DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Upset Down D! ORIGINAL POST: 3/28/12
LENT DAY 25 of 40, © NaimaLett.com/blog



© source, Szymbark, Poland


Yep. Your eyes are not deceiving you.
That is an upside down house.
On purpose.

There are several on-purpose, upside-down buildings all over the world: South Korea, Japan, Spain, Poland. Who knew?

The interior design student who posted the house picture above reported that its builder was making an artistic statement about the current state of the world, among other things. She said that workers had to take breaks every three hours because they became disoriented and confused, and some tourists got dizzy or felt seasick when in the house. Go figure.

Upside down takes some getting used to.

As we look at Jesus’ life during this Lenten season leading up to Easter, we’ve called our series, “Upside Down D!” (D for Discipleship). I’ve preached about the seemingly bizarre way of doing things we’re called to when we follow Christ.

I can only imagine what Jesus’ disciples must’ve been thinking when He said things like, “Deny yourself and follow me.” Why would anyone, in their right mind, want to deny him/herself? This could be a totally foreign concept to our “Me/My/I” generation. We’re more likely to say, “Deny myself? I thought I was supposed to ‘Get mine!'”

Say What?

Jesus says to His disciples in MATTHEW 16:24-27,
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.”

By worldly standards, this is NOT the way to get followers today.
Not in politics.
Not in business.
Not in Hollywood.

What a Sales Pitch!

If we posted a message on our website that said, “If you roll with us, you might die”, would you continue? Probably not. But that’s what Jesus said to his disciples.

What’s fascinating is that just before the verses quoted above, Jesus tells his disciples that He will suffer horribly and die, then rise again. So before He tells them that they will lose their lives following him, He explains that he’s definitely going to lose His life. What a sales pitch!

But He breaks it down like this: What can this world offer in exchange for our souls? Is there anything that we can think of on this side of heaven that compares to what we will experience in eternity with Him?

Everything that we have on this earth is temporary: our beautiful homes, clothes, cars, jewelry, possessions, bank accounts, retirement funds, s.e.x., food, vacations… it all goes bye-bye when we die. Steve Jobs could not take his iPod/iPad designs or billions of dollars with him when he departed this earth. This world, this side, is not the end of the story. And Jesus says each person will be rewarded according to what we have done. We will all be held accountable for our actions.

Be encouraged.

I understand this is not a popular message. I’m not trying to rain on anyone’s parade. I actually think it’s quite encouraging. We don’t have to second guess what’s expected of us, if we decide to follow Jesus. He tells us straight up.

And here’s the best part: When we “lose” our lives for His sake, our lives are actually “found”. We are rescued from death. We are saved from penalty. That’s upside down for sure!

Upside Down D!

So, how are we doing with our upside down discipleship? Have we had incidents of ‘denial of self’ recently? Especially during this fast? Anybody had to take up a cross or two or three?

Take courage. He who promises reward is faithful. Nothing we have given up goes unnoticed. As we travel the road of the cross, let’s remember it leads to a glorious resurrection. That’s Upside Down D!

All this upside down talk has me thinking of pineapple upside-down cake: pineapples, cherries, brown sugar. Anybody else hungry?

Excuse me, breakfast calls.
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Media Overload
LENT DAY 24 of 40, © NaimaLett.com/blog

Media Overload.
Ever been there?

As I perused our Hollywood headlines this morning, I found myself edging in that direction.

Mainly because I’m finding it difficult to wonder how Kardashian dressed her baby bump today, how Janet got married secretly – for the third time – a year ago, or who the Bachelor chose as his TV fiancée before accepting his next reality show gig on Dancing With the Stars. :=)

Oz made $80 million, but no one’s rejoicing yet because it cost 3 times as much?
Sony is making a movie out of 70s sitcom Good Times?
And TNT wants us to try to figure out “Who shot J.R.?”… again?!
Is it just me or does the LaLa seem a little loopy today?

Times Have Changed

When we started Lent, I wrote about how Times Have Changed and Social Media topped folks’ Lent List. I decided to sacrifice television and sweets. When I finish my workday, during the time that I’d normally see screenings or catch up on DVR’d shows, I’ve spent that time meditating in God’s Word.

I don’t say this to boast or for earthly reward; but I’m laying out the background so that you understand my next statement: The more time I spend with God and learn about His heart and passion, the more I yearn to care about what He cares about… which probably isn’t “Click here if you hate Halle’s hairpiece in ‘The Call'”. LOL!

So What?

So what do we care about?

Yesterday, we read the first part of Luke 12:22-34. Today, let’s finish it. “And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”

Jesus tells us to seek God’s kingdom which our Father has gladly chosen to give us. How about that? We’ve been given the kingdom. Now we get to explore and learn all about it. The way the kingdom runs seems contrary and outside the box to everything that we might currently see, but it’s eternal and its principles don’t fail. And we can store up treasures in this kingdom that can never perish. Anybody up for that kind of treasure pursuit?

Time Out

We only have 16 more days left of Lent before Easter celebrations. I invite us to take some time between now and then and evaluate our treasure pursuits and put things in perspective.

I respect my fellow artists who’ve paid healthy sums for their publicity teams to get them in the news cycle. I’m just saying, some days, we can take a break and understand the world doesn’t necessarily revolve around the next plot twist or celebrity shoe release or concert date. Did we do anything today to seek and advance the kingdom?

Something to ponder,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Spring’s Master Stylist!
LENT DAY 23 of 40, © NaimaLett.com/blog



Spring on the Set! ©Naima Lett, Bird of Paradise ©Stretlitzia Reginae, source

Hollywood stylists know how to create Spring on a film set!

Neon green overlay. Check!
Bright yellow sunflowers. Check!
Rainbow polka-dot galoshes. Check!
Lights. Camera. Action!

Real Spring

Yet, our best attempts still only recreate a smidgen of the real Spring that’s happening outside. The LaLa’s Official Flower, the Bird of Paradise, is in full bloom all over the city and it’s beautiful. This South African transplant’s brilliant orange-golden, purplish-blue peaks decorating our yard make me constantly halt and say, “Praise God!”

The Master Stylist

For isn’t God the Original Master Stylist?
Doesn’t He know how to put stuff together and make an “Oh no He didn’t!” statement?

I love Jesus’ words in Luke 12:27-28, “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!”

If God clothes the birds of paradise and their pedals sing outside our window, can He not clothe you, me, family, friends? Jesus says “how much more will He clothe” us! How much more! Thus, He gives the command to not worry.

Fam, as Spring breaks forth and flowers burst open, please be reminded that the same Master Stylist who dresses the grass of the field in splendor is able to take care of you and me.

Lots of love from the LaLa,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Money Cometh?
LENT DAY 21 of 40, © NaimaLett.com/blog

Happy Friday, Fam!

Yesterday, we celebrated: Halfway Home, Keep Running, with Lent Day 20 of 40.
Today and over the weekend, please be encouraged in your joy.

I’ve spoken to several artists and professionals who have been struggling recently with just really tough times. Economic tightness and pushing uphill to “make the dream” come true has been weighing folks down.

Money Cometh

They keep hearing TV tales of other folks saying, “Money cometh!” and wondering why it’s not happening for them.

Last Sunday, I preached from Luke 12. Jesus reminds folks not to worry, especially over daily provision. But here’s what jumped out. When Jesus is asked to settle a family dispute over money, he rebukes a sense of greed and then says:
“…not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” (vs 15)

Come again

Jesus says that our life does not consist of our possessions, even when we have abundance.

I’ll say that another way:
Our life is not about the stuff, Fam.

Hey, I know this isn’t a popular message right now, especially in the LaLa where many in our family of faith are too chasing fame and fortune (in Jesus’ name). But I’m going to put it out there anyway, since Jesus did.

Our life is not about the stuff.

So, what’s life about?

Jesus says seek God’s kingdom, lay up treasures in heaven, you know, stuff that has nothing to do with acquiring wealth and platforms and worldwide domination and influence, even if we tell ourselves it’s for Him.

That doesn’t mean that we don’t pay our bills (please pay your bills!) and take care of our families. We can have homes and transportation and clothes and wealth. The key is that our life is not wrapped up in the stuff.

We can shout…

We can shout “Money cometh” to the heavens if we like, but if you seek my spiritual advice, I’ll probably pray that you receive work by which that money can cometh in your direction. And then I’ll probably ask what your purpose is, what God has laid on your heart and if you’re doing what you’re born to do. :=)

Have a beautiful weekend!
Lots of love from the LaLa,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Halfway Home, Keep Running
LENT DAY 20 of 40, © NaimaLett.com/blog



Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, LA Marathon 2011 © All Rights Reserved – PHOTO Source

We’re halfway home, Fam!

Not as in the rehab facility for ex-cons…
But as in DAY 20 of our 40 day Lent.

How are you?
Hanging in there?

Marathon, Not a Sprint

Lent is more like a marathon than a sprint.

The 28th Annual L.A. Marathon kicks into gear next Sunday, March 17th. It “never” rains in Southern California, but 2 years ago, the LaLa was lit up and it rained allllll day. By the time runners came through the halfway point around Beverly Hills, you would’ve expected many of them to just sit down somewhere. But they didn’t. As you see above, on the famous Rodeo Drive, runners kept on running.

Soak and wet.
But they kept on running.

Keep Running

I don’t know what your obstacles have been, but be encouraged today, Fam. We can choose to keep running. Soak and wet. But we can keep running.

Obstacles, like storms, are expected. But we can keep on running right on through the downpours.

That’s what Paul did. When saying farewell to the elders of Ephesus, Paul explained in Acts 20:22-24, “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

Paul understood that he was going to face some obstacles, even prison and hardships. But he determined to keep running and finish the race that he had been given.

Can We Get Some Runners?

Fam, can we run like this?
As our elders would’ve said, ‘Come hell or high water’, we’re gonna finish our race! LOL!

We may not be running in the L.A. Marathon, but we can make it on this fast through Easter! Actually, one of our brothers is running in the L.A. 5K, and will be able to relate to this post probably better than all of us. :=)

Let’s do this!
20 down. 20 to go!
Father, Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven…

See you at the finish line.
I’ll be the one dancing with a piece of cheesecake,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Just One Word
LENT DAY 19 of 40, © NaimaLett.com/blog



© NaimaLett.com/blog


“In just ONE word, how do most people describe you?”

“Direct.” I filled in the blank on my new acting coach’s survey several years ago.

Apparently, the turn-of-the-century shakeups in our industry demanded that artists now do our own development and figure out our brands and types in order to distinguish ourselves amidst thousands working in the LaLa.

One Word or Phrase

We were informed that of Hollywood’s notable everyman stars, Tom Hanks was the “nicest” guy in Hollywood, Will Smith was the most “likeable”, and Denzel Washington was known for his “swagger” and “walk”. Before Tom Cruise jumped on couches, he embodied the “maverick”. Jennifer Aniston claimed “America’s Sweetheart”, while Halle Berry played up her “sex appeal”.

In one word or two, we were expected to sum up the very essence of who we were. That was the cornerstone for laying a solid foundation for success, or so we were told.

What about you?

In just one word, how do most people describe you? ______________

This is a great exercise for all of us, not just artists. It’s a wonderful way to see if our own values and character line up with how we actually impact people’s lives. For example, Will Smith could not maintain the brand of most likeable star if he was horrible to people. TMZ or tween-Tweeters would find out the truth and expose him.

Same thing with us. If we describe ourselves as life-of-the-party, but others describe us as party-pooper, there’s a disconnect somewhere. If we say “Most devoted parent”, would our children back that up? Clive Davis sold us the image that Whitney was our world-class diva in gowns to-die-for, while Bobby Brown’s reality series painted a very different picture. Our one word or phrase has to actually be true.

What about others?

Have you ever tried it with others? Go head. Do it!

As a part of the workshop that I mentioned above, we had to do 2 things: 1) Ask our friends to describe us in one word, and 2) Ask strangers in the mall who just met us to describe us in one word (through a partner). Then we compared all 3 lists of one-word descriptions: ours, our friends’ and folks who just met us. If all 3 lists had similar words, it meant that we had a great understanding of ourselves and our brand and could easily incorporate that into our artistry as well as marketing. If all 3 lists didn’t sync, there was usually an identity crisis. LOL!

My one-word descriptions from all 3 lists were very similar: direct, straightforward, honest, candid, real, passionate, forthright. And folks wanted to see me keep portraying characters that lined up with that persona: lawyer, detective, judge, women who got things done. None of my friends were surprised when God called me to preach. NONE! I have to laugh about that.

How about you? Do your lists sync?

What about Jesus?

We’ve been studying the Book of Luke during this Lenten season leading up to Easter, and Luke 9:18-20 recounts when Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do the crowds say I am?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”

Jesus’ one word is Messiah a.k.a Christ. He was almost thrown off a cliff the first time He announced to His hometown of Nazareth that He fulfilled the Messianic scriptures (Luke 4:14-28). He is the Son of God and was crucified for claiming to be one with God, a King. He proved to be the Messiah as God raised Him from the dead, He ascended into heaven and promised to return. Can you believe this controversy still rages today? Whether or not Jesus is truly the Messiah, the Son of God, or a mere prophet? Who do you say that He is?

Just One Word, Fam

One word or phrase is usually how our entire lives are summed up when we leave this place. We each get an epitaph that sums up our time on earth.

Voice actor Mel Blanc’s epitaph reads “Man of 1000 Voices” with “That’s All Folks” as a nod to his famous work as Porky Pig, Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Daffy Duck, etc.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s engraving rings, “Free at Last!”

I’d like mine to simply say something like, “She preached!” or “The truth sets free!”.

What about you, Fam?
What’s your one word… or phrase?

Something to ponder,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Hollywood’s Flood of Bible Films
© NaimaLett.com/blog

© Russel Crowe, Will Smith & Brad Pitt

History Channel’s “The Bible” series (yesterday’s blog) is just the beginning.

Hollywood’s floodgates are bursting open with a plethora of films (based loosely on the Bible) sailing full speed ahead. The first one, due in theaters in 2014, is Paramount’s Noah starring Academy Award® winner Russell Crowe.

Here We Go!

The Hollywood Reporter asked as early as October 2011if “Moses, Noah and Judah Maccabee are the next Bella, Batman and Harry Potter?”

Citing the success of blockbusters like Mel Gibson’s 2004 The Passion of the Christ, which was made for $30 million and grossed over $611 million worldwide, it sounds like Hollywood has sought ways to get in on the money-making action. And in the last 10 years, independent filmmakers like Tyler Perry and the Kendricks Brothers (Fireproof, Courageous) have proven that there is a faithful Christian market who is hungry for faith-based films and will fill movie theaters in support of said films.

What Happens When?

But what happens when that faithful, faith-based audience shows up for your big budget, biblical film and it’s biblical accuracy is questionable?

That’s what just happened with the History Channel’s “The Bible” series. The Times reports that the History Channel scored the “highest-rated scripted drama on cable for the year” spot so far with 13.1 million viewers, and the History Channel celebrated trending at #1 on Twitter. That’s definitely a WIN for faith-based films because that many viewers ensures other networks will want to produce similar material to pull that kind of audience (which equals ad revenue and more money).

The problem is that I haven’t spoken with a Christian yet who wasn’t disappointed (slightly to outright) in how the series changed the biblical text. Lots of creative license was taken by the producers of the show. How many of those 13.1 million viewers do you think will actually come back after being so let down? I’m encouraging folks to keep watching so that we can be a part of the conversation that takes place within our culture, BUT, as a lifelong Bible student whose been through 2 seminaries, I sure do see why folks are upset.

What’s Coming?

First glance looks like we may get more of the same “creative license” in the upcoming films.

NOAH

After reading an undated script of Noah, industry insider Brian Godawa, told the Christian Post, “If you were expecting a Biblically faithful retelling of the story of the greatest mariner in history and a tale of redemption and obedience to God you’ll be sorely disappointed.”

REDEMPTION OF CAIN

Will Smith is reportedly producing and possibly directing the Redemption of Cain, a film penned by his wife’s Jada’s brother Caleeb Pinkett. It’s said that “the film tells the story of Cain and Abel with a vampiric twist” and is scheduled to start shooting in July in London, Jordan and Morocco. You read that correctly: Vampire Twist. Yes.

PONTIUS PILATE

Brad Pitt is rumored to be attached to play Pontius Pilate for Paramount’s film. Deadline reports, “Rather than a straight-ahead biblical film, Blasi’s script reads almost like a biblical-era Twilight Zone episode in which a proud, capable Roman soldier gets in way over his head. [Pilate’s] arrogance and inability to grasp the devoutness of the citizenry and its hatred for the Roman occupiers and their pagan gods leads him to make catastrophic decisions.”

MOSES

There are 2 Moses films. Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg (Prince of Egypt, Lincoln) is attached to direct Gods and Kings for Warner Brothers and Academy Award® nominee Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven) is rumored to direct Exodus for Fox. Not a lot has been written, as the two studios race towards production. So we will likely learn more as we know which film will actually get made.

GOLIATH

Finally, I have a little hope for this one. Relativity’s Goliath is being directed by Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Day the Earth Stood Still). I actually met Scott, who received his undergrad degree from BIOLA (my D.MIN work is at BIOLA’s Talbot School of Theology), and I’m hoping he’s able to stay close to the biblical text. We’ll see.

HOLD ON!

Hold on to your horses or carriages or arcs or whatever, Fam! The flood’s a’coming!

I’m glad that there will be more biblical stories on the big screen; but we must set our expectations, Fam. We can’t expect them to be altogether biblical. We can, however, pray that they will at least produce dialogue. That’s looking at the upside of things. :=)

Let’s know God’s word and be ready in season and out of season to share the truth. Paul charged Timothy in 2 Tim 4:1-5, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”

Sounds good to me. Let’s preach the word, be ready, keep our head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist and fulfill our ministries.

Onward & upward,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
History Channel Takes Heat on “The Bible”
LENT DAY 17 of 40, © NaimaLett.com/blog

© History Channel, The Bible miniseries

Did you watch The Bible miniseries last night?

The History Channel aired the first 2 hours of its 10-hour series of selected stories from Genesis through Revelation produced by husband and wife – Mark Barnett (Producer of Survivor, Celebrity Apprentice, Shark Tank and The Voice) and Roma Downey (Star of Touched by an Angel, and portrays Mary, the mother of Jesus). The couple decided to produce the series 4 years ago and spent almost 6 months of 2012 filming it in Morocco.

My apologies, Fam. I haven’t seen it yet, as Kevin and I spent time with friends last night. But I recorded it and look forward to seeing what all the controversy is about.

Folks are Hot

My survey of reviews this morning yielded the following consensus: Folks are hot! Which is a little confusing because the cinematic footage looks great… not the old-fashioned Wisemen-in-bathrobes Christian drama variety. The History Channel spent millions.

But money isn’t the issue this time. It’s the content. It’s rubbing people the wrong way – from the journalist/children’s book author/mommy who is disappointed that the content seems too graphic to share with her four kids to The Hollywood Reporter critic who asks, “Who is this for?”

THR summarizes, “The Bible (series) never seems to figure out how to present itself… Sometimes it stays true to scripture, but then does things like adds angels with ninja skills to spice things up. That’s one thing the Bible itself really doesn’t need — it’s a complex and lyrical work full of prophesies and call-backs and a sense of being one, organic, intertwined story. Unfortunately, The Bible (series) is fractious and overwrought. Others are sure to pick apart the deviations from the sacred text… In the end, this is the most well-known and popular book in the history of humanity for a reason — it’s exciting and interesting and full of hope. The Bible (series) is unfortunately none of these.”

Ouch, right?! Something tells me it’s probably not “that” bad, but I’ll have to catch up next Sunday and get back to you.

Don’t Mess With the Bible

I think what the History Channel is learning is that folks don’t want you messing with their Bible. Most dissenters seem to complain that the creators take unnecessary artistic licenses with the Biblical stories. One review noted that at least the series was upfront with its intentions and “begins with this get-out-of-jail-free disclaimer: ‘This program is an adaptation of Bible stories that changed our world. It endeavors to stay true to the spirit of the book.'”

In a recent interview, Mark and Roma explain that they assembled a team of faith leaders, scholars and theologians to help them portray the series “in the true spirit that the sacred text was written”. They assert, “We’ve told the stories of the Bible in a way to grab the viewers’ attention and draw them in wanting to know more about the Bible.”

I guess my question is, Can we tell the stories in a way to grab our audience’s attention AND stay true to the Biblical text?

To Add or Not to Add

Look I get it. I’ve had the awesome privilege of traveling the world creating and performing one-woman plays about biblical women for over a decade. When writing monologues for Eve, Jezebel, Leah & Rachel, Tamar (David’s daughter) & Tamar (Judah’s daughter-in-law), Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, Esther, Hannah, Sarah, the Woman at the Well, Mary & Martha, Mary of Magdala, and Mary the mother of Jesus (to name a few), I have often had to creatively fill in gaps while doing my best to stay true to the Biblical text.

Some might accuse me of ‘adding’ to the story, though I have been more than willing to explain (on numerous occasions) how I’ve done the work of a theologian to exegete the text and portray an interpretation that squares with solid, Biblical doctrine. Even before I was ever called a preacher, I took seriously my role as a communicator of God’s Word through drama and studied the text with the same intent of a preacher called to unpack God’s Word.

That being said, what I’ve done my best to avoid is changing dialogue or words that are given verbatim in the Biblical text. If a conversation is written i.e. Mary and Gabriel, why then try to make it up? If a conversation is not written i.e. Leah & Rachel, I’d ask, “What could this have sounded like” based on the facts that are given in the text? Does that make sense?

I think folks are angry at some of The Bible series that outright changes dialogue and events that are crystal clear in the Bible. I saw the trailer for Jesus walking on the water and was surprised that in the film, Jesus calls for Peter instead of Peter asking Jesus, and all of Peter’s language is omitted including “Lord, save me.” That story and dialogue is crystal clear in Matthew 14. I don’t know why the writers felt the need to change it. I get why folks are hot!

I Still Think We Should Watch

Fam, I still think we ought to watch the series. Here’s why:

1) So that we can be a part of the conversation. There have been commercials and big billboards advertising The Bible around the LaLa for over a month. Not just Christians are tuning in. I like being part of the discussion, which means I’ll be watching the episodes.

2) We are called to examine the Scriptures and know the Truth. Acts 17:10-12 recounts when Paul and Silas go to the synagogues in Berea, and the Berean Jews are called noble because “they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.”

The Bereans examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. We can learn from them. No way do we sit passively on the sidelines waiting for producers to tell us what is true. We examine the Scriptures to see if what the film portrays is true. And if it’s not, we know where it deviates and where it is faithful. Feel me? But I do the same thing with all ‘historical’ films, many of which deviate from some of the actual events.

Have you watched it yet?
What do you think?
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Harlem Shake Makes Comeback
LENT DAY 15 of 40, © NaimaLett.com/blog

FUN FRIDAY!

The Harlem Shake has officially made a comeback!
…and is looking good at 30 years old.

The newest version, which has taken over the internet (and many college campuses, military bases, fire houses, swimming pools, and even airplanes… YES, AIRPLANES!), debuted at #1 on the Hot Billboard chart last week, after Billboard adjusted its ranking to include YouTube hits.

Times Have Changed

Remember when artists toured non-stop and prayed for enough radio spins and record sales to make #1? Not anymore! Now it’s all about iTune downloads and YouTube views. With over 100,000 Harlem Shake-type videos being uploaded, the song has had at least 400 million views and counting.

The producer, DJ Bauer, who studied at City College in New York, recorded the dance-craze song in his bedroom in Brooklyn in May 2012, posted it on his SoundCloud, and was happy when it got picked up as a free digital download through a dance hall label. But in February 2013, the song was used on 1 YouTube video of 4 friends clowning and the rest is history. What started as a free download has turned into serious cash as Bauer gets a piece of the advertising revenue generated every time anyone clicks on a video using his song.

Harlem Wants Its Shake Back

But everyone’s not happy with Bauer’s success. Several complaints have sprung up, especially from Harlemites, that Bauer should be the last person benefiting from the Harlem Shake.

The dance was originally called the Albee after its creator Al B. who used to perform it in Harlem starting in 1981 during the Entertainer’s Basketball Classic at Rucker Park. Al B. says he fashioned the dance after how he figured Egyptian mummies would dance. Because they were all wrapped up, all they could do was shake (Inside Hoops). This ain’t deep, Fam.

Once the Al B. caught on all over Harlem, it became the Harlem Shake and 20 years later, in 1981, Puffy/Puff-Daddy/P.Diddy/Diddy/Sean Combs re-popularized the dance in the video of one of his Bad Boy artists, G. Dep. So, basically, this is the 3rd life of the Harlem Shake, but now, a DJ figured out how to monetize it.

Just Wondering…

Did Puffy pay Al B. when he popularized the dance in Bad Boy’s video? Probably not.
Will Bauer pay Al B. or Puffy anything off what he’s making through YouTube hits? No.
Would Al B. have had to put his choreography on video back in 1981 and copyright the moves and/or trademark the name and sell products of him doing the dance in order to capitalize now? Is anybody getting paid for creating the Electric Slide dance? Just wondering…

I don’t even know how one begins to try to compensate in this situation. I mean, maybe Bauer could’ve given a shout out to Al B., like Michael Jackson did to James Brown and Fred Astaire, but Mike didn’t send anybody a check when he re-popularized their moves. And Usher and Chris Brown and Justin Bieber aren’t sending Mike’s estate a check. See what I mean?

Having Fun

I’m all for compensating artists for our creativity; I just don’t know how that happens in this case. All I know is there are millions of people around the world having fun right now doing a silly dance to a song that a young DJ mixed in a small bedroom in Brooklyn. What you gonna do?

Dance is a celebration. When David took Goliath out, 1 Samuel 18:6 says, “… the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres…” They had a big old party in the streets. The whole town got involved. They probably out-shook the Harlem Shakers.

What’s my point, find a reason to dance today. Shake, celebrate, have fun. Make a joyful noise. Even if everything ain’t the way we want it to be, it’s still better than it could be. Besides, some of the videos, like the Army one above, are quite hilarious.

Lots of love from the LaLa,
Naima

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