The Greatest Actors of Our Time

“Lights, Camera, Action”!  This is the norm in Hollywood for all working actors.  The glam, red carpet events, award nominations and award shows are all a part of life for the elites in Hollywood. 

In the early part of each year, actors await the announcements of the Oscar nominations.  It’s the ‘Oscar buzz’, a major event for Hollywood actors, directors, producers and the behind-the-scene greats await to hear their destiny in Oscar World.  Although, it’s exciting for the famous, there are the infamous who have been overlooked for an Oscar nomination for their superior daily performances.

 

While the famous are being praised and rewarded for their false acts, some are not receiving the recognition for their stand up performances of everyday life.  Who says you need acting classes or an acting coach?  We display our talents through everyday life while others pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to learn, enhance a craft or talent that most of us have mastered through life's experiences. As actors spend their days running from paparazzi; we are avoiding debt collectors.  We laugh, smile, and help someone in need, while we’re experiencing hardship in our personal lives.  That’s pretty good acting!  In fact, it costs absolutely nothing.  It’s the acting abilities that so many of us have encountered - by no means deliberate.   

The Great Actors Within

From the financial stress of high debt, low savings and insufficient income; to the emotional roller coaster and the mental distress we encounter daily, it’s no wonder the depression and suicide rates are at its all-time high.  These days, it’s difficult to identify the sufferers.  We perform our greatest acts by showing a different side outwardly than what we are truly experiencing inwardly.  The person you sit next to every day at work that smiles or laughs with you could be the same person going through financial strain behind closed doors and is in danger of losing his car or home.  Or the unfriendly cashier at the grocery store who gave you an attitude when you asked her to check an item that did not scan on sale, could be a single mother who is extremely tired from working two jobs to pay her bills and feed her children.  It is inevitable what so many people may be facing today.  Nonetheless, these are the same people we interact with every day who could be dealing with hard times in their lives but are great actors in hiding what they are truly experiencing.  For those of us who experience someone who may be unpleasant, keep this in mind:  

·         Be patient and know that there is a reason why someone is mistreating you and it has nothing to do with you.  Hurt people; hurt others.

·         Embrace them with love.  This could be someone who is not used to receiving love and does not know how to give it. 

·         Do not allow their actions or behavior influence you.  Sometimes, our response can make a world of difference.  People who are negative and express negative behavior expect to receive negative results.  Prove them wrong and react in an opposite manner.  Respond with grace and humility. 

It’s easier said than done: Letting go of the past

If the current events aren’t enough, so many of us are struggling with letting go of our past.  The past is the cause of numerous lost and broken people walking around today.  If that’s not enough, the past causes a lot of hindrances in our lives too.  It robs us from the endless possibilities of pursuing our goals and living our dreams.  There are many culprits of hindrances that keep us from moving forward and living our dreams such as unforgiveness, bitterness, loneliness, discouragement, emotional distress, low self-confidence and low self-esteem - to name a few.  It steals our chance of fulfillment, joy and happiness in this world.  Living with these hindrances may cause us to block our blessings.  Understandably, some people would like to seek help and do not know where to start or go to seek the assistance.  We need not only the guidance in pointing us in the right direction, but we also need the assurance that seeking help will benefit our lives.  We have become accustomed to believing that things in life will not get better and opt for living a mediocre life.  We’ve built patterns in withholding emotions and feelings that are affecting our happiness and well-being.  In essence, our lives are in constant replay as if we’re watching re-runs from an old syndicate show.  Instead, it’s our life being displayed in rewind.  We choose this lifestyle because it’s all we’ve grown to know.  It’s a familiar path we take in life that makes us feel more comfortable with ourselves.   

But we can choose to live differently.  It is time to take a stand for yourself and live the life you were meant to live.  A life that is unimaginable and beyond your wildest dreams!  You have to start somewhere.  And starting with the emotional healing process and finding your inner peace is a great way to start.  The healing process is indicative to a peaceful present and a better future.  So, it’s important to research all of the resources available:  

·         Books – there are tons of books that focus on emotional and mental healing.  Conduct a search on the internet or your local library to determine the right book for you. 

·         Internet – the internet provides a ton of information on the topic of emotional healing and letting go of the past.  There are websites and other resources provided on the internet that will guide us and get us started. 

·         Counseling – the thought of counseling makes a lot of people nervous.  I used to cringe at the thought of talking to someone about my darkest moments in my childhood.  But I overcame that fear and sought counseling through my church.  It was the best decision I’d ever made and I’m grateful that I did.  Seeking counseling through a therapist, local church or community centers, it will serve you a great deal emotionally, mentally and physically. 

 

Be open-minded to one of the options mentioned in seeking the help needed to overcome the barriers from your past.  You will be thankful that you did.  You all deserve a better present and future. 

Stay Encouraged and Be Blessed!

Test the Waters: Living Life with No Limits!

Often times, a bright idea pops in our heads and we look around      like some magical character is going  to jump out and show himself  as the culprit of that idea.  It's Amazing that we forget the idea

was not presented by accident, there's a reason why we thought it in the first place.  It is God channeling us to think big and venture out to do more in life.  But how many of us take our thoughts seriously and pursue the ideas that have been instilled in us?  Do we doubt our abilities of achieving great things in life? Or do we fear the price of rejection and never try at all?  

Well, let me be the first to say that if this was a multiple choice test, I would choose option 'D' - all of the above.  Most of my life was spent living in fear, with self-doubt, and afraid of being rejected.  Instead of taking a chance or risks, I'd play it safe and protect my feelings from getting hurt.  Perhaps the hurt I've endured in my life kept me from trying - so I didn't.  For many years I've allowed great opportunities pass me by, simply because I chose to live cautiously instead of just giving life a chance. How does one break the barriers that stem from the negative occurrences?

It isn't easy but admittedly, it definitely is achievable.  Until one day, I had an inkling to do something spontaneous.  So, I decided to test the waters in certain areas in my life and see what results I’d receive.  The results were indeed amazing but not surprising.    

The first attempt at faith was to post my resume to several online job sites but chose Florida as the location.   I wanted to test the waters and see what happens.  This was the beginning of a wonderful journey to do things in 'faith' and watch faith work in my life.  Although, I started with one job site, I was confident that I would receive a response about an opportunity.  And did I ever!   

The day after posting my resume online, I received an email from a company who was interested in

interviewing me for a position in my field of Technology.  The job included relocation expenses, a great salary, benefits and more.  Although, I really wasn't looking for another job, I wanted to take a 'leap of faith' as everyone says and see how it will work in my life.  There were many more opportunities that followed since I debuted my resume online.  In addition, since that experience, I've been taking a chance in other areas in my life.  Many doors have opened for me and great opportunities have presented itself in my life thus far.  I now realize that I was limiting myself from the possibilities that life has to offer.   

I wanted to share my testimony because I know many of you have the same mindset.  Not realizing your full potential, living a mediocre life, allowing fear and doubt to decide for you.  Sometimes we analyze things too much.  We are the cause of confusion in our lives.  Instead of giving it a Go - we give it a No!  Nothing in life is perfect, but we will not know what doors will open in our lives if we do not try. 

 

If you're still in doubt and need encouragement to get you started in living a life with no limits, here are a few principles that helped me along the way: 

Believe - we can't do anything in life unless we believe.  Believe in yourself, in God and in what

you want.  "All things are possible to him who believes." Mark 9:23 NLT

Pray - The bible says, 'you have not because you ask not'.  Well, there you have it, start praying

and ask God to open doors in your life.  “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you” Luke 11:9 (NLT)  

Take Action - Take action and do something.  We can't expect to accomplish things in life if we are not willing to do the work.  God will do his part if you do your part.  Start by writing goals and follow through with them.  We are responsible for the actions we take in our lives.  Be a doer!  

Have Faith - Do everything in faith.  It's amazing what can happen when you do things in faith.  The possibilities are endless.   

"Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be Strong."

I Corinthians 16:13 NLT

 Start today to live life with no limits!  And test the waters for yourself.

 

 

 

WHEN FAITH SEEMS SO FAR AWAY

Recently, I was asked to minister on Faith at the Women’s Ministry at my church.  When I began to prepare my notes, I started brainstorming on what personal testimonies I wanted to share that would go in-line with the topic.  Two years ago, I would have been shy at the thought of sharing personal stories.  But knowing who I am today, I can freely speak on matters that were hurtful, confusing, and degrading without getting upset.  Many years ago, I was unable to think let alone speak on many things from my past because of the emotional distress that it caused.  I decided to take a leap of faith and speak freely, boldly, and confidently on any topic pertaining to my life. 

I’m a living witness as to what faith has done for my life.  Let me explain….

Last year, I was having a challenging time at my job.  I was overlooked for a promotion and two months after promotions were announced I was overlooked again for a leadership position within my group.  Clearly, I was disappointed as I should be (I’m sure some of you have experienced the same).  But one thing I’ve adapted to do in my life is pray about EVERYTHING!  Asking God for guidance is the only assurance I needed – and I did.  What God proposed for me to do was be patient and have faith.  Well, as many of us may already know that it’s easier said than done.  However, I knew this was God’s test for me and I did not want to fail. 

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.                                                   

 ~Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

It was shortly after, that God revealed that he had other plans for me in another area of the company.  Throughout my years with the company, I’ve had the opportunity to build great professional relationships in other areas of the company and I knew this would be a wonderful opportunity to communicate with some of my contacts.  Several months later, I received a phone call from a Vice President in the Technology department.  He asked if I was interested in a position in his area and of course, I obliged.  A few days later I interviewed over the phone with another VP in his department and a week after that interview the Director from the department traveled from New York to the Delaware office to interview me as well.  The Director informed me that he would be out of town on business and would contact me when he returns.  In less than two weeks, I heard back from him and an offer was made for the position.  The amazing part of it all was that I did not have to go through the normal protocols of posting for the position.  One simple phone call made it all happen and I did not have to fill out an internal posting for the position.  If anyone understands what ‘faith’ really is and the blessings you can receive in your life when you live in faith - this is a perfect testimony of it! 

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. ~ Romans 3:22 (NLT)

 Just as my career was headed in a better direction, my personal life was being challenged.  After several years of being in an unhealthy marriage, counseling at my church and many prayers God finally saw I had enough and guided me in starting the separation process of my marriage.  I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy task but it was the right thing to do.  The situation became chaotic and there was no peace.  I was instructed by one of the assistant Pastors at my church to stay in prayer which included praying for my ex-husband – something I was totally against.  If anyone knew half of what I went through with him, it would be easier to understand.  But I wanted to remain obedient and follow through on God’s instructions.

I have often seen friends, family and colleagues go through some pretty messy divorces.  And regardless of what led to this decision for me, I didn’t want us to be another couple going through a bitter divorce that may lead to negative results.  It was important for me to ensure that we went through a peaceful divorce and remain in good standing for the sake of my stepsons.  The truth is that we were both good people who were not good together. 

In the beginning, there were many days I dreaded the idea of going home.  But I continued to keep my head up and ignore any negativity that came my way.  Even when my faith was being tested, I continued to be faithful, obedient and patient.  The truth is….faith is all I had to get me through.  Although, I could not see the plans that God had ahead for me but I knew in my heart his plans were good – indeed they were!  Each time I prayed God for guidance in my situation, he answered my prayers by showing me.  I’m a visual person and I often need to see things come to pass in order to better understand it.  And can I tell you that each time I prayed about my circumstances, he would send me a revelation that was powerful.  It wasn’t long before I’d see the answers to my prayers. 

For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. ²⁴ Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.     ~Mark 11:23-24 (NKJV)

After one and a half year of being separated, it finally sunk in for the both of us.  We both stayed focused on finalizing things in a much smoother capacity.  There was no animosity or bitterness between us.  We were both able to move forward with our lives and remain friends.  It wasn’t easy but faith is what got me through it all.  I share my personal experience to encourage anyone that when you pray and ask God to be the light in your life when everything seems so dark - he will show you the way.  You must stay in prayer, believe and trust in Him.  But most importantly, have Faith!  

Stay Encouraged and Be Blessed!