At age 11, when my mother died, everything was redefined for me. Family and home as I knew it seemed elusive. I thought I would never find the stability of either. I was not ready to provide or fend for myself so God sent me compassionate mentors and great teachers, who deposited hope in my volatile little spirit. I did not know it then but I know it now – that although I was outwardly inadequate and unprepared for this life-defining event, I was inwardly ready for the journey.
As an adult, I was diagnosed with the same life-threatening illness twice within four years. My mother died early at age 38 as did my father at age 46. So I knew the cards were stacked against me. These diagnoses seemed to confirm my fate. At least that is what my logic concluded. However, my faith is so much greater than my logic. I repeatedly searched my soul, my journey and my bible for ways to navigate life's terrain. I have found that beyond the fear, grief and desperation was an inner knowing that I could handle and triumph set-backs.
When I was unexpectedly blessed with opportunities beyond my reach and request, there was always a whisper of doubt about ability and worthiness. The whisper was soon silenced with affirmation that that moment and situation was expecting me and I was ready for it.
I have learned that throughout our journey, curves and wrenches are going to be thrown in our path. They may catch us off guard and slow us down, but they will not defeat us. God will use them in extraordinary ways to grow, expand and stretch us. I have learned that God walks with the weakest and worst of us. Finally, I have learned that God has equipped us with everything we need for the next challenge or blessing. Tears dry. Wounds heal. Suns rise.
Inadequate, Unprepared But Ready is for people with unmet goals, unrealized dreams but remain hopeful. This book is for the “one day” people – the people who say, “One day I am going to__________”(You fill in the blank.) You are already chosen for something magnificent. Your day has come. Your time is now. The beginning of your “one day” starts today.
Inadequate, Unprepared But Ready is about discovering your potential, finding your purpose and greeting the unborn parts of yourself that no one has seen, but God knows. It is about how we lead a great life of purpose and intention in spite of obstacles and opponents. It provides skills and insight on how to satisfy the ongoing search and seemingly endless quest for something more. Throughout the book, it shows us how God takes the illogical and does the unimaginable in our life.
It is intended to make you think, thank, believe, journal, act and change. As you read each chapter, you should become reacquainted with your dreams and passions. By the time you complete the book, you should have a sense of impatience about evaluating your priorities, pursuing your purpose and realizing your potential.
In writing this book, I have realized a dream. I have wedded my executive skills with my ministerial skills to create a work I believe will help people lead a more meaningful, fulfilling and intentional life. I not only teach the lessons in this book, I have lived them.
Thank you for visiting my website. Your interest is a tremendous blessing to me. I pray my book, which is now your book – is a great blessing to you.
With many thanks and blessings,
Theresa A. Dear
No Dream We Have Lies Beyond Our Ability to Realize It
Rev. Theresa Dear has composed a literary work of art in combining contemporary self help techniques, scriptural references and personal experience into this book to help each of us reach our highest personal potential. Through her practical exercises and spiritual insights, we have an opportunity to discover new paths of personal growth and prosperity. Rev. Dear's heart wrenching and thought provoking testimonies, along with her extensive resume of professional success, encourage every reader of this book in knowing that no dream we have lies beyond our ability to realize it. Thank you Rev. Dear for completing this work which will help us achieve our highest life goals.
Rev. Dr. James F. Miller
Pastor, DuPage AME Church
Chairman, REACH, Inc.
Praise for God’s Work Through Rev. Dear’s Book
For those who ask, “What is God doing today in our world?,” one only needs to open Rev. Dear’s commanding book, INADEQUATE, UNPREPARED BUT READY to see how grace and Spirit-filled power can change one’s life. Weaving purpose and meaning forged through life’s experiences and great trials, Rev. Dear offers to all who are willing to enter into the process of personal transformation, a glimpse into the heart of the Eternal God, who desires only the very best in each of us.
In the reading of this book, we become more than adequate and prepared, ready to step forward to those tasks that God has for all, and we find great joy because Rev. Dear has pinpointed a journey with scripture leading to new life. I will recommend this book to my student communities for their edification and trust it will receive a wide audience to our hurting society.
H. Scott Matheney
Chaplain, Elmhurst College, Illinois
Inspiring and Illuminating
A collection of personal stories and journal exercises that spring forth with practical wisdom, tying faith tradition to the illumination we find in ourselves as we work to improve our “readiness.”
The attention Theresa Dear places on the giants in our lives, while tending to the hope she informs us will be found on our journey to conquer them, speaks to her insightful self-reflection and keen understanding of those she has served.
This work challenges us to focus on the journey, amidst travails and joy, while working to become better leaders and servants in all the arenas in which we find ourselves. Practical and relevant…
Valerie Toney Parker
Vice President, Human Resources
Exceptionally Inspiring
Rev. Theresa Dear has created an exceptionally inspiring work in INADEQUATE, UNPREPARED BUT READY. The blend of her executive and clergy insight and experiences have yielded inspirational and applicable leadership lessons. This book compels readers to examine, realize, leverage and use the best that God has given them.
I would highly recommend this book for matriculating and seasoned leaders in the church or corporate America. This book was written for such a time as this. This book can transform lives. This is a must in your library, classroom, mentoring sessions or leadership discussions.
Rev. Dr. Julius C. Hope
Senior Pastor, New Grace Baptist Church, Highland Park, Michigan
Executive Director, National Religious Affairs, NAACP
A Literary Masterpiece
Never before has a text embodied the spiritual and practical significance of fellowship as INADEQUATE, UNPREPARED BUT READY. Using focused teachings from the Bible and real world insight from her own experience, Reverend Dear shepherds the reader through a dynamic spirit-filled journey of self-reflection and courage. This literary masterpiece uses giants as the central metaphor for helping emerging leaders overcome their challenges, fears and pessimisms. Not only does this text offer practical wisdom, it also includes contemporary viewpoints that can be applied to any social, political, or spiritual situation. Without a doubt, this book offers all emerging leaders essential guidance on realizing their essential purpose, potential and passion. Thank you Reverend Dear for sharing your insight and helping those who are inadequate and unprepared to become ready!
Syretta R. James, Ph.D.
Executive Director, DiCon Institute
Great Title, Great Message — Very Affirming
There is so much to say, but I’m not sure where to begin. I wanted to be in a place where I could hear God as I read the book — and I found that place. Your book touched on many things that I have experienced, but I was excited to find the new nuggets of revelation that God gave me as I read it. I love it when you talk about using uncommon weapons! The definitions on page 40 for inadequate, adequate, ready, etc. are precise. They leave no room for you to question where you stand. Did I mention how much I love the title? The simple picture of the acorn is awesome. For me it signifies what great things He has in store for us. Thank you for sharing your accounts and for stressing that “a person who continues to be defeated is not a loser. This person is resilient.” You go on to say that “defeat is not quick and acute. It is chronic and lingering. It starts in your gut, races to your feet, and stays in your mind.”
Thank you for INADEQUATE, UNPREPARED BUT READY!
Alicia D. Moss
Vice President, ITN Leadership Group
