I recently submitted this forward. It is for my friend, Brian Malott, new book. You can read some of his ideas at ChasingDreams.ca But be sure to buy a copy of the book when it comes out. You will see some amazing photos from the 2010 Olympics, taken by a local boy.
…. Brian & I have shared some amazing moments together. From serving in the slums of Guatemala, to the ghettos of Philadelphia, we have traveled the world. I have watched Brian speak words of life into a young child, feed the hungry, and care for the orphan, sick, and dying. Brian is a compassionate person. Anyone who knows him can attest for his caring heart. He is the kind of person who will go far out of his way, to help another. He loves helping others.
Brian & I have shared great adventures together. I have known Brian since early in high school. In that time we have traveled North America, attending numerous sporting events. Anything from the Toronto Argo’s, Toronto Blue Jays, or even distant sporting events like visiting Yankee Stadium, Fenway, & Wrigley Stadium, to name a few. All to taste and see a life goal to be accomplished. Our road trips have become legendary. Filled with great stories and memories.
Of recent I have seen a new Brian, with a clear vision and dream being born. I have had the honour of chatting with Brian late into the night and early morning, about what he wants to accomplish with his life. If you have ever seen Boston Legal, they are kind of like the balcony conversations at the end of the show. Reflecting on everything. Talking about life, and who we want to be. One clear picture that keeps coming up, is helping others chase their dreams. However, before Brian can encourage others to do this, he needs to follow his own advice. And he is.
One dream Brian had was to be part of the Olympics. To see it not through the screen of a television, but though his own eyes. However, it seemed like an impossible dream. No exaggeration. The finances, the time, the tickets, the accommodations, you name it, it seemed impossible. However, Brian couldn’t help but wonder, ‘what if I pursued this goal?’ I remember the first purchase Brian made for the trip. A one way flight out to British Columbia. To most, it seemed crazy. But it was the catalyst of change. No longer was Brian going to be controlled by his circumstances. He was going to break free and go after that Olympic sized goal. In hindsight, what a perfect symbol of hope and chasing your dreams.
It is funny, but I never once thought Brian was crazy for going after this goal. Don’t get me wrong, I think Brian is crazy much of the time. As they said in Alice and Wonderland, “You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.” I truly believe God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow in them. I couldn’t help but cheer on Brian. I needed to believe. I wanted to see someone go for it. I was tired of watching the same old story of people’s dreams being crushed. I work with students on a regular basis, and one of the saddest moments for me, is when I see them lose their passion. When they give up on being a revolution and join the status quo. A revolution is hard, and sadly the world beats it out of us sometimes.
The Olympics, just like Brian, is a shinning example that is takes work and dedication to go for your dreams. Often it can feel like such a slim chance to win gold. There is no telling how many miles you will have to run while chasing a dream, but I hope people will be inspired from Brian’s story. This will be the beginning of his real vision, that you would chase your dreams! As Mark Twain said, “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do, than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover.”
In Closing this forward, I want to encourage you to not only enjoy the rest of this book, but start to wonder, what book do you want to make? What pictures do you want to take? And what is in the way of you going for it? If you want some help along the way, I can think of no better person to talk to then Brian. As I said, he loves helping others. He has walked the walk. I realize I’m biased, as I have grown to care for Brian deeply. We are a couple flamingos (another Boston Legal reference). I have heard it said, “Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions.” Brian is a young man with an old spirit. He has a clear vision & a beautiful dream for the future.
