Monthly Archives: March 2013

Hey, That Cross is Offensive

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Hey, That Cross is Offensive
GOOD FRIDAY, LENT DAY 39 of 40, © NaimaLett.com/blog

celebrity_cross_tattoo
Celebrity cross tattoos: Justin Timberlake, Angelina Jolie, Colin Ferrell, Mary J. Blige, Christopher Meloni, Alyssa Milano

Hey, that cross is offensive.
It was 2,000 years ago.
It still is today.

We try to beautify it.
Diamond-bling it around our neck.
Stain-glass it at church.
Celebrity-tattoo it across our body.

But that’s like putting perfume on fertilizer. No amount of Unforgivable by Sean John or Glow by J.Lo can drown the stench of manure. So it is with that cross. It ain’t pretty.

Cross Offensive

Most medieval-type paintings portray a comely, fairly clean, malnutrition-looking Jesus gently placed on that cross. That’s not how it went down. Jesus was a bloody mess – flesh ripped, temples busted, blood coming down his face. He had been beaten and whipped and nailed.

Mel Gibson has gotten a lot of things wrong, but he got right that flogging scene in The Passion of the Christ. I’ve only been able to sit through it once. There’s no way that I could re-live that again and again. I feel the lashes. I smell the blood. It’s visceral. It’s offensive.

Why?

Because Jesus, God’s Son, who is perfect in every way and lived a completely sinless life, should’ve never allowed Himself to be humiliated and painfully murdered on that cross. But He did. Because there was no other way to get things right between us, the creation who is born sinful, and our Creator, who is sinless. God made Him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become righteous. 2 Corinthians 5:21. That’s our whole gospel. That’s the Good News. We have eternal life because the God-Man conquered death for us.

Jesus is the only One who could die in our stead. I believe He choose something as ugly as that cross because it symbolizes the death within us that He obliterated.

Crossed Up

So the next time we see Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige and Angelina Jolie posing sexily highlighting the crosses inked to their bodies, remember the One whose body was ripped to shreds to redeem them and us.

Thank God death is not the end of the story. Hebrews 12:2 says that we “fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” We can endure the offense of that cross because of the reward that awaits us.

Good Friday

Nothing that happened on “Good” Friday was good, but Hallelujah for Easter morn! There is an empty tomb because Jesus did exactly what He said He would do: He arose! Easter is coming, Fam! All offenses are retired on Easter, and we will shake the heavens with praise for a Savior who is alive.

He is Risen.
He is Risen, indeed,
Naima

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© 2013 Naima Lett. All Rights Reserved

Most Sensational Feet

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
The Most Sensational Feet
LENT DAY 37 of 40, © NaimaLett.com/blog


celebrity_feet
© Getty, VH1 Gallery

“From Beautiful To Hideous, Top 45 Most Sensational Celebrity Feet”

That’s what the VH1 headline read promising a peak at Oprah Winfrey’s “extra pinky toe” to Taylor Swift’s “precious piggies”. From red carpet pumps to bare feet on the concrete, (see photo above), the VH1 gallery put celeb feet on blast… even noting their expectation that celebrities should be able to afford a weekly pedicure, despite the recession.

Wow. Who ever thought we’d be so judged by our feet?

Maundy Thursday

Today is Maundy Thursday all over the world, which means it’s all about the feet.

Maundy means “washing of the feet” referring to the Last Supper when Jesus washes His disciples feet (John 13:1-17). And in our very best Jesus’ impressions, once a year, the church rolls out the basins and towels, and people get to splashing.

More than a Pedicure

The commemoration is about so much more than flossing pedicures though.

Jesus sets an example of humility for us to follow. He’s does something so upside down again. The King, the God-Man, the One who should be served, gets down on his knees and serves. What?

In John 13, Jesus tells His disciples, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

Just in case we are wondering what following Jesus looks like, here is where we need to start snapping photos. Following the Messiah looks like washing each other’s feet.

Not for the Faint-Hearted

This, my friends, is not for the faint of heart.

Feet are funny.
And extremely personal.

Have you ever tried to wash or even touch somebody else’s feet, other than your spouse or child? How did they react? How would you react if somebody tried to touch yours? Would you flex back? Jump? Kick?

I’ve served in ministry for a long time, so I have washed feet and I’ve had my feet washed. You get to know a whole lot about a person once you see their feet. And there are few things less humbling than bowing to wash somebody’s feet. I’m just saying.

Sensational or Not

Hopeful none of our feet will be blasted in VH1’s next “Most Sensational” list, but I think I can safely say that if we follow Jesus, we must consider that our brothers’ and sisters’ feet are the most sensational feet in the world and be willing to wash their feet and serve one another.

What do you think?
Feeling pretty sensational today?
Happy Maundy Thursday,
Naima

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Naima Lett DTS Interview & “Confessions of a Hollywood Christian”

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Naima Lett DTS Interview & Confessions of a Hollywood Christian, © NaimaLett.com/blog



© VIDEO

Hi Fam,

I recently had a ball dialoguing with Dallas Theological Seminary fam, Dr. Darrell Bock and Dr. Reg Grant, about the significance of Cultural Engagement in the Arts, how Christians can excel in the media, and my book/series Confessions of a Hollywood Christian.

The interview is the closing segment of the series “The Challenge and Dilemma of Being a Christian in the Arts” featured on THE TABLE, a weekly DTS podcast on topics related to God, Christianity, and Culture.

We talk about LaLa Land, the film industry and the role of Christians within the industry. I also share advice with artists who want to make a living in Hollywood on everything from how to choose roles to how to bring truth to the screen without compromising. The breakdown is below.

Looking forward to being in Dallas in April.
I’m teaching:
ACTORS WORKSHOP, North Dallas Community Fellowship, Saturday, April 20th, and
LAUNCH! Move your Film/TV Idea from Concept to Production, Christian Women in Media National Conference, Saturday, April 27th.
DTS’ Table Conference is that same week. I might just have to stop by! :=)

Enjoy the video!
Feel free to pass it along and please let us know what you think,
Naima

dtstablenlett

VIDEO: INTERVIEW
00:00 “Confessions of a Hollywood Christian” Trailer
02:47 Lett’s Work and Relationship to the Media Arts Program at Dallas Theological Seminary
07:00 Lett’s Book, Production and Heart for Artists
12:55 Lett’s Advice for Artists on Making an Impact for Christ and Making a Living as an Actor
22:06 Lett’s Production Schedule and the Importance of a Production Team
22:18 Why Be an Artist? To Help People Sort Through Life
29:35 Media Reflects What Life Is and What Life Could Be
36:12 Films Centered on Hope Invite Repeated Viewing
39:55 How Do You Choose Acting Roles?
43:57 Lett’s Role in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
48:20 Christian Actors Can Bring Truth to Hollywood without Compromise
52:51 Christian Writers Can Bring Art to Hollywood in an Edifying Way

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© 2013 Naima Lett. All Rights Reserved

Hollywood Hills Cry Out!

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
HOLLYWOOD HILLS CRY OUT!
LENT DAY 35 of 40, © NaimaLett.com/blog


Hlll
© Hollywood Hills


Climbing up Griffith Park Observatory, where you see the HOLLYWOOD sign atop Mount Lee, ain’t no joke!

When Bobby & Teka, our friends and fellow founding members of H0PE IN THE HILLS, invited us to climb Griffith, it was quite the experience. Those hills talk to you. They challenge you. They push you. And by the time you get to the top, you feel like you want to talk back, or rather, yell back “Victory!!!” You have conquered.

Can Hills Really Talk?

According to Jesus, Yes.

In Luke 19: 37-40, Jesus tells the Pharisees who rebuke Him to command His disciples to stop praising Him, “if they (my disciples) keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Jesus is making His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on the back of a borrowed colt. Throngs of people spread their coats and palm branches along the road. As He descends near the Mount of Olives, all the disciples start shouting and praising and blessing their King.

Public Praise Party

This is no cute hand pump or whatever we’re doing these days. The word used for “cry out” is like screaming or croaking. One scholar describes it as the sound of a woman in labor. Another says that word describes a war cry. This is not composed. It’s full-fledged, all-out hollering.

The Pharisees have had enough of this blasphemy. They tell Rabbi Jesus to stop His disciples from this public praise party. But Jesus is very clear, “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Certainly the Pharisees, who knew the Scriptures, would’ve heard a reference to Habakkuk’s prophecy that the very stones and wood of the houses the arrogant Babylonians built off the destruction of others would cry out against them: “Surely the stone will cry out from the wall, and the rafter will answer it from the framework.” (Habakkuk 2:8-11). This idea of God’s creation testifying against God’s created beings runs deep.

And Jesus, Maker of the world, says that if man stops rendering Him praise, what He’s made (stones, rocks, hills) will keep on praising. There is no interruption on the glory that is extolled upon our God. There is a continual chorus going on all around us. Can we get in on it?

It’s Our Turn!

Whether we climb up to Griffith or Mount Everest, when we stand on the mountaintop, we should tell the peaks, “Shhhh, it’s our turn to praise God! You’ve been hollerin’ all day. Give us a chance to get a shout in, please!”

Whether in Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills, the Grand Canyon or Stone Mountain (shout out to my GA fam!), I hope that every time we pass a mountain, we’ll say, “Hey, it’s our turn!”

Got a praise?!
Let’s tell the stones to hush so we can bless our King.
Naima

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© 2013 Naima Lett. All Rights Reserved

Final Word on “The Bible”

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Final Word on “The Bible” (After Last Night)
LENT DAY 34 of 40, © NaimaLett.com/blog


bibleseries
© The Bible Miniseries, The History Channel

I love the Bible.
I read it daily and preach it weekly.
I’ve dedicated my life to sharing God’s Word, serving Him and pouring into His people.

I love Hollywood.
I live and work here every week.
As a professional actor and producer, I’ve developed beautiful relationships.

The Bible and Hollywood

Because I love the Bible and Hollywood, I get so excited when the two come together.
Apparently, I’m not the only one. In 2004, Mel Gibson spent $30 million to make The Passion of the Christ, and worldwide audiences turned out to the tune of $611 million+. Slam Dunk.

In 2008, despite unfavorable critic reviews of its production value, Christian audiences pushed the $500,000 low-budgeted, faith-based film Fireproof (with its 1200 volunteer cast & crew) to become the highest grossing independent film of the year making over $33 million at the box office and another $28 million in DVD sales. Home Run.

At the beginning of the month, the History Channel started airing its $22 million budgeted, 10-part original miniseries, The Bible, and the first episode became the “highest-rated scripted drama on cable so far this year” with 13.1 million viewers. Touch Down…. I think?

I posted the History Channel Takes Heat on “The Bible” about the creative license in retelling the Biblical stories, and how The Bible jumped from the frying pan into the fire in Bible, Beyoncé and Bates Motel about controversial casting. Today, I post my final word on this series. I’m done.

Final Word

I have desperately wanted to like this series and support the producers, a couple who has been vocal about their Catholic faith. I know how badly Christian filmmakers need the ratings and 13.1 million viewers, and how we all need to stick together and help one another. I even encouraged you to hang in there despite the Biblical discrepancies. But last night was enough.

Taking creative license is one thing. Re-writing the Bible, so that its original message is skewed, is another.

For example, the series portrays Jesus meeting Peter and telling him that the two of them will “change the world” as if it’s all about them. This is totally different from the actual account recorded in Luke 5:1-11 where Peter recognizes that Jesus is Lord and falls at Jesus’ feet in the midst of Peter’s partners, James & John. It’s not all about Jesus and Peter changing the world. Jesus is calling all of His disciples.

Scene after scene of re-writing the Biblical text continues. By the time we get to the Last Supper and the series makes it look like Jesus, with His godly powers, makes Judas go betray Him (completely ignoring the Biblical text that Judas has been a dishonest thief the entire time and decided of his own accord to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver), I’m done. Are we really going to make it seem like Judas is a victim? Like he had no will?

Why?

I keep asking, “Why?” Why re-write the Bible? I acknowledge that I was exhausted last night, having taught and ministered at worship conference for 3 days, gotten home at midnight, then preached Sunday service. Still, I can recognize Biblical error, even through exhaustion. Where’s our fear of God?

We, who teach God’s Word, are held to a greater accountability (James 3:1). We must constantly be on our faces asking God to purify His message before we speak it, portray it, dramatize it, share it. I am praying for my brothers and sisters who thought it not robbery to change so much of God’s Word and portray it as truth.

Lord, please forgive us, help us do right by You and Your Word, and somehow, please redeem this effort and be glorified, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

What’s your take, Fam?
Naima

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© 2013 Naima Lett. All Rights Reserved

Do Smartphones Have a Place in Worship?

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Do Smartphones Have a Place in Worship?
© NaimaLett.com/blog


smartphones



“You’re gonna have to put that up,”
I explained to the twenty-something, self-ascribed iReporter clicking away pictures on his smartphone next to me in service last night.

The conversation that ensued was very enlightening for me. His point of view was that he had every right to take pictures of the dancers going forth in ministry. It was his phone. He could do what he wanted.

My point of view was this was the time to worship God with the dancers leading us in worship. This isn’t a rock concert. We had gathered to meet with God and hear from Him. How can we do that if we’re taking pictures, as if we’re at a performance. If we’re snapping photos for Instagram and Facebook, we probably aren’t focused on what God is saying in that moment.

Who’s Right?

Is there a right or wrong here?
Or just 2 people with differing opinions?

Family of God, we’re at a crossroads. Our young people are growing up with a smartphone attached at the hip, and they don’t feel that it’s inappropriate to bring that smartphone to the altar and snap, snap, snap. How do we honor them and not push them away, but also honor God and show Him respect. Is this about respect?

Being Present

Before I ministered last night, I asked permission of the pastors so that I could invite all the iReporters to take the night off, put their iPhones down, and hear from the Lord. As I was speaking, one of the pastors said, “We must be present.” She nailed it.

Being present with God during worship is the key.

In I Kings 19:12, God whispered to Elijah in a still voice. Elijah was attentive. He had been in a 40 day fast in the wilderness, running for his life. He was present.

It’s like having a conversation with someone and while they’re talking, we’re snapping pictures instead of listening. Nothing wrong with taking pictures. Photos are great. But there’s a time and place for everything.

Or maybe my age is showing.
I don’t know.
What do you think?

Can we be present with God during worship service and take pictures of the worship team, dancers, singers, artists?

I’d love to hear from you.
The questions we ask in LaLa Land,
Naima

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© 2013 Naima Lett. All Rights Reserved

Occupy. Move.

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Occupy. Move.
LENT DAY 32 of 40, © NaimaLett.com/blog


occupy
© Occupy New York. Occupy Conference, CA.

A year and 1/2 ago, the Occupy Movement kicked off in New York City.

You remember the pictures. Bulls on posters. Tents. Protesters for miles. Arrests. Drama!
Folks flooded the streets to “reiterate their anger at the global financial system, corporate greed and government cutbacks.” The Washington Post reported that “rallies were held in more than 900 cities in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the United States.” It was indeed a movement.

God’s Fam Takes Note

One of my friends, Rev. Stephanie Butler Adams took note of the movement and when she and her husband Stephen began planning their annual Worship Arts and Music Training Conference, they decided to use this theme, “Occupy the Earth”… because isn’t that what we’re called to do as children of God?

I’m honored to be invited as a facilitator to teach on Drama Ministry in a Hollywood Generation and Drama Ministry for this Generation. There are 30 speakers and facilitators and over 300 conference attendees converging upon Irvine, CA right now, and we plan to have a great time over the next 3 days diving into how we occupy and fulfill our commission in 2013.

Occupy. Move.

Which brings me to the question for us:
Are we occupying where we are? Are we moving?

Occupy means to:
Take possession
Take control
Take up residence
Dwell. Hold.

At first glance, dwelling and holding seems opposite of moving. But occupying is a movement. Taking possession is active. You’re probably thinking about Joshua and the mandate to take possession of the land, right?

Occupy Us

I’m actually thinking about how much I utterly need God to occupy me before I ever occupy territory. Fasting and prayer through this Lenten season has reminded me how much I need to depend on God, as there is so much I cannot do in and of my own strength.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 says, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.”

We are God’s temple. My prayer today as we kick off this conference is that God fills His temple, you and me, with His Spirit, so that we can do exactly what He needs for us to do on this side of heaven.

The Occupy Movement is wonderful and all; but how bout we start ours by asking our loving heavenly Father to occupy us, to move within us today. What do you say?

Lots of love from the LaLa,
Naima

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© 2013 Naima Lett. All Rights Reserved

Bible, Beyoncé & Bates Motel: This Week In Hollywood

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Bible, Beyoncé & Bates Motel: This Week in Hollywood
LENT DAY 31 of 40, © NaimaLett.com/blog


biblebeyoncebatesmotel
© The Bible, Beyonce & the Bates Motel

Back in the LaLa!

Had a wonderful weekend of ordination and celebration, followed by a last minute audition yesterday; and this morning, I got caught up on the hot happenings in Hollywood.

Here we go!

THE BIBLE: From the Frying Pan into the Fire

Looks like History Channel’s The Bible series has jumped from the frying pan into the fire!

Previously, I posted History Channel Takes Heat on “The Bible” about how folks of faith were hot that the series took much creative license in loosely retelling some of the Biblical stories.

This week, every entertainment news feed I receive lit up with stories like Hollywood Reporter’s In History’s ‘The Bible,’ Satan Looks Like President Obama. The producers released statements saying the accusation is nonsense and Moroccan actor Mohamen Mehdi Ouazanni has played satan before. The picture is above. What do you think?

Glenn Beck started the wildfire Sunday, pointing out the resemblance on Twitter. The story flew from there. Lisa Suhay, Modern Parenthood, recounted what she overheard in her Norfolk, VA after-school chess program between 2 little girls of color:
“Why’s Jesus and the good guys always white and the devil’s looking like Obama?,” one asked.
“White people make everything white,” The other answered. “Right Ms. Suhay?”

For me, this is the issue. When the producers decided to cast this 10-hour miniseries and spent $22 million on production, why did they decide to continue a trend where super heroes tend to run fair against super villains who run ethnic?

If they cast Jesus, who was Jewish, as a Portuguese actor who looks Caucasian, why not cast satan similarly? Why do little black girls in Norfolk, VA have to see the most evil villain cast in their hue… again? Besides, the devil shifts and changes and appears beautiful and tempting. So, an elderly president look-alike is most likely a little off. But, I digress.

BEYONCÉ

“I’m not going to make it,” I told my husband as Beyoncé barely finished her first verse.

Mrs. Sean Carter aka Mrs. Jay Z aka Sasha Fierce aka Bey released her new song, Bow Down this week in which the constant refrain is “Bow down, B-words”. I can’t in good conscience recommend you digest the song. I barely made it to the first chorus.

So, why even bring this up? Because many of our tween, teen and twenty-something daughters, granddaughters, sisters and friends idolize Beyoncé and she knows it.

“I know when you were little girls, you dreamed of being in my world,” the superstar sings.
“Don’t forget it, don’t forget it, respect that. Bow down, b*——“

Be clear, Fam. The only person I’m bowing down to is the Lord.

In Matthew 4:8-10, “…the devil took him (Jesus) to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”

Let’s pray for Beyoncé and other artists with worldwide influence, Fam. One of my friends posted a video recently where she went to a Lady Gaga concert and refused to go back because GaGa “wanted our worship. She asked for our souls.” When folks start asking for us to bow down to them, we’re moving in a pretty scary direction. Let’s turn this ship around.

BATES MOTEL

Lastly, this week saw the premiere of A&E Network’s new original drama series, Bates Motel.

Why is Hollywood excited about this prequel to Hitchcock’s Psycho set in modern times? Because it became the network’s most-watched original drama series debut in the key demographic of 18-49 with 4.6 million viewers.

Vera Farmiga is a wonderful actress and Freddie Highmore holds his own, but FYI, this one is twisted, Fam. From the preview, it looks like it opens with rape and violence and at any moment the mother and son might have an incestuous relationship. Critics are calling it “edgy” and “provocative”. That’s industry language for shock, shock, shock value.

Just giving you a heads up, if you thought you were going to sit down with popcorn and get another trip through The Twilight Zone. :=)

That’s a Wrap

That’s a wrap so far this week in Hollywood.
I’m teaching at a worship conference for the next 3 days and got tons to do before I depart.

Lots of love from the LaLa,
Naima

What do you think?
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© 2013 Naima Lett. All Rights Reserved

Thanks, Fam!

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Thank You, Fam!
LENT DAY 29 of 40, © NaimaLett.com/blog


thankyou

Thanks so much, Fam!

What a wonderful weekend of celebration!
Confirmation of Ordination!
Birthdays!
It was a family reunion.

I look forward to filling everyone in on the details. Can’t wait!
Though, today, we’re just getting back situated in the LaLa.
And I’m horizontal.

Thank You

Thanks for all your well wishes and encouragement and presence. Thanks for traveling near and far.

My brother Kamau and I have been tremendously blessed by your outpouring of love and support with ordination service.

And my husband Kevin is so grateful for all the birthday wishes.

Giving Thanks

We “give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever, (PS 106:1)”, and we “have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in our prayers (Eph 1:16)”.

We pass along our hearts of gratitude and encourage you today as you reflect on the amazing moments that God has orchestrated in your life.

What are you grateful for?
Who are you grateful for?
Just changes the day’s perspective, doesn’t it? When we start giving thanks, for
the fabulous and the challenging. :=)

Mad Appreciation

My heart is full, and I am grateful for this weekend and grateful for you.

Mad appreciation,
Naima

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Close Encounter with God, After Filming

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Close Encounter with God, After Filming
LENT DAY 26 of 40, © NaimaLett.com/blog


GE DIGITAL CAMERA
© NaimaLett.com, FL filming

“It’s time.”

It was December 2009.
“Cut!” We had just finished a challenging day of “Lights, Camera, Action!” between wind gusts and downpours. Makeup wiped my face clear. Costume took my wetsuit. And I changed back into my jeans and hoodie.

I was then delivered – by boat – back to the palatial Florida lake house we called home for the duration of the shoot. There are few things more satisfying for an actor than having a full day on set, enjoying a great meal, then collapsing exhausted onto a lounge chair overlooking the sunset.

But the sun had retreated and buckets were pouring from the heavens. A light breeze flooded the upper patio. Thus began my close encounter with God.

“It’s time,” He nudged.
“Time for what?” I knew His voice.
“Time for ordination.”

That was NOT what I expected to hear. Seriously, when God visits and says, “It’s time!”, who thinks “For ordination”? But that’s what He said. And you’d think I would’ve fallen on my face in humble submission and surrendered, “Yes, Lord!”

Instead, I countered, “I don’t need no titles.”
Sorry Alma Maters Howard University, Dallas Seminary and Talbot School of Theology. I know that’s not good English, but that’s what came out my Augusta-Georgian-born mouth.
“I’ve served you for over a decade, Lord. I don’t care what people call me.”
It (meaning the title) is not for you. It’s for them.”

Before you scold me…

… for arguing with the Creator of the ends of the earth, please know that I have walked with the Lord for many, many years and have talked with Him constantly throughout each day. I don’t always hear audible impressions like the one described above, but we’re in a constant dialogue. So, this was no different from our usual conversations.

But it was different.

He was emphatic.
Then He showed me a vision (which I share in my book :=).
My tears gave the rain a run for its money.
Eventually, I did surrender.
I ain’t crazy. This is God we’re talking about.

Back to the LaLa

We wrapped filming. I flew to Texas to perform my one-woman play and fulfill some ministry commitments, then I headed home to the LaLa where my husband and I made an appointment to talk with our pastor.

“God said, ‘It’s time.”
“Time for what?”
“Time for ordination.”
“Ordination for?”
“Was hoping you’d know. We’re serving here at the church. I’m preaching and teaching and performing God’s Word all over the world. Been serving in full-time ministry and the local church for over a decade. You know I was called a year out of college. Seems like God’s ready to make things official.”
“You really need to do the Doctorate in Ministry program I’m in.”
“After my last degree, I said, ‘It is finished.’ I don’t need a doctorate to serve God.”
“But you really need to do the D.MIN. I’ll get you the information.”

Long Journey to God’s Fulfillment

That, Fam, is how I unknowingly ended up as the first female in Talbot School of Theology’s Doctorate in Ministry Preaching cohort and a different kind of co-shepherd for a different kind of church plant in Beverly Hills. God used a pastor, (I didn’t know it at the time), who did not believe in women preaching to get me into a doctoral preaching program, and who confirmed God’s hand on my life and the presence of God’s Spirit in our ministry. He just didn’t know what to do with God’s calling or ordination. That was the first of several really tough journeys.

And I kept hearing, “It’s time.”

I simply put one foot in front of the other and took the next step that God laid out on a very adventurous path – with several bumps, detours and pastoral confirmations along the way.

Last year, I was ordained by our church, Hope in the Hills. And this Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day (and my husband’s birthday), I will receive the public Confirmation of Ordination from Rev. Dr. Sam Davis, Pastor of Beulah Grove Baptist Church where we grew up in Augusta, Georgia.

What makes this super special is I get to participate in this service with my youngest brother, Kamau, who is also being ordained after accepting the Pastor of Family and Students at Lake Oconee Community Church. Our family and friends are coming to celebrate. It’s overwhelming.

It’s Time

“It’s Time” took 2 – 3 years.
Thank. The. Lord!

I had a major transformation to go through and God knew it would take me some time to go from an Actor who preaches to His preacher who acts. His way of bringing this all about has been hard and beautiful and everything in between. And what He started after a day of filming, He was able to bring to pass.

Psalm 37:4-5 says “Delight yourself also in the Lord: and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.” As I delight in Him, His desires become my desires. As I commit my way to Him, He brings it to pass.

Join Us

If you’re in GA on Sunday, please join us. If you’re unable to make it, please keep us in your prayers. And for for those who’ve asked about ways to give, feel free to support through tax-deductible gifts at Hope in the Hills, Beverly Hills. Know that you continue to help us make a difference.

OK, I’m off. I probably won’t blog tomorrow, as I’ll be in flight. Have a wonderful weekend!

It’s a privilege to serve and journey with you.
Let’s Celebrate!
Naima

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