We are picking up with the story of Justin Miller biting the elephant of HIV / AIDS. Please be sure you read Part I because it is incredibly inspiring!
Some of our great takeaways so far have been:
• Tapping into the “inner college student” can see endless possibilities
• Staying focused when others criticize your vision for the future
• Recognizing that every bite of the elephant is significant
• Relentlessly focus on what you do best and avoid distractions

We went on to ask about Justin’s greatest lessons so far and how that has affected how he views the future.

What is the greatest lesson you learned / are learning in the process?
“I have learned that if we are obedient to take that first bite of the elephant, God will be faithful to help us see it through. At times, He will give us the strength or the appetite to eat more than we could ever imagine. He will bring people around you to help take on this huge dream. What this means is that any elephant must be tackled with prayer and perseverance. We must plan, strategize, build teams, and do everything within our power to accomplish this vision, but at critical points in my journey, God has provided the right person or the needed resources to help us in what seemed impossible situations. In those times, I am affirmed that my desire to eat this elephant is not just a personal desire but also one that is from God. I am called to give 100% of my time, energy, and resources, and then trust that he will make up the difference.”

How does this lesson affect how you look at future elephants?
“I know that I will look upon many more elephants in the days ahead, and I pray that I will have the courage to be obedient despite what critics and my own insecurities are saying. We don’t have to know how the story is going to play out; we just have to be obedient in taking a step. I also know that I am not alone in this task, and shame on me if I try to go at it alone. I’ve got incredible people that will join me in pursuit of a big vision if I just ask them. You’d be amazed at the people around you and the desire they have to be apart of something bigger than themselves. Lastly, as aforementioned, if that vision is from God, he will be faithful to provide all we need.”

We will wrap up in the next blog with inspiration on dreaming bigger and how to respond when we are intimidated by the size of our elephants.

*for more on CARE for Aids (http://careforaids.org/)