

📘 Purpose Daily with Randy – I’ll be releasing short daily messages on how to find your purpose—raw, practical, and rooted in faith. All of this is leading up to the release of my short guidebook on discovering your God-given purpose.

⸻

How You Can Stay Plugged In:

• Make sure you’re subscribed to our YouTube Channel and have notifications turned on 🔔

👉 Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform:

🎙️ Apple Podcasts | 🎧 Spotify

• Follow us on all Social Media platforms for behind-the-scenes and new content.

• Share DreamScripted with someone who needs it—it might be exactly what they’ve been waiting for.

This is only the beginning. Season 2 is already in the works—and it’s going to be deeper, bolder, and more transformational than ever.

Let’s keep dreaming, keep growing, keep walking in our purpose, and more than all, let’s keep Jesus Christ at the center and foundation of our lives.

Blessings,

Randy & Shani

Gratitude isn’t just a response—it’s a weapon. A holy strategy. A faith-filled defiance against despair.

Because let’s be honest—delay doesn’t feel divine. Detours don’t always look like destiny. And silence from heaven can make you question everything you’ve believed. But it’s in these exact places—the in-between, the not-yet, the “why not me?”—that your dreams are formed, not just fulfilled.

Yes, as we learned over the last weeks, so many people focus on their dreams. But few realize:

The dream is forged in the fire.

God shapes your character in the quiet places.

Anointing is refined when nobody celebrates you.

It’s in the stillness that your roots grow deep.

It’s in the silence that your ears learn to truly hear.

And it’s in the struggle that your spirit learns to sing—before the breakthrough ever comes.

In this episode, we explore:

• How to identify a struggling heart before it sabotages your hope

• The spiritual danger of a grumbling spirit

• Why Joseph praised in prison, Hannah cried out in worship, Paul sang in chains, and David danced with nothing in hand but everything in heart

• How gratitude prepares you for what you’ve been praying for—and keeps you ready when the door opens

This isn’t just encouragement. It’s spiritual formation. It’s training for dreamers in delay. It’s a reminder that if you can’t praise in the valley, you won’t last on the mountain.

Whether you’re waiting on healing, breakthrough, direction, or clarity, this episode will meet you right where you are.

DreamScripted Streaming Now On YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!!!

Why? Because deep down, I’ve always had a desire to put God first—above career, success, and even my own personal goals. So I made the life-changing decision: to leave Hawaii, set aside my diplomatic career, and devote myself fully to the mission of the Church.

This week on DreamScripted, we unpack this exact transformation—the mindset shift from selfish ambition to God-centered purpose.

We look at the stories of people who made that shift too:

• Solomon, who had all the wealth and wisdom but concluded that life without God is meaningless.

• Moses, who went from prince of Egypt to shepherd, until God called him to liberate a nation.

• Esther, who found the courage to use her royal position not for comfort, but for calling: “for such a time as this.”

• Jonah, who ran from his calling but discovered that God’s purpose would always pursue him.

Each of these stories speaks to something we all face: the temptation to chase our own greatness instead of surrendering to God’s.

If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or just hungry for more—this episode is for you. It’s for the dreamer who doesn’t want to live another day climbing the wrong ladder. It’s for the leader who’s tired of building things that don’t last. And it’s for the believer who senses that there’s a deeper calling waiting to be embraced.

What we discovered in this episode—and what I discovered in my own journey—is that purpose is not found in chasing your name, but in surrendering to His.

True fulfillment doesn’t come from striving. It comes from aligning.

I invite you to listen, reflect, and take the next step in your own mindset shift. Your dreams were never meant to end with you—they were meant to point to something greater. Streaming Now On YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!!!

Distraction doesn’t always look dangerous. Sometimes it shows up dressed as opportunity. It hides behind busyness, applause, and endless “yeses” to things God never asked you to do. But here’s the truth: the enemy doesn’t have to derail your life with destruction—he just needs you too tired, too scattered, too distracted to hear God clearly. If the devil can’t destroy your calling, he’ll settle for you being too distracted to walk in it.

In this week’s DreamScripted episode, we are diving into the spiritual battle for your focus. Using powerful biblical examples—from Martha and Mary, to Nehemiah, to Jesus in the wilderness—we uncover how distractions are more than delays. They are intentional attacks on your purpose. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or off-track, this message will help you realign with your “why,” guard your attention, and start moving in purpose again.

You’ll walk away with clarity, practical tools, and a renewed mindset to guard your focus, cut out the noise, and stay rooted in your “why.” Because not every opportunity is an assignment from the Lord, and sometimes, busyness is the enemy of progress. Streaming Now On Youtube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!!!

“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and lose his soul?”

Even as a boy, I knew this question wasn’t meant to be rhetorical—it was meant to haunt, to search you, to strip you down to the marrow of your motives. Back then, I didn’t fully understand its weight. But I felt it. I felt it when I walked across the graduation stage, diplomas in hand, applause in the air—but something in my spirit quietly asked, “And what of your soul?”

I felt it in corporate boardrooms, shaking hands with ambassadors and influential leaders—and yet, in quiet moments, asking myself if Jesus still had my first yes. I felt it when my passport filled with stamps and my résumé with titles and accomplishments. There’s a beautiful, terrifying clarity in that question. It doesn’t demonize success or ambition—it simply demands we not worship them. It calls us to remember that there is a higher kingdom, a deeper calling, and a truer reward than anything this world could offer.

In this thought-provoking episode of DreamScripted, we’re digging deep into what it really means to put Jesus Christ first, not just in words, but as a lifestyle. We're not talking about checking boxes—we're talking about transformation. Streaming Now On YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify!!!

In this latest episode, Shani and I break down each day and share the biblical significance behind every moment: the Last Supper, Jesus cleansing the temple, Judas' betrayal, the crucifixion, and, of course, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As believers, understanding this week helps us grow deeper in our faith and remember the sacrifice and victory that changed everything. Do we do it total justice? Absolutely NOT. Holy Week is filled with so many awesome details that it would take a lifetime to talk about. I encourage every Pastor, Preacher, and Believer to ponder and study Christ’s final week on earth, as it will enrich you beyond measure. Streaming Now On YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!!!

Some days our purpose feels crystal clear. Other days? It feels like you’re pushing through mud—tired, overwhelmed, maybe even doubting why you started in the first place.

This week on DreamScripted, we’re getting real about what it means to stay on track with your God-given purpose—especially when the motivation runs out.

Whether you’re building a business, raising kids, studying hard, or showing up in ministry… this conversation is for you. We’re diving into the mindset, faith, and discipline it takes to keep going when the feelings fade but the calling remains.

📖 Key Scripture: Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not grow weary in doing good…” This episode is filled with practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement to help you keep showing up even when your feelings say otherwise. Streaming Now On YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify!!!

In our latest episode, we dive deep into the truth about waiting on God and why His timing is always perfect. Think about Joseph, who spent years in prison before stepping into his destiny. Or David, who was anointed king but had to wait for his throne. Even Jesus spent decades in obscurity before His ministry began.

Waiting isn’t wasted time—it’s the training ground for what’s coming next. But the key is: how you wait matters.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or uncertain about the future, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about why God’s timing is never late, how to navigate seasons of waiting with faith, and how to prepare for the breakthrough ahead.

Streaming Now on Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify!!! Blessings, Randy

The Bible says, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21)—so how can you use this principle to attract success, favor, and purpose into your life?

Join me as we unpack the power of words and how they influence your destiny.

📺 Tune in tonight!

Let’s take control of our God-given destiny—one word at a time.

See you there! Streaming Now On Youtube, Apple Podcasts, And Spotify!!!

Blessings, Randy

In this episode we’re getting real about fear—how it holds us back, the tension between faith and uncertainty, and the risk that comes with pursuing our calling. How do you trust God when doubt takes over? What if your purpose feels too big, too risky?

If you’ve ever struggled with the fear of failure, the fear of not measuring up, or the fear of missing out on what God has for you—this episode is for you.

Let’s break free from fear and step boldly into purpose. Streaming Now On YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!!!

Randy

I remember those early morning calls, his way of checking in without any formalities. He never needed a reason—he just called. His words were always direct, never sugarcoated, yet filled with an honesty that was rare and refreshing. With Uncle Wes, there was no guessing where you stood. That kind of realness is hard to find.

His signature phrases still echo in my mind. A simple “OK” that spoke volumes. A casual “That’s the way the cookie crumbles,” laced with wisdom. And the classic, “You’re holding out on me, nephew,” always said with a knowing tone. These weren’t just words; they were part of the bond we shared, reminders of the humor, warmth, and sincerity that defined him.

Losing him was a deep loss, one that still lingers. But if he taught me anything, it’s that life keeps moving, and so must I. He lived with authenticity, and that’s exactly how I choose to move forward—carrying his lessons with me, honoring his memory not just in words, but in the way I live.

Grief doesn’t erase purpose. If anything, it sharpens it. And today, I continue on my path with his spirit beside me, knowing that the best way to honor him is to keep pushing forward, just as he would have wanted. Streaming Now On Youtube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Making friends in LA—easy, right? Not so fast. In a city where connections often feels more transactional than transformational, finding true community can be a challenge. Who’s genuinely walking with you in faith and friendship, and who’s just here for the platform?

Let’s be real—LA has a reputation. Some say making friends here is harder than spotting an empty pew on Easter Sunday. Others joke that you need a headshot, a resume, and a follower count of at least 10K before anyone will grab coffee with you. And let’s not forget the infamous “We should totally hang out!” texts that never materialize. Sound familiar?

In Episode 4 of DreamScripted, we’re diving into the reality of making friends in LA—the highs, the lows, and the straight-up awkward moments. But this isn’t just about LA. Before I landed here, I built community in places far from the Hollywood spotlight.

In Jamaica, I found belonging through family roots and faith. In Barbados, I experienced deep camaraderie through my work with the UN, where bonds were built over shared purpose and island sunsets. And in Hawaii, I discovered ohana—friendships that weren’t based on status, but on shared experiences, trust, and the spirit of aloha.

So, is friendship in LA all just transactional, or can you actually build something real? Let’s talk about it!

Blessings,

Randy

DreamScripted Episode 3 Pray to Win: Unlock Your Breakthrough is Streaming Now!

In this episode we’ll show you how to pray with simplicity and power just like Jesus taught. Forget complicated words, and learn how to connect with God in a real, heartfelt way. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your prayer life, this episode is your key to unlocking the breakthrough power of prayer!

Blessings,

Randy & Shani

Blessings,

Randy & Shani

Episode 1 of The DreamScripted Is Now Streaming Live on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Click the link here to Enjoy!

Blessings,

Randal

The wait is almost over— the DreamScripted Podcast officially launches on Thursday, February 13th!

I’m beyond excited to share this journey with you. This podcast is all about faith, purpose, and living out the life God has called us to live. We’ll dive into powerful stories, timeless wisdom, and real conversations that inspire and challenge us to dream bigger.

You can get a sneak peek and listen right now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Just search: DreamScripted

Episodes will also stream from our studio every Thursday on YouTube! You can watch our promo video and subscribe right now. Just CLICK THE LINK HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@dreamscripted

Mark your calendars for February 13th—this is just the beginning!

With gratitude,

Randal

I hope this email finds you in good health and great spirits. Today, I am thrilled to share incredible news. It is with great excitement that I introduce you to DreamScripted Studios—a vision brought to life by Shani and I. This production studio marks the next chapter in our mission to inspire, empower, and uplift lives through transformative faith-based content and impactful ministry.

This journey has been nothing short of miraculous, and my life truly feels as though it has come full circle. When I made the decision to leave Hawaii—a land of immense beauty and fulfillment—and forego the opportunity to become a Diplomat by Appointment, my heart was set on returning home to New Jersey to serve my local church and community and dedicate myself entirely to the Kingdom of God. I believe it was this act of obedience and sacrifice that has unlocked the blessings I am experiencing today. Much like Abraham’s test of faith when asked to sacrifice Isaac, I now see that God was testing my faith and obedience. And just as He had a greater plan for Abraham, God’s plan for me wasn’t about returning to New Jersey in this season but it was about preparing me for something far greater—leading me to Hollywood, the media capital of the world to launch DreamScripted Studios and fulfill the divine purpose He had placed within me.

What began as a seed of faith has now grown into a platform that will touch lives across the world. DreamScripted Studios is not just about content creation; it’s about transformation. Here’s what we have in store:

• The DreamScripted Podcast: Launching on February 13th, 2025, this podcast will serve as a beacon of faith-based motivation and personal development. Through authentic conversations and compelling storytelling, we aim to inspire dreamers to pursue their God-given purpose.

• Weekly Ministry: Starting in Spring 2025, we will open the doors of our studio each week to preach and teach the Word of God. These sessions will include powerful Bible studies and faith-filled messages, creating a space where people can grow spiritually and encounter God’s presence.

• Christian Films and Content (2025 and Beyond): At DreamScripted Studios, we believe in the power of storytelling to change lives. We are committed to producing high-quality Christian films and content that share the message of Jesus Christ and of hope, love, and redemption with a global audience.

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge what many of you have expressed over the years. There’s been a longing for strong leadership in the faith world—someone from my generation who can bridge the gap, speak to our challenges, and lead with authenticity. I’ve carried this calling in my heart, and I truly believe that this platform, right here in Los Angeles, is the opportunity to step into that role and make an impact.

As I reflect on the power of content creation in today’s world, I’m reminded of how our recent 2024 U.S. Presidential election was called the first “Podcast Election.” It highlighted how media can shape minds, shift perspectives, and spark movements. With DreamScripted Studios, we’re stepping into that space—not just to create content, but to create meaningful change.

I want to thank each of you for your unwavering support, prayers, and encouragement. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without you. As my wife and I step into ministry together, I invite you to partner with us. Whether through listening to the podcast, sharing our content, or joining us for ministry, your involvement means the world to me.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the launch of the podcast on February 13th and our ministry initiatives in the Spring. Together, let’s dream big, live boldly, and walk faithfully into the future Jesus Christ has prepared for us all.

In his service and yours,

Randal

I was warned by authors and would-be authors to never tell people that you are going to write a book because the questions would never end. They were right. They didn’t.

A lot has happened over the last couple of years to give you the perfect excuse for my delay. With all the reasons I could list for you, one truly rises above them all. I found the perfect distraction. I fell in love.

But I knew it was finally time to write after returning to NJ in January 2022 after many years away.

It was around the Fall of 2020 that I began to have thoughts and feelings of potentially moving back to New Jersey. The Covid pandemic had been raging on for some months and like everyone, I was questioning my life and my future. I can’t help but think of the irony because it was only the previous year in October 2019 that I walked into my office in Honolulu with some exciting news to share with my colleagues. I was being offered the opportunity to take my career to a higher degree. I was being offered the chance to formally begin the process to become an official Diplomat. I had, for several years, been working throughout the world on awesome projects with the United Nations and taking on fulfilling service-oriented responsibilities. But this would be the next dimension in my career journey. The opportunity to officially represent the United States, the world’s most powerful country. The pinnacle of my field.

Becoming a Diplomat is like stepping into a captivating world of intrigue and elegance, where the corridors of power intertwine with the thrill of exploration. It is a journey that takes you through the pages of history and catapults you into the heart of global affairs. Diplomats are at the forefront of international relations and politics. They engage in high-stakes negotiations, contribute to important decisions, and represent their country's interests on the global stage. The chance to influence global events and shape policies can be incredibly exhilarating.

Diplomats interact with a wide range of people, including government officials, diplomats from other countries, business leaders, academics, and civil society representatives. These connections not only contribute to the success of their missions but also create lasting personal and professional networks for a lifetime.

There are the travel perks and luxurious comforts. Diplomats are often entitled to business or first-class travel, ensuring that the exhaustion of long flights is met with the restful embrace of spacious seats and attentive service. Additionally, diplomatic immunity ensures a swift passage through customs and immigration, making the tiresome ordeal of airport security a breeze. Let’s not forget the extravagant social events with ever-present reception dinners and all the trappings of diplomatic prestige. These events, hosted by embassies and diplomatic missions, are extravagant affairs adorned with glimmering chandeliers and the clink of crystal glasses.

And what about those diplomatic license plates that I would be mandated to put on the car I drove? Those special plates not only identify you as a representative of your country but also offer certain immunities and privileges on the road. Traffic rules, parking restrictions, and toll booths become less of a concern, granting diplomats an easier path through the bustling streets of any city in the world. Diplomatic immunity meant that I could not be charged with a crime in the country I served nor have to pay certain taxes. As you can see, diplomatic life is special. Unique.

Over the better part of a decade, I have lived, worked, and traveled all over the world. My mind wanders to my first overseas posting with the United Nations in Kingston, Jamaica.

Signs of the blessings to come my way came early. On only my second day there, I was invited by staff to an awards ceremony. There, I met Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, Usain Bolt, and the world's fastest woman Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce. Each day after brought new discoveries, each moment an opportunity to immerse myself in the rich tapestry of Jamaican culture. The land of my family heritage. As part of the United Nations mission, my days were dedicated to working with local communities and organizations, collaborating on projects to uplift the lives of those in need.

My mind wanders to the year I lived in Barbados. Oh, Barbados! Living in Barbados taught me to embrace life with a sense of ease and contentment. The island's laid-back atmosphere and "liming" culture—taking the time to relax, enjoy good company, and appreciate the simple pleasures—were transformative.

My mind wanders to my trips to Greece, Italy, Thailand, Russia, and beyond which I will write much more about soon…

Hawaii, however, ruined me for the rest of my life. Ruined me in the best of ways. It became the final environment, the final test I would ever need to see and experience and to know, what truly is important in life. What to value. What and who to be around. What and who to discard of.  Hawaii culture prizes authenticity and genuineness. It values peace and tranquility. It spews out the dramatic, the materialistic, the gossipy. Hawaii doesn’t do drama.

HAWAII… the mere mention of its name evokes a sense of wonder. It is a place where the veil between reality and dreams grows thin, where the boundaries of time and space blur, and where the essence of paradise dances on the tip of every palm tree. What makes Hawaii so special?

First and foremost, it is the land itself that sets Hawaii apart. It’s the picture-perfect beaches stretching as far as the eye can see and the powdery white sands which gently flow daily by the turquoise waves. It's the vibrant colors of tropical blooms and the lush greenery of the rainforests. This jewel in the middle of the Pacific Ocean boasts a beauty so profound that it transcends the boundaries of anything I had experienced before. From the moment you step foot on its shores, a harmonious symphony of sensations envelopes you, leaving an everlasting imprint on your soul. The allure of Hawaii lies not only in its picturesque landscapes but an undefinable energy and force which tends to humble everyone who lives there. It’s as if the energy that permeates from the land itself reminds you daily just how blessed you are to be there. At any given moment, at any time of the day or night you stop for a second and say “Wow, I actually live here?”

I met people who came to vacation in Hawaii for a few days and never left. People who left vacationing returned home and told their family and employers they would be leaving in X amount of time, packed their bags, and moved to Hawaii. There are countless of those stories.

It is with the backdrop of these years of utter fulfillment and happiness that my thoughts took on a serious undertone in the Fall of 2020; when I began talking to my family about possibly moving back. I knew the decisions I would make at this crossroads would form the next chapters of my life for years to come. Could I really leave Hawaii and my career in International Affairs and Travel? My friends in Hawaii thought maybe I’d lost a few screws in the head. Why even consider that?

There was only ONE way I could ever really consider it… The opportunity to serve, lead, and truly make an impact in my local church and community back in Englewood, NJ.

Yet I knew it would not be so simple. Let me let you into an ever-present conflict that all those who leave their familiar surroundings encounter. This ever-present conflict was always a topic of conversation during my years in Hawaii. Not from those born and raised there but for the many that move there from all over the world.

Whenever people talk about finding their purpose, joy, and happiness abroad, away from what they left behind they always in the same vein talk about the conflict that arises from the realization that the happiness they found on their journey away will probably never be able to be duplicated or reconciled back in their homes. Yes, they miss family and friends, (Some don’t miss anyone) but their happiness, their joy, and their true fulfillment did not come until they left.

When I arrived in New Jersey that January 2022, these realities became clear.

Returning back home after years away was a journey filled with mixed emotions, excitement, and nervousness. As I stepped off the plane and took in the familiar environment of my hometown, memories came flooding back, and I was greeted by the warm embrace of loved ones I hadn't seen in years. It felt like a long-awaited reunion with a part of myself that I had left behind.

Yet, beneath the surface of joy and familiarity, a conflict simmered within me. My time away had been filled with adventures, personal growth, and the discovery of a profound sense of happiness that I had never experienced before. The world had become my oyster, and every city and country visited and lived in, held the promise of new experiences and the thrill of the unknown. But as I stood there, back in Englewood, NJ, in the town that had shaped my earliest memories, I couldn't help but wonder how I would reconcile the happiness I had found away from home with the life I had left behind.

The conflict arose from the stark contrast between the person I had become during my international work and travel and the roles and expectations that awaited me at home. My time away challenged me to embrace my individuality, pursue my dreams with unwavering determination, and prioritize my God-given purpose. But back home, the well-trodden path of the old familiar norms beckoned, and I feared that the happiness I had found away from home might not fit within the confines of the life that had been laid out for me.

I had an answer though within the past to look to that provided me some wisdom. There was an unforeseen interlude that brought my time abroad to an abrupt end. It was August 2014, on a beautiful sunny day in Barbados. I was at Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, one of my favorite places to unwind in the middle of the day during lunchtime. Nestled amidst the vibrant hues of the Caribbean, it’s an architectural masterpiece that sits along a stretch of palm trees swaying gently in the warm breeze, welcoming visitors to a world of indulgence and charm.

The phone rings ”Hey Dad, how’s it going?” “Not Good…” My dad informed me that the doctor had given him bad news on his health and everything about the sound in his voice and the way his words came out made clear how serious it was.

Returning to New Jersey from Barbados, I found my dad to be very concerned about his diagnosis. I, at this time, became very active in assisting him to his doctor’s appointments and driving him wherever he needed to go. I took on preaching at the church and became much more active in the day-to-day administrative duties.

It was during that time that I began to already come to terms with something I carried years later to the present day writing of this Blog Post: not only was I a very different person than when I left; but my Christian faith had grown and matured. As I took on more responsibilities at the church, I came to realize that I could actually live a fulfilling life back in New Jersey. But I trusted then, as I do now, that New Jersey would give rise to an opportunity to enter into an even greater and more exciting chapter, where I could feel a sense of enthusiasm and passion about being there. Where I could be free to serve and lead by BEING AUTHENTICALLY ME. It felt possible at that moment, and at that time, that I could make a significant impact in my local church and community. I said YES and God said, “Just Be Yourself.”