Today, Ayana Sala Baugh shares how a whisper of an idea turns into a journey of her dreams.
Things have not always been this way. In the very beginning of this journey, when the name, "Loopiethotamus" was uttered from my little sister's lips, it was just an idea; a mere thought. When I responded, "The Chihuahua Who Thinks He is a Hippopotamus," it became a reality. However, once I finished writing the first story, I didn't believe in it. That was 2006. It took me two years to write more stories. Once I put my trust in God and let Him lead...life changed. He took over. He became the pen.
I never thought so much would come out of a little Chihuahua I purchased from a mall pet store. "Loopie," is what we named him. Shortly before acquiring this little dog, my world was turned completely upside down. I was in a dense fog of hopelessness and pain. I bought the dog to become a distraction from all of the inner turmoil I was going through. I learned over the years that nothing or no one can fill a hole in your heart. The Creator of the heart is the only capable One to fill the hole. Once my dependency changed, my life changed. Once I began to understand that I had a purpose, my thoughts changed. God created Loopiethotamus for me and then decided to go a step further with The 'I Am Not Afraid' Stage Play in 2013.
It took me a year to write the play script. That process was amazing because I could see how God was positioning things for this project. He placed all of the people around me that I needed in order to accomplish the task. I had never written a play through to its completion, nor had I ever imagined I’d produce and direct it. It was mind-blowing to know that God had placed all of those gifts inside of me. But, so many things in my life had led up to this moment. After the first two performances, I was able to reflect how God had been preparing me all along.
I had been bullied as a child, yet nothing compared to the bullying torment I received from the enemy back in 2006 and 2009. He'd use my mind like a playground, hopping from one ride to the next. Because I know the Word says, "The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy," I realized that he's doing this to our kids that are either being bullied or are bullying, families, schools and society. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted children to know they had a voice. Kids are hurting and it’s time that things change for the better.
Now we fast-forward to present day. I have a fourth Loopiethotamus book coming out as well as a fourth performance of the play. The number four according to spirituality means "world" and "creation." I believe God is purposing me to create something for the world as a form of healing. He uses His children to get His message out to the world.
Dreams are one thing. I had a dream to publish my books and put on the play. But what makes the dream so special, so solid, is that God is leading the way. He is enabling me to be obedient and follow Him throughout this entire process. He has a plan and a future for me just like He has for everyone. It takes trust, hard-work, discipline, passion and commitment to see it through. My mind and heart can’t fathom the words, “I can’t do this.” Because I know God has purposed and equipped me for it, my mind and heart simultaneously believe, “This is going to get done in excellence!”
I love what I do and I am grateful that God has purposed me for a time such as this.
I never thought so much would come out of a little Chihuahua I purchased from a mall pet store. "Loopie," is what we named him. Shortly before acquiring this little dog, my world was turned completely upside down. I was in a dense fog of hopelessness and pain. I bought the dog to become a distraction from all of the inner turmoil I was going through. I learned over the years that nothing or no one can fill a hole in your heart. The Creator of the heart is the only capable One to fill the hole. Once my dependency changed, my life changed. Once I began to understand that I had a purpose, my thoughts changed. God created Loopiethotamus for me and then decided to go a step further with The 'I Am Not Afraid' Stage Play in 2013.
It took me a year to write the play script. That process was amazing because I could see how God was positioning things for this project. He placed all of the people around me that I needed in order to accomplish the task. I had never written a play through to its completion, nor had I ever imagined I’d produce and direct it. It was mind-blowing to know that God had placed all of those gifts inside of me. But, so many things in my life had led up to this moment. After the first two performances, I was able to reflect how God had been preparing me all along.
I had been bullied as a child, yet nothing compared to the bullying torment I received from the enemy back in 2006 and 2009. He'd use my mind like a playground, hopping from one ride to the next. Because I know the Word says, "The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy," I realized that he's doing this to our kids that are either being bullied or are bullying, families, schools and society. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted children to know they had a voice. Kids are hurting and it’s time that things change for the better.
Now we fast-forward to present day. I have a fourth Loopiethotamus book coming out as well as a fourth performance of the play. The number four according to spirituality means "world" and "creation." I believe God is purposing me to create something for the world as a form of healing. He uses His children to get His message out to the world.
Dreams are one thing. I had a dream to publish my books and put on the play. But what makes the dream so special, so solid, is that God is leading the way. He is enabling me to be obedient and follow Him throughout this entire process. He has a plan and a future for me just like He has for everyone. It takes trust, hard-work, discipline, passion and commitment to see it through. My mind and heart can’t fathom the words, “I can’t do this.” Because I know God has purposed and equipped me for it, my mind and heart simultaneously believe, “This is going to get done in excellence!”
I love what I do and I am grateful that God has purposed me for a time such as this.
 | Here is a picture of Ayana's adorable character, Loopie. For more information about Ayana, her books, her play, and her messages, visit her website at www.Loopiebooks.com. |
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