Several years ago, I had a dream that seemed ordinary at first, but it carried a powerful message from God.
The Dream
I was in the apartment building where I lived at the time, grabbing a latte from the lobby. As I was leaving, I saw my old boss. She was different.
Observations
Years before, when I lived in Atlanta, she had been my boss. She was petite but walked loud and fast. I could hear her coming from a mile away. She was direct, harsh, and driven by results at any cost.
In the dream:
She was walking slowly and leisurely, like most people in Fort Lauderdale, where I was living when I dreamed this.
She wore a bright Hawaiian print shirt, something she would never wear in real life.
She wasn’t rushing. She wasn’t striving. She was transformed.
The Message
Many of us want God’s will for our lives, but we are still trying to accomplish it using the world’s methods: hustle, acceleration, and endless doing.
But transformation isn’t about doing more or going faster.
It’s about being changed from the inside out.
Her new walk and style were external signs of an internal shift. Her mindset had changed.
Scripture
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Metamorphosis
The Greek word for transform is metamorphoo.
Meta means change after being with
Morphoo means changing form to match inner reality
This is where we get the English word metamorphosis.
When I think of metamorphosis, I think of butterflies. My youngest son convinced me to order a butterfly kit, which meant paying $40 for caterpillars (#momlife), but we got to watch the process unfold.
Here’s what struck me:
Caterpillars don’t turn directly into butterflies. First, they enter the cocoon where they are hidden, set apart, and changed from the inside.
Their main job is to eat. Some consume up to 27,000 times their body weight.
Only after that hidden, inner process do they emerge transformed.
Application: What Transformation Really Looks Like
Transformation is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight.
Transformation often looks like slowing down. Not doing more. (High-achievers and perfectionists, ask me how I know!)
Transformation is inside-out. Cocoon before butterfly.
Transformation requires constant feeding. On the Word of God, not everything else we use as substitutes.
Real Recognizes Real
In my dream, my boss was in my environment, not the other way around.
I could see her transformation because I’ve walked through my own.
Real transformation is recognizable. And it always starts within.
Question for You
Where in your life is God inviting you to slow down so He can transform you?
💌 Thanks for reading The Prototype Woman. If this stirred you, you can:
☕ Buy me a coffee to support :)
Love this! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 I started slowing down after reading The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. I became intentional about being with Jesus, eliminating distractions I could control. As a result, more nature walks/hikes, less social media, after church Brunch with Jesus and DND for Quiet Sundays. Sabbath. Transformation started in 2013 and is ongoing. Great message Lex! 💚🙏🏾🦋