Floodgatez trailer (looking back...moving forward)

So why did I decide to title this: "Looking back...moving forward?" Breakdancing was a huge thing in my life. In brief, my highschool was a dark time. I was a passionate kid, but with no direction. I strived for excellence in whatever I got myself into - even 'bad' stuff. In grade 12, a saw a group of breakdancers dancing inside a circle (cypher) and a girl asked me, "can you do that?" I remember saying 'yes' just to show off! But I was completely dumbfounded at the energy people were expressing in their dance.

I started doing handstands, coffee grinders, and simple power moves (i.e. swipes, crickets) from the end of 2003 to 2006. During that time, my family couldn't afford the Internet, and we were still using floppy discs (CD burners JUST came out when I was in grade 12). I remember copying the moves from these animated GIF characters of Street Fighter's Ken and Ryu! In 2006, for the very first time in my life, I was introduced to the foundations of breakdancing. It's interesting - I began to express my energy in a less violent and self-damaging way.

Long story short, my dancing lead me to a place of growing pride, arrogance, and selfishness. It affected (a watered down word in my case) my academics, family, and relationships. In November 2009, I remember consciously telling myself that I will stop dancing. For whatever reason, I felt the conviction that God wanted to bless my dancing by surgically removing it. For a long time, I kept running away from opportunities where I could have danced (i.e. practices, shows, or even dance circles at weddings). I ran because I was afraid of pride. And as a continually ran from 'pride,' surprisingly, God revealed to me that pride was STILL my idol. You see, indulging in it AND running away from it symbolized that pride still had control of my life. In scriptures, Jesus never said "money" is evil. It's only when we are controlled by it; which includes loving it... AND fleeing from it.

The heart surgery is simple. God needed to be situated in His rightful first place in my life in order for me to be enabled and empowered to dance! Trust me when I say I still struggle with pride. I am still human, and my spirit is daily in battle against my flesh. There is one passage I am frequently reminded of from Galatians 1:10 - "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ"

From the words of one of my disciples: "Dance to express, not to impress!" From the words of one of the world's greatest inspirators in breakdancing (bboy Cloud): "Don't imitate, originate!" From the words of the greatest influence in my life, God: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..."

So for those struggling with idols in their lives - be it money, cars, dancing, clothes, pride, or comfort, recognize that gratifying, yielding to, or giving into these idols is not the only problem. Running away from them is also.