Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 29:18, The Power of a Dream

by Marilynn Chadwick

“Where there is no vision the people perish”

Proverbs 29:18 KJV

Our God-given dreams can impact the entire direction of our lives. The Bible reminds us of the importance of dreams: "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18 KJV). Some of the most courageous parents I know have raised their children in fragile neighborhoods. For them, dreams can divert their children from drugs, gangs, and prison. Dreams mean survival.

My young friend Dominique was just ten when some gang members befriended him. “I was kind of a mascot,” as he puts it. But gang mascots eventually become gang members, and he was headed for trouble. One day, Dominique discovered an online chess game. He got the hang of it and became good—really good. Before too long, he was “busy” when gang members called. Dominique was way too busy finding his purpose to run with gangs.

By the time he was in high school, Dominique had become the top scholastic chess player in the state of North Carolina. In his college application, Dominique wrote, “By getting closer to the One who allowed me this chance, and continuing with the plan that we dreamed up together when I was a young child, I feel that I will be able to help someone else and make a lasting impact.”

Dominique didn’t attend church growing up. But as a small child he had a sense of God’s destiny and a mysterious awareness of his calling through his childhood dreams of playing chess. And when he heard a clear presentation of the Gospel his first semester in college, the vibrant young man accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Dominique won a prestigious Seeds of Hope Scholarship. He finished college and began to teach kids how to play chess. He met the love of his life, also a chess player. They married, bought a home, and had a little baby girl. He is now on the board of the Seeds of Hope Scholars program, opening doors to college for talented kids who simply need a financial boost and some Christian mentoring.

And Dominique continues to play chess. He’s made his way into the realm of international competition, competing against some of the best in the world. He continues to work in schools, helping kids learn chess.

One thing is clear. Dominique’s earthly dreams had eternal implications that went far beyond the mastery of chess. A good reminder to take seriously the hopes and dreams of those children entrusted to our care. Mother Teresa put it this way: “Tread gently around the dreams of a child. You might be treading on the dreams of God.”

Seeds of Hope is dedicated to building community and providing financial support for talented young adults. The Seeds of Hope scholars are leaders with big dreams and have a heart to serve their communities. Click here for more stories and to learn how Seeds of Hope is helping to make big dreams come true.