Why God Doesn't Deliver Dream Glow Barbies

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”

― Epicurus

In 1985 Mattel came out with Dream Glow Barbie. She wore a Cinderella style pink gown and even had a little pink parasol. Her entire outfit was covered with little white stars that glowed in the dark. In 1986 I was five years old. I was afraid of the dark and thought that this doll was pretty much the coolest nightlight imaginable. I wanted this Barbie. Bad. I remember staring at a picture of the Barbie for days and days, studying each detail of her outfit and accessories, and planning for her debut visit to all of the other Barbies at my house.

I wanted the doll so much that I actually prayed, with all the sincerity of my little girl heart, that God would give me a Dream Glow Barbie.

But He didn’t. My birthday came and went. No Dream Glow Barbie. Christmas came and went. No Dream Glow Barbie.

Years passed, and eventually I forgot all about her.

But just the other night, I happened to be online and saw a picture of the Dream Glow Barbie. She was for sale on eBay for $29.95. My childhood dream was only a click away.

I thought about it. With my current salary I could easily afford it. It could be at my house and in my hands in two days. It would be a gift to the child still inside of me, the child who’d wanted so many things but couldn’t have them because we didn’t have the money.  

But I couldn’t do it. The truth was, I no longer wanted a Dream Glow Barbie. To be honest, the doll looked pretty ridiculous (see sleeves). What would I do with it? Where would I put it? And what about all the other things I would much rather buy with $29.95, like books, camping gear, or even an oil change?

It was in that moment I realized that God had truly answered that fervent, five-year-old girl’s prayer. Over the past 25+ years God had given me all the talents and abilities and opportunities I needed to buy a Dream Glow Barbie. I could have the doll, and I could also have all the candy and other toys I’d wanted. I didn’t even have to wait until my birthday!

But God had also given me something infinitely better than money: time and experience. I had time to learn that some things are worth having, and some things are not. I had time to overcome my fear of the dark. My needs and desires had changed, just as God knew they would.

Because God didn’t give me the Barbie, I feel I understand God’s love for me in a deeper way, and I also have a personal witness of the power of prayer. I know that God does hear every prayer, and that he does care about the desires of my heart.

But God, as a perfect parent, also understands the danger in giving me too much, too soon. His timing is part of his perfect love, and if I trust His timing, I feel assured that even if I don’t get what I want right now, I will ultimately get what is best.

If what I want is not in my best interest (i.e. a Dream Glow Barbie, a big mansion, dating Chris Pine, etc.), then I can be assured that I will be given the experiences I need to understand what really matters and what does not.

In the Bible, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego tell Nebuchadnezzar that they aren’t afraid of his fiery furnace because they know God will deliver them (Daniel 13:17). In the Book of Mormon the prophet Alma teaches his son Shiblon that “as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered” (Alma 38:5). In the Qu’ran, there are several references to God’s ability to rescue and preserve those who pray to Him (Surat Al-‘Anam 6:63).

In fact, I can’t think of a religion that doesn’t teach that God delivers us.

But sometimes I think we get God’s delivery system confused with UPS or FedEx. We get frustrated when our answer doesn’t show up on the doorstep in two days or less.

But God didn’t say He would deliver everything we wanted if we prayed; He only promises to deliver us.

Deliver us not just from pain and afflictions, but also from behaviors that would lead us into bondage. Behaviors like seeking instant gratification over long-term happiness.

Behaviors like giving up hope because our expectations don’t currently match our reality.

Behaviors like becoming a weird hermit lady locked up with a room full of dolls and teddy bears.

Right?

Fortunately, our desires can change, and as they become more and more like our Father’s desires, we will be more and more able to be happy long term and right now. We will come to know that God does love us, and he does hear and answer every one of our prayers.

I know if we trust Him, He will deliver us.

And I’ve noticed that the more I learn about prayer, the less I need to ask Him and the more I want to thank Him.

In fact today, I want to officially thank God for not giving me a Dream Glow Barbie. And I want to especially thank Him for all of the other dreams that have come true because He answers all of my prayers so perfectly.

He knows me; He loves me.

And as I keep praying, I know and love me a little better, too.

As my Muslim friends say, “God is great!”

I couldn’t agree more.