What Was Your Childhood Dream?

“God hears and remembers your childhood dreams.”

I read this phrase on a social media post by author Angela Hunt, and it resonated with me. The more I think about it, “story” has been a part of my life since childhood.

I was an only child, so, when my cousins weren’t around, I had to entertain myself. I would spend hours in my room alone, acting out stories with my stuffed animals and action figures. I loved comic books and would often finish one and then dream up scenarios to continue the plotline. When my cousins were around, I often led our pretend adventures (one that involved us using my closet as the Batcave didn’t end well, but that’s a long, complicated story for another time).

My storytelling tendencies continued into my middle and high school years, as, when I was an eighth grader, I was asked to join the high school newspaper staff. I became editor as a sophomore and continued through to graduation. I also appeared in some plays along the way, as my outgoing (a.k.a. loud) nature did not go unnoticed.

When it came time for college, I decided to double-major in radio-tv broadcasting and print journalism. I already had a lot of experience with print, and I figured television would be a good outlet for my dramatic tendencies and storytelling. I was active with the college station, hosting talk shows, doing news reports, and serving as the weatherman. I still can’t tell a cold front from a cold snap, but it was fun at the time.

College graduation day came, and tv stations did not beat down my door. The audacity! Dan Rather had nothing to worry about.

I ended up going to graduate school and eventually became a college professor. Not the path I had planned, but, looking back, God knew what He was doing. The subjects I teach—Interpersonal Communication, Basic Public Speaking, Journalism—allow a “ham” like me to be the center of attention to tell lots of stories as they relate to the curriculum. Engaging with students through story has been a joy from day one.

God wasn’t quite through yet, though. Several years ago, He called me to write for Him, to tell His story in my unique, often wacky, way. Then, during the darker days of 2020 pandemic lockdown (during which my first book was published, by the way), God birthed something new, harking back to the dreams of my childhood and formative years. Since I couldn’t connect in person with the kids in my children’s ministry, I started doing videos and posting them on social media.

I developed some truly crazy characters who tell the stories of Scripture in their own unique way. I initially shared the videos on our church’s social media pages, but one day I shared one on my personal page. The response was phenomenal, something only God could do. My stories now reach as many adults as children, and my childhood “story dreams” have come true, in a totally different way than what I had planned.

God didn’t forget that only child with the overactive imagination. He hasn’t forgotten you, either. Just don’t use your closet as the Batcave.

Carlton Hughes, represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary, wears many hats. By day, he is a professor of communication. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he serves as a children’s pastor. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer. Carlton is an empty-nesting dad and devoted husband who likes long walks on the beach, old sitcoms, and chocolate—all the chocolate. His work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game, The Wonders of Nature, Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and Everyday Grace for Men. His latest book is Adventures in Fatherhood, co-authored with Holland Webb.