DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Wolverine Talks Body Transformation
© NaimaLett.com/blog

© Academy Award Nominee Hugh Jackman returns as The Wolverine in July.

The Wolverine is back…
and he’s talking food.

In several articles released this week, including an interview with CNN, Tony/Emmy/Golden Globe Award winner and Academy Award nominee Hugh Jackman, age 44, talks about his physical transformation from Les Misérables’ Jean Valjean’s thin physique back to X-Men’s muscle-sculpted Wolverine.

70% Is Diet

“70% of the way we look is diet, 30% is training,” Hugh shares when explaining that some people erroneously think that getting in better shape is just about training, training, training. “…If there’s anything you’ve got to concentrate on, it’s the food,” he advises.

Say What?

Now, Wolvy ain’t saying training’s not important! Mind you, he still worked out 3 hours a day, mentored by friend, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. What he is saying is that we are what we eat. We can impact the way our bodies look and feel the most by taking a serious look at what we consume.

Wolverine’s Diet

I don’t recommend Hugh’s diet unless you’re filming The Wolverine or competing for Mr. Universe. Most of us aren’t 6 feet 2 1/2 inches and most of us don’t have to walk around half a movie shirtless. But just in case you’re wondering what The Wolve’s diet is, here you go:

6 months
6 meals a day only between 10 AM – 6 PM
6,000 calories per day
Protein (i.e. chicken, steak, fish, eggs), brown rice, sweet potatoes, steamed vegetables.
No salt, very little seasoning.

Not for Bulk of Us

The reason I say The Wolve-Master’s diet ain’t for the bulk of us is this simple revelation: Who has 3 hours per day to dedicate solely to sculpting up and burning off 6,000 calories?

A one-size-fits-all calorie plan doesn’t work, but most health authorities agree that a general healthy baseline is 1200 calories/day for women and 1800 calories/day for men. And that’s if we’re walking or doing something physical at least 20-30 minutes per day.

Wolverinono is eating more than 3 times as much as a healthy man and working out 6 times as long each day. Let’s just say Hugh Jackman is earning every penny of his $20 million pay check. And he’s smart that he’s also a producer on the series, whose origin movie grossed over $374 million worldwide. He’s understandably making big sacrifices for a big payoff.

What About Us?

For the rest of us mere mortals, I think the moral of the story is if we want to stay in great shape, we can eat for life and work out periodically. Paul talks about athletes who train and discipline their bodies in order to win the prize in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. He says, “Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.” Likewise, he disciplines his body and spirit. So can we.

Why? Because that “70% of the way we look is diet” is true all day long whether we eat fruits and veggies or chocolate covered bon bons.

What do you think?
Naima

Rev. Naima Lett, D.MIN, ABD
Author of coming release Confessions of a Hollywood Christian

RESPOND ON BLOG
Comment below, or
Facebook or
Twitter – @naimalett

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Best, Fun Reunion! Will Smith and Alphonso Ribeiro aka “Carlton” Dance
© NaimaLett.com/blog

© Fresh Prince Will Smith and Alphonso Ribeiro aka Carlton reunite and dance.

Sometimes, it’s just good to laugh.

That’s exactly what I did when Kevin showed me this video.
And it’s what I invite you to do now.

Take a mini break and go down this comedy trail with Will Smith and Alphonso Ribeiro as they break out “The Carlton” dance once more.

What makes this duo so hilarious is their commitment to their cause. They are serious!

What a Reunion!

It started out as just another interview on BBC’s Graham Norton Show as Will and Jaden Smith promote their new father/son science fiction film After Earth, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, which opens in theaters this weekend.

The Youtube video clip above picks up with Graham inviting Will (now 44) and Jaden (14 years old) to do some music together. For a family who’s always ready to express themselves, Will starts beat boxing and Jaden improvises a verse. (Will recently explained that there’s always a microphone on and studio recording devices at their home piano, ready for Will, Jada, Jaden, or Willow to capture their creativity.)

Then the reunion kicks off.
Will is first joined by DJ Jazzy Jeff and goes into the Fresh Prince theme. [01:38]
And surprise! Enter Alphonso Ribeiro. Cue Tom Jones. [03:42]
Then they top it off with their routine from Sugar Hill’s Apache. [04:36]

Cheerful Heart

If you’re running tight on time, feel free to skip directly to the Alphonso Ribeiro reunion at 03:42. That dance, like lots of dance, has the ability to lift because it’s just good, plain fun. So, let your cheerful heart be good medicine today. (Proverbs 17:22)

Let us know what you think!
Enjoy,
Naima

Rev. Naima Lett, D.MIN, ABD
Author of coming release Confessions of a Hollywood Christian

RESPOND ON BLOG
Comment below, or
Facebook or
Twitter – @naimalett

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Former Child Star. Rough Week.
© NaimaLett.com/blog

© AP, Former child star Amanda Bynes in court

And you think you’ve had a rough week?
Rough is relative, isn’t it?

Drug arrest, alleged harassment, leaked party pics, twitter wars.
Some say former child star, Amanda Bynes, now 27, is mid-melt-down.
Maybe she could use some support, some prayers.

The Amanda I Met

When I met Amanda on Lifetime’s Living Proof starring Harry Connick Jr. about 5 years ago, she was professional and kind. We didn’t have a lot of scenes together, (my main ones were with Harry and Regina King), but Amanda seemed solid. She kept to her crew mostly, but she understood her role, as so many others, in bringing celebrity to this heart project executive produced by Renée Zellweger.

Child Professional

Amanda’s been a professional, working actress since the age of 7. By age 10, she got her break on Nickelodeon’s hit All That, which garnered her spin-off, The Amanda Show by age 13. She did films like What a Girl Wants, She’s the Man, and Hairspray.

But what happens when the roles slow down, as they inevitably will? How do you make the transition from working child star to not-so-working adult actress? Amanda publicly announced that she was retiring from acting a couple of years ago, and that’s when all the drama seemed to begin to unfold: arrests, drug accusations, strange pictures, on and on.

An Insider’s View

A very interesting essay, 7 Reasons Child Stars Go Crazy (An Insider’s Perspective), was released yesterday by fellow child star, Mara Wilson (Mrs. Doubtfire, Nine Months), now 25.

Mara tries to give some explanation as to why “Not many child stars make it out of Hollywood alive or sane, and at any given time there are at least three former ones having very public breakdowns.”

She explains that many of the stars’ parents can’t or won’t help them, the kids gain then lose love and attention, many are sexually exploited, they’re not able to go through normal teen rebellion (seeing as so many paychecks are depending on them), and they can’t escape their own fame. What was really telling is when Mara said that she’d recommend former stars just quit acting, but they don’t know what else to do. She recommends getting an education as a way of empowerment and building a future beyond vanquishing fame.

Chasing Fame

Last week, we kicked off a lively discussion about Amanda’s and Mara’s generation, the Millennials, based on Time Magazine’s May 20th cover story, “Millennials: The Me Me Me Generation”. In my blog response, Are Millennials Lazy, Entitled and Selfish? Is That True?, we talk about the generations’ desire for celebrity and fame.

But what happens when fame is fleeting? What happens when you give your all to it and lose everything else? Jesus asks it this way, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” Mark 8:36. There has to be more to life than desperately trying to keep our faces in front of the camera and posting questionable pics on Twitter.

Could Happen to Anyone

As a family of faith, we accomplish nothing by standing in judgment. We have a calling to pray. This could happen to anyone. Besides, honestly, I know just as many Christians chasing fame as I do non-Christians. The difference is the Christians are doing so in the name of Jesus and expecting God to blow them up for His Name’s sake.

So, Lord, help us all. That’s my prayer today.
Lord, help us all.

On bended knee in the LaLa,
Naima

Rev. Naima Lett, D.MIN, ABD
Author of coming release Confessions of a Hollywood Christian

RESPOND ON BLOG
Comment below, or
Facebook or
Twitter – @naimalett

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Percolating in the LaLa…
© NaimaLett.com/blog

© Good ole’ percolation

It’s the day after the holiday…
and I’m percolating in the LaLa.

Been planning, strategizing, going over some things.
1/2 the year is just about gone, and there’s so much to do.

Most times, when we think of percolation, we think water.
It was also a dance. Do you remember that?
Either way, it’s about action.

Acting Up!

Just finished up preaching our Acting Up Series on the Book of Acts.

Jesus told His disciples that they’d “receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 And that’s exactly what happened. They really did ‘act up’!

Can we get some folks that are ready to ACT UP?!

Short Post

This is a short post today.
Honestly, I lost track of time all day in my own little “situation room”.
Got my board up. Mapping stuff. Moving things around.
It’s bout to be on, Fam.

What about you?
What do you have going on?

It’s time to percolate,
Naima

P.S. Thanks a million for all the wonderful anniversary wishes. Kevin and I really appreciate it!

Rev. Naima Lett, D.MIN, ABD
Author of coming release Confessions of a Hollywood Christian

RESPOND ON BLOG
Comment below, or
Facebook or
Twitter – @naimalett

Happy Memorial Day!,
BY NAIMA LETT | BLOG, HOLLYWOOD CHRISTIAN
© NaimaLett.com/blog

© NaimaLett.com

We were so young…
and happy and in love.
The picture above says it all.

We practically glided back down the aisle. I don’t remember my feet touching the floor. I’m pretty sure I started dancing at some point. Who knows? It was a beautiful day.

And all these years later, the memories are still fresh.
I can still see the way Kevin looked at me.
I can still smell the ivory roses that formed my precocious bouquet.
I can still feel the love from so many family and friends who supported us, stood with us, and traveled near and far to be with us.
I wish those special memories for every bride and groom.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is about remembering. Traditionally, it’s the time we set aside to remember our men and women who passed while serving in our U.S. Armed Forces. We remember their sacrifices for us, that we can live in the “land of the free and home of the brave”.

There’s something life-changing about knowing someone will die for you. Jesus says “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 True love is deeply felt when we realize the sacrifice of life that has been made on our behalf.

Die-For-You Love

On the day we said “I do”, I’m sure Kevin and I felt like we loved each other enough to sacrifice our lives for one another, if it came to that. Die-for-you love! Little did we know how many times we’d actually have to make that decision. Our lives are a constant sacrifice for the well-being of each other.

We’ve been through close encounters with death together. Kevin sacrificed and moved cross country to marry me so I could keep my career. I sacrificed and moved cross country to follow him when he felt it best to go back to his home state. We both sacrificed to step out on faith and follow God when He called us to our Great Adventure in LaLa Land.

Same Name On Our Throwback Jerseys

We’ve had plenty. We’ve had nothing. We’ve experienced tremendous joy. We’ve survived devastation. Our life together has not been easy, but it has been full and adventurous, and we have each other. We have learned not to put our faith in anything other than God. We have a trust for one another that has been forged through the fire.

So yes, I’ve got his back. He’s got mine. And we’ve got the same name on the back of our throwback jerseys. LETT, baby!

We work together and play together and still know how to laugh together. Don’t get me wrong. Marriage is hard work. We have forgive each other, a lot. But we make the choice to fight for our marriage and each other, and we get professional help when we need it.

We’re Not As Young…
as we once were in our wedding picture.
But we still choose to be happy with one another.
And we still choose to love each other and make sacrifices for each other on a daily basis.

What About You?
You choosing to love others like die-for-you love?
I hope so. There is no greater love.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend.
Enjoy your family and friends.

Lots of love from the LaLa,
Naima

Rev. Naima Lett, D.MIN, ABD
Author of coming release Confessions of a Hollywood Christian

RESPOND ON BLOG
Comment below, or
Facebook or
Twitter – @naimalett

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
My Apologies for Offense
© NaimaLett.com/blog

© Time Magazine’s May 20th Cover Story

My apologies for the offenses I caused yesterday.
My intent was to create much-needed dialogue.

When I read the latest Time Magazine’s cover story, “Millennials: The Me Me Me Generation“, I thought it would make for great discussion, especially with millennials, who were born between 1980 and 2000.

As I jumped into the article which says things like millennials are “lazy, entitled, selfish and narcissistic” who are fame-obsessed and would rather be the personal assistant of a celebrity than become the CEO of a major corporation or a Senator, I kept thinking, “Is that true?”

So, that’s what I asked in my blog, “Are Millennials Lazy, Entitled, and Selfish?“. Is it true?

Presenting Both Sides

I wasn’t being judgmental and calling millennials lazy, entitled and narcissistic. I simply presented both sides discussed by the writer, Joel Stein, who considers himself a poster child for the millennial generation, though he technically falls in Generation X. On one hand, Stein laments that his peers are “reality-TV-ready”. On the other hand, he boasts that he made it to the final round of the first reality show, MTV’s The Real World, during Season 4 in London.

While Stein calls his “own” lazy, entitled and narcissistic (with statistical data to back it up), he also affirms that millennials are nice, positive and full of hope. He says that they will “save us all” because of their high adaptability to change.

Salvation

Now, I personally don’t look to millennials (or any other generation) for salvation. That’s a bit much. Scripture says “for there is no other name under heaven (besides Jesus) that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Millennials are therefore off the hook in terms of trying to provide eternal salvation. We all are. God reserves the sole ability to save through His Son Jesus who died for us.

Better than Us

That being said, each generation expects the next to be better than us, greater than us.

What we hear in Stein’s summation of millennials, I believe, is a slight disappointment that our current 13 – 33 year olds might not carry on the torch for making our society better. If young folks are lazy, entitled, selfish and narcissistic now, what will they pass down to the next generation and the next? More laziness, more entitlement and more narcissism?

If an entire generation grows up in front of cameras and obsessively focusing on self-image and self-promotion and what they can get from others, how do we convince them that it is to more blessed to give than to receive? (Acts 20:35) Do we even believe that? Do we practice that? Are we more focused on giving than receiving? What have we taught through our behavior?

Are We All Selfish?

Perhaps we are all, to some varying degree, selfish, entitled and narcissistic, but millennials are the first generation where we see these as dominant traits of the masses, rather than a few. Or maybe, this is the first generation that refuses to pretend like they’re anything other than what they are. But, if they are blatantly selfish and entitled, how did they get that way?

Can We Be Real?

It was extremely difficult (though not impossible) for me and my brothers to harbor selfishness growing up with 4 kids in a home where our parents refused to give us everything. We had to work for an allowance and were docked pay when chores weren’t completed. We also had to share everything. I have baby pictures rocking hand-me-downs. I learned how to work those guy corduroys and flannel tops. Just saying.

One of my dear friends, Keese Adams, posted something profound on my Facebook page yesterday in response to my post, as he was recovering from hospital procedures. (That’s brotherly love!) Keese says, “For a child with nothing, working harder is an obvious solution to having more… A child with everything has less incentive to work as hard or hardly work at all.”

If an entire generation has emerged that doesn’t feel the need to “work” in order to “have”, we might need to look at the blueprint by which we thought it was prudent to “give” them so much. You know?

Equal Opportunity Offender

So now, I have not only managed to offend the millennials, I am sure that I have offended their parents as well. Let me stop digging this hole while I can still see the light above my head. LOL!

Still, I welcome healthy dialogue. And I do apologize to those offended yesterday… and those offended today… and tomorrow.

Did I cover everybody? :=)
Naima

Rev. Naima Lett, D.MIN, ABD
Author of coming release Confessions of a Hollywood Christian

RESPOND ON BLOG
Comment below, or
Facebook or
Twitter – @naimalett

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Are Millennials Lazy, Entitled & Selfish?
© NaimaLett.com/blog

© Time Magazine’s May 20th Cover Story

Is it true?

Time Magazine’s May 20th cover story, “Millennials: The Me Me Me Generation“, says Millennials (born between 1980 – 2000) are “lazy, entitled, selfish and narcissistic” who are fame-obsessed and would rather be the personal assistant of a celebrity than become the CEO of a major corporation or a Senator.

That can’t be true. Is it?

The article says more 18-29 year olds would rather live with their parents than with a spouse and have the “highest likelihood of having unmet expectations with respect to their careers and the lowest levels of satisfaction with their careers.” Supposedly, because their baby boomer parents instilled lots of self-esteem in them, Generation Y believes that they are rock stars, regardless of if they work and contribute to society.

You don’t want to miss anything.

Hey, I need to hear from you, young people!
Check your phone. Do you really send 88 text messages per day?
Would you rather text your friend than talk, even if you’re sitting side by side?
Do you care more about turning yourself into a “brand” than helping others?
Do you check your phone all hour, deeply anxious you’re going to miss something big?

Reality-TV Ready

Have you trained yourself to be “reality-TV-ready”? Is it true? Because you’ve grown up on reality TV, you are now, at any moment, ready to jump into your own show? Are you always ready for the spotlight?

You’re Super Positive

At the same time, the writer of the article, who considers himself right on the cusp of millennials, says that you’re not rebellious because you neither respect or resent authority. You’re not trying to take over the establishment because you’ve grown up without one. And you’re very nice, very positive and very optimistic.

Even though you’ve lived through 9/11, President Clinton & Monica Lewinsky, the longest wars in U.S. history and the Great Recession, you still have hope.

You have hope.

Hope! We can work with that. You’re talking my language. Hope is the belief that things will get better. We started a church plant called H0PE IN THE HILLS in Beverly Hills. We definitely believe the best is yet to come.

Romans 5:2-5 “…And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

Hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out His love into our hearts. That’s hope!

You don’t go to church.

Speaking of church and God… The article says millennials don’t “go to church, even though you believe in God”, because you don’t identify with big institutions.

Would you see it differently if church was not a big institution? We’ve been dialoguing for months about this idea that “we are the church”. We, the people, are the church. The building is not the church. We had to recently move buildings. The “lights, camera, action” is not the church. We – me, you, our family of faith – we are the church.

And you, millennials, care about people. You “like” and “follow” each other all day long. If you believe in God, if you believe in Jesus, can you see one another as the church?

Here’s the thing…

We were never meant to live as selfish, narcissistic, self-centered islands texting each other while we sit next to each other. We were meant to do life together, get involved in one another’s messes, forgive each other when we hurt each other, walk out what it looks like when God forgives us.

The church is definitely not perfect. It’s a mess. Because we’re a mess. We’re the church. Our family is only as healthy as its members. I’m so glad Jesus said He came for those who needed a doctor. Thank. the. Lord!

To Be Continued

There’s no way to dive into all of this in one blog post, so I’m sure we’ll continue the conversation. I’m intrigued. Especially since I’m doing my doctoral dissertation on what Hollywood values and believes and how we effectively minister here. You’re part of Hollywood, so your voice is represented.

I’ve got hope for you. We meet millennials all the time who deeply impress us. Kevin and I spent time with one yesterday who has enough potential and brilliance to transform his entire generation. When he sees what we see – whom God made him to be – he’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Mark my words.

So, I’m not writing you off, Gen Y.
I’m going to keep hope alive.
And I’m going to need you to get a job or create a job,
Something :=)
Naima

Rev. Naima Lett, D.MIN, ABD
Author of coming release Confessions of a Hollywood Christian

RESPOND ON BLOG
Comment below, or
Facebook or
Twitter – @naimalett

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Lett’s Talk! The Secret is Out
© NaimaLett.com/blog

© Naima with actress Lauren Banks

The secret is out, Fam.
So, we may as well go head and talk about it.

For several years now, I’ve been quietly and discreetly counseling countless artists and professionals, personally referred to me, behind the scenes… about everything from how to navigate the entertainment industry to how to map out effective career and life plans and successfully get them done.

Fellow actors, dancers, singers, writers, directors, producers, artists trying to avoid scams, artists refusing to listen and being scammed, parents distressed that their kids want to move to Hollywood, kids distressed their parents are cutting them off financially and now they’ve got to “make it” or “break it” – you name it, I’ve counseled folks through it. It probably helps that I’m trained and have been in ministry for almost 15 years. :=)

Do You Skype?

Then I started getting requests to SKYPE – Australia, China, Europe, Canada – artists all over the world heard that there was this Christian in Hollywood that was not afraid to share the insider information and expertise to actually help them figure out what they wanted to do and how to do it. Folks heard there was a truth-teller in LaLa Land who could care less about competition and just wanted them to do what they were born and called to do.

No More Secret Services

So yeah, my services are no longer a secret. I guess it was good while it lasted. LOL!
But now, yal are blowing up my email, blog, Facebook, Twitter for help, appointments, etc.
I love it, but needless to say, Kevin and I have had to go ahead and formalize things in the last year. We finally put together a page on the site: Lett’s Talk! One-On-One!

Lett’s Talk! One-On-One

So, have at it, Fam. Forward the links to whomever you like. Everything’s there: what we do, some of the many testimonials, etc. The costs are competitive and very affordable for artists. There’s an option for everybody.

And we still give away FREE CONSULTATIONS every few months or so. But we also had to “formalize” that process to encourage the majority of artists to invest in their careers. So, we now have it all spelled out. If you want to find out about FREE consultations, go to Lett’s Talk!

Congratulations, Rosie!

Congratulations to Rosie Koebele, author and performer, for winning a FREE 1-hour one-on-one consultation (valued at $150) after attending the LAUNCH! Media Seminar that Naima taught at the National Christian Women in Media Conference. Here’s what Rosie says:

Naima is truly a gift to me! She not only helped clarify my vision but directed, step by step, how to use ALL of my gifts/talents in a professional and organized manner. Her trustworthiness allowed for unhindered consultation. I needed a vision of how to get my project/s to the finish line! Naima organized my steps to get there! I am forever grateful! –Rosie K.

Isn’t that cool? It’s my privilege to work with Rosie. And she has a slam up book and series on the way. So, keep a look out for her name. And don’t worry. I’ll keep you in the loop.

Not Mad At All!

I know I’ve been facetious throughout this post, but the truth is that I’m not mad at all about the word getting out. I actually love helping folks find their purpose and follow their dreams while staying true to their faith. Part of the reason I’m in the earth, in addition to speaking truth so that nations are free, is to use that truth to help yal do what you’re born to do.

How many times have I asked you: What do you do? What do you want to do? If you had God’s great big ‘YES”, what would you be doing right now? If you could fix one problem in the world, what would it be?

You may not believe it, but I’ve been asking people questions like that since I was in high school… maybe middle school. Kevin says that I’m different because I’ve always known what I wanted to do and just chased it down with singular, laser focus.

Can’t take much credit for that, Fam. God built me like this. And then He gifted me with a father and mother who believed I could do and be anything in God. Anything! I carry that belief into my encounters with you. I really do believe God’s Word… like Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart.” That is just true all day long.
All. Day. Long.

So, lett’s talk, one-on-one.
The secret’s out.
Lett’s make a difference!
Who’s game?
Naima

Rev. Naima Lett, D.MIN, ABD
Author of coming release Confessions of a Hollywood Christian

RESPOND ON BLOG
Comment below, or
Facebook or
Twitter – @naimalett

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
What Do We Do The Day After?
© NaimaLett.com/blog

©ABC, Miguel at Billboard Awards

“What do we do the day after…?”

I’m sure that’s what soul singer Miguel is wondering this moring after becoming a viral sensation from jumping and landing on a fan’s head last night at the Billboard Awards. That, and he’s probably praying she doesn’t sue him… but she will. There are, I’m sure, several high power lawyers that have already contacted her. Our prayers go out to her and Miguel. It was an accident.

What do we do the day after?

That’s also part of a question our friend Karen Davis, co-founder of the Centre for Christian Training and Development, asked during a recent prayer call.

That’s a really good question, isn’t it?
Got me to thinking.

Life’s BIG Events

Much of our lives are organized around BIG events. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays.

What about the Academy Awards?! Super Bowl! Political Elections! It’s like we go from one BIG event to the NEXT.

Last week alone, there were BIG announcements of all the new TV show pilots plus all shows renewed and canceled, just in time for MAY sweeps when the numbers are crunched to set advertising dollars for the coming year. It’s no accident that all the finales and cliffhangers occur in May. Networks need the numbers so the main character is caught between life and death. Who shot J.R.? Will Jim & Pam make it on The Office? Who wins American Idol?

After BIG Events

But what happens the day after the BIG event? What happens the day after the Wedding? NBA Championships? Finale of The Voice? What happens the day after you turn 21? 30? 40? 50?

Does life merely go on? Are we changed in any way? Do we decide to do anything differently?

After Pentecost

This morning, I pondered, what happens the day after Pentecost?

Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday, the day the Holy Spirit was poured out upon Jesus’ disciples (Acts 2) and the day we celebrate the birth of the Christian church. At H0PE IN THE HILLS, we had a special service where we read through as much of the Book of Acts as we could and sang worship songs interspersed with the Scriptures. It was fun. And different. Not traditional at all.

But what now? What happens the day after Pentecost?
What happens the day after God supernaturally causes a BIG event in our lives?
Are we changed? Or do we continue business as usual?

Do We Change or Stay the Same?

In Acts 2:42-47, the disciples’ lives changed. It says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

I’m not saying you’ve got to run out and sell your house and all your clothes, but something happened in that 1st century church after the Holy Spirit filled their lives. They were no longer self-centered and centrally focused on their own lives. They began to care for their needs. They shared. They ate together. They prayed. They devoted themselves to the teaching of God. And they were happy, infectious. So much so, that folks kept joining their cause.

The Day After

Whether our day after is Pentecost or the Billboard Awards, I hope that we will be impacted in such a way that we love each other more truly, try to meet the needs of others and experience joy. I pray that we are infectious and free, so much so, that folks want to be around us and know more about why we’re content. You know?

What happens after your BIG events?
What happens on your day after?
How do you respond?

I guess we’ll find out soon with Miguel.
Best to his fans,
Naima

Rev. Naima Lett, D.MIN, ABD
Author of coming release Confessions of a Hollywood Christian

RESPOND ON BLOG
Comment below, or
Facebook or
Twitter – @naimalett

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
You’ve Got Options This Weekend
© NaimaLett.com/blog

© Star Trek Into Darkness, The Great Gatsby, Iron Man 3

Alright Fam, you’ve got some options at the box office this weekend.

Star Trek Into Darkness

You can hop aboard the star ship and ride the Star Trek sequel, directed by J.J. Abrams, starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, and Zoe Saldana (who was all over the news this week because she weighs 115 lbs… yeah, as if there’s nothing else to report on???).

Like its predecessor 4 years ago, this Star Trek reboot takes place before the television series. The stars are young, feisty and ready to fight – aliens and each other. Drama!

The Great Gatsby

Or you can check out The Great Gatsby, which opened Mother’s Day weekend with an impressive $50 million domestically. This dicey film, based on the 1925 novel by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald, stars Academy Award nominees Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan and Golden Globe nominee Tobey Maguire.

My friend, filmmaker Avril Speaks hipped me to a theory this week recounting Professor Carlyle Thompson’s claim that Gatsby’s big secret was actually that he may have been an African American “passing”. We have no idea if Fitzgerald intended that, but Hollywood has a way of making a splash come film release time. Maybe this provides a more “colorful” way to view?

Iron Man 3

Lastly, if you haven’t already, you can join the masses and see Iron Man 3, which has passed the $1 billion mark in about 3 weeks.

Feel free to check out my comments on the film from earlier in the week, Iron Man 3: Life Goes Boom. https://naimalett.com/blog-iron-man-3-by-naima-lett/

I’m on Lock Down…

… in preparation for Pentecost Sunday; so you’ll have to let me know how your viewing parties go. Yep! This weekend, the faith family at large celebrates the birth of the church as recounted in Acts 2. And since we’re currently meeting in our own special “Upper Room”, my expectations for the Lord to be with us on Sunday are pretty extraordinary.

Have a fantastic weekend!
Literally,
Naima

Rev. Naima Lett, D.MIN, ABD
Author of coming release Confessions of a Hollywood Christian

RESPOND ON BLOG
Comment below, or
Facebook or
Twitter – @naimalett