This picture stopped me in my tracks.

There’s so many things I want to write about. Accept this as your official disclaimer for all the lengthy posts you will see in the days ahead.

I had a dream about 15 years ago that I’ve told several people about over the years.

I was walking with a friend in a wooded, mountainous area at sunset. As we were walking, the Lord approached us from behind. He was in human form, but I knew it was him. He told us to look out beyond a cliff, pointing in that direction. I could see the top of another mountain in the distance and even make out some details. It was pretty far for hiking, but close enough to see some of it clearly. It looked as though the sun was just getting ready to go down. As he pointed, he showed us he was holding a camera and said, “Run now. Go to the top of that mountain. I want to take a picture of you.” I responded, “But the sun is setting, I don’t think we can make it before dark.”

Before I could even finish that sentence, the friend I was with started running as fast as she could. And I remember thinking instinctively…RUN, STEPHANIE. JUST RUN!

It seemed impossible. There was even a river between where I was and the other side. But my friend gave me confidence and inspired me to go for it. So I just started running. I ran and ran and ran. I don’t know how I made it and I lost my friend along the way. Matter of fact, she disappeared. Dreams are strange that way.

But I made it. And when I made it to the top of the other side I was overcome with emotion. Somehow, I did it. I was completely out of breath, trying to get control of myself, yet feeling pure joy and exhilaration at the same time. Separated now by all that was between us, I shouted at the top of my lungs to God, “I made it! I made it! Can you believe it? I made it!!” Still breathing heavy, I threw my hands up in the air and started crying. It seemed an act of worship. It felt like the most natural response in that moment. And just like the Lord said, he took a picture of me.

In the mysterious nature of dreams, He immediately appeared next to me right after taking the photo. Showing me the picture he took, I was stunned. It was dusk outside, just enough light to see my silhouette. And with my arms stretched out on the top of that mountain, I looked exactly like Jesus on the cross. I couldn’t believe it. I was undone. I wept and wept and wept. Finally, he looked at me. It felt as though I was wearing his love for me like a piece of clothing, and He said, “I’m going to make you a pillar of faith.”

The dream was over.

Cam took this picture at In Harmonie. I wasn’t thinking of a 15 year old dream when I took it. It was one of many we took while enjoying the beautiful prayer garden. It wasn’t until later that night when I was looking through all the pictures of the day that I remembered this dream and it’s been at the forefront of my heart again since.

Ironically, we spent that very weekend at In Harmonie diving deep into the beautiful mystery of the prophetic. And I can’t help but visualize a smirky smile on God’s face when pondering this whole thing. Because the truth is, discerning what Jesus is saying or doing is tough sometimes. And I don’t always get it right. It’s often the gift of hindsight that allows me to see more clearly and understand more fully. But God is kind. So kind. He faithfully reveals himself to us, sometimes even, his plans. And still, every single time…it blows my mind.

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” -Galatians 2:20