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

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

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



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



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






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



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



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

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



© 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

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

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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