DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
A Different Halloween
© NaimaLett.com/blog



Underoos! © DC Comics, Inc.

Nobody has to beg artists to don costumes.
We create them daily.

We’ve been playing “dress up” since we could slip our tiny feet into our dad’s work boots or mom’s high heels.

That’s why Halloween is usually so exciting. A day when we can parade around in play clothes all day long without folks noting how “different” we are?! Bring it on! LOL!

But this year, we’re not the only ones who are different.
Everything’s different.

Many on the East Coast are still without loved ones, homes, cars and/or power in the wake of Sandy’s storm. And some who have regained electricity in NJ and NY are still being asked to sit tight because power lines are down and maneuvering is dangerous.

Trick or treat?
I don’t think so!

Folks could care less how much Kim Kardashian paid for a blond wig and designer mermaid costume to host a NYC party last weekend when New York’s Mayor Bloomberg is calling Sandy ‘maybe the worst storm we ever experienced’.

People understand that super model Heidi Klum is postponing her infamous annual Halloween shindig and tweeting pics from an abandoned NY sidewalk sans her elaborate Cleopatra costume that took at least 4 fittings to perfect for this year’s event.

Broadway shows are canceled along with sports events, late night talk show tapings, and filming on Russell Crowe’s Noah movie. The New York Stock Exchange opened back up, but schools are still out, subways are still closed and forget about trying to drive around. I saw pics of die-hard NY fam trying to jog through Central Park. Really?!

Die-Hard

But maybe that’s what we could use right now – a die-hard spirit.

I’m not saying that we totally ignore the catastrophic events that have taken place and/or pretend that things aren’t as bad as they are. But maybe, just maybe, folks who are trapped at home could go head and put their costumes on and enjoy eating lunch as pirates, princesses, prophets and Transformers.

If your closet didn’t flood, pull out that afro wig and those bell bottoms and run a Soul Train line down your hall. Your kids take their cues from you. Go head and let Spider-Man and Wonder Woman Underoos run through the house and jump on the bed, this once.

If you don’t have kids and you and your spouse are locked in, go head and throw on your Spidey or Wonder gear, or take it off and run through your house and jump on or do other things in your bed.

If you’re rocking the solo, get with your friends. Playing dominoes while dressed as gladiators and break dancers never goes out of style.

Community

This is a great time to build community. I was so blessed by the news stories surfacing of communities pulling together, neighbors eating together, folks helping each other. One family may have the toilet paper. Another may have food that hasn’t spoiled. Somebody else has a radio with lots and lots of batteries. Folks are sharing and doing what they have to for each other.

I can’t help but picture that’s what the first church looked like. Acts 2:42-47 describes a scene with believers fellowshipping, breaking bread together and giving to all who were in need: “46 Every day they continued to meet together… They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

The American Red Cross is on the ground and providing food and shelter for many who have been hit hard. Prayerfully, local churches are also helping and standing in the gap. And hopefully, each one of you is doing what you can as well. When we give and help meet real needs, it’s a reflection of our heavenly Father. Go head, meet together, break bread in your homes, eat together with your neighbors with glad and sincere hearts praising God and enjoying favor from your peeps.

And since it’s the Most Costumed Day of the Year, I implore you to do all of the above in whatever get-up you can pull together.

Sandy does not have to cramp your creative style.
Swing Spidey!
Bling Wonder!
Do your thing, Fam.

Lots of love from the LaLa,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Wow, Sandy
© NaimaLett.com/blog



Rehoboth Beach, DE. ©Alex Wong/Getty Image, source

Wow, Sandy.

Our prayers go out to those who’ve lost loved ones, friends and homes in the floods, winds and fires caused by Super Storm Sandy in the U.S., Haiti and Cuba. We lift up the 7 million in 15 states who are still without power. And we intercede for all our first responders navigating earth, wind and fire to rescue those in harm’s way.

Subways & tunnels are flooded.
The NY stock exchange is closed for the first time since 9-11.
And a photograph of Lady Liberty being accosted by 50 foot waves (originally from the film Day After Tomorrow) is faking its way around Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as a Sandy look-a-like. So Hollywood. :=)

But Sandy doesn’t need fake PR photos.
The real ones are disturbing enough.



Santiago de Cuba, ©Desmond Boyland/REUTERS, source

Images that are being released immediately reminded me of when I went down to film in New Orleans a year after Hurricane Katrina and the whole front exterior of houses were still ripped off. You know how dollhouses open up and you can see all the rooms? That’s what entire streets looked like: 2-story abandoned dollhouses completely exposed.

One cotton-candy pink bedroom still had stuffed bears and zebras scattered around… their owner long gone and not coming back. I’ll never forget that.

So, what now?

After power returns and cities are able to guarantee safety, damages will be assessed and the road to rebuilding and recovery begins. It’s going to take time and patience and more time and more patience.

The Red Cross and other relief organizations are providing immediate aid for those in physical need. In terms of emotional needs and navigating the grief process, please do not hesitate to reach out for counseling. Coping through loss can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be impossible.

May the Lord continue to provide all that you need.
May He be your light and salvation as David sang in Psalm 27:1:
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

We’ll continue lifting up prayers on your behalf from this coast to yours.

I’ve heard from most whom are close to me. If I haven’t heard from you yet, and you’ve still got juice in your phone or computer, hit a sister with a message and let us know you’re safe.

Lots of love from the LaLa,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Preparing for the Storm
© NaimaLett.com/blog



Hurricane Sandy © source

How do you prepare for a super storm?
Many of our East Coast fam facing Hurricane Sandy are finding out.

Some have evacuated. Others are hunkering down in the crib.
Food. Check.
Water. Check.
Prayer. Check.

We’re praying for you too…
That you won’t be flooded out or iced in or harmed in any way.
We’re praying for your life and safety and protection.

I found myself saying similar prayers during Hurricane Floyd’s flood several years ago. As I waded through thigh-high water in our NJ basement trying to save ballroom gowns and text books, I kept praying that the water wouldn’t reach the electric box. It stopped just short.

There was much damage, but we had our lives. That’s what seemed to matter most at the time.

Lifting you up

We had an awesome celebration yesterday of our first year as Hope in the Hills, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. But today, let’s focus our prayers on our brothers and sisters in the path of the storm.

Today let’s lift up this song on their behalf:
Psalm 121 NIV
A song of ascents
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

As you prepare for the 75 mph winds and rain, know that we are praying for our God to keep you from all harm and watch over your life.

Lots of love from the LaLa,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Iron Man 3: 3rd Time’s the Charm?
© NaimaLett.com/blog



Iron Man 3. ©Marvel Entertainment

The Iron Man 3 trailer was released this week.
Looks like we’re in for a ride.

Not sure Marvel is going for “Third time’s the charm”.
No warm fuzzies here. Looks like this one might be darker than the other 2 combined.

On a side note, thanks to many of you for letting us know that you didn’t get yesterday’s blog. Guess what? I didn’t either. I sent an INVITE with a huge picture, so most email clients junked it. Please take a second and check it out now: You’re Invited! Thanks!

Back to the trilogy…
What do you think?

Is it me or does every series seem to go all ‘end of the world’ by the 3rd movie?

The Dark Knight Rises pulled out all the stops with Bane. By the way, I saw Bane’s replica on Sunset Blvd yesterday hocking his signature for tourists’ tips. Times are hard. Just saying.

Transformers 3 transported hundreds of evil Decepticons from the Moon to Earth and it appeared Optimus Prime & the Autobots were blasted in a space shuttle.

Remember Spider-Man 3? I looked up and Spidey was fighting like 3 different villains. I was like, “Wait, who are we fighting? Sandman? Venom? Harry, son of Green Goblin?” Why does 1 hero need 3 villains? Only 1 super villain is needed. Thank you, Sir!

Iron Man 3 has that 1 villain: Mandarin, played by Academy Award winner Sir Ben Kingsley himself. Who says Oscar winners can’t do blockbuster films?

Another side note, (indulge me today, Fam!), I had the awesome privilege of taking a master class with Sir Ben when I studied classical theatre one summer at Oxford in England. He’s phenomenal and truly committed to our craft, in every since of the word. Just thought you should know that.

I do, however, wish the Iron III team would’ve left Sir Ben bald though. He seems more menacing bald. I’m not feeling his Mandarin hairpiece. Look, we all know he’s English, not Chinese (as Mandarin would suggest). Ethnically-ambiguous, colorblind casting, right?! Actually, Mandarin may be biracial in the comic books, but he sure did look Asian . Either way, note to all our producer fam, great hair adds without distraction. Throwing that one in for free.

So, what do you think?
Is the trailer too dark?

And why is the Iron Man suit going rogue and operating without Tony Starks? Even accosting its own creator?

You know what it made me think of? How we, God’s creation, go rogue and operate without Him. So many times, we think we’ve “got this” and we “don’t need Him”. That’s understandable, if we’ve never known God. But what about those of us who know we’re His children. Why in the world would we offend our own Creator?

Paul attributes much of our rebellion to the two natures warring within us – the part of us that wants to follow God and the part that wants to wreak havoc. In Romans 7:14-25, the apostle describes this conflict in great detail:

“For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate… Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.”

Does this feel familiar?
It does, right?!

Difference Between us and Iron Man

The difference between us and Iron Man though is that (it appears in the trailer, anyway) his battle is external. We can see his rebellion attacking him in the form of his computerized armour. Ours is internal, and works it way to external. Good thing we don’t have to try to save ourselves, as no doubt, Iron Man will have to do. Just as Paul did, we can thank God through Jesus Christ who took our rebellion upon Himself so that we could be reconciled back to God.

Does that mean we instantly ‘have it all together’? Absolutely not. But it does mean that we know Who to turn to in the midst of our ongoing battle. For that, I’m eternally grateful.

Alright, Fam.
Iron Man 3 flies into an IMAX theater near you May 3, 2013. I’m sure, between now and then, we’ll get more trailers, more darker Starks and more views of Sir Ben’s hairpiece.

All of which, I will do my best to enjoy,

Naima
You watched the trailer, yet?
What do you think?

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
You’re Invited! Yes, You!
© NaimaLett.com/blog



©HopeintheHills.net, all rights reserved

You’re invited, Fam!
To Party with us, Partner with us or Both!

Whether you’re in the Hills, Hollywood, another state or country, you’re invited!

PARTY!
SUN. OCT 28, 11:30a-12:30p
H0PE IN THE HILLS, Beverly Hills

One year ago, several dream makers & dream chasers gathered in our living room for our Mission: Possible bible study. This Sunday, 6 of our leaders will share the 1/2 hour sermon with our stories of this amazing year! Join us for the celebration.

PARTNER!
If you can’t make it on Sunday, no worries. Please patner with us through:

1) PRAYER – We could really use your prayers as we continue our mission to share God’s Word and love God’s creative children as much as He does. We’re in a building season- building leadership, building ministry, etc. Pray for us, Fam.

2) SUPPORT – Thank you so much Fam for your continued support this year. So many of you have given of your time, resources and tax-deductible gifts. To get updates & news re: how you’re helping us make a difference, please send us an email. And please, keep that support coming (website). Know that you make an impact!

Be encouraged, Fam. This year is summed up as we praise God, “that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!” Ephesians 3:20-21. God is able!

And always remember, There’s Hope!
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Debates Over. Now What?
© NaimaLett.com/blog

20 days ago, we experienced the first presidential debate.
Yesterday, we witnessed the last.
Now what?

Now, we vote.

Regardless of political party, I hope each one of us has registered and plans to vote on or by Tuesday, November 6th.

Many take it for granted, but the right to vote is one that many Americans have sacrificed their lives for. Men, women, children, black, white, brown, and everything in between… folks have given up their very lives throughout American history to ensure that we could go to the polls today and have a say in who our elected officials are.

This isn’t American Idol.
Or voting for the winner of The Voice.

My mom knew the 4 girls in Birmingham, AL who died in the 16 Street Baptist Church bombing.

The horrific deaths of Addie Mae Collins (14), Denise McNair (11), Carole Robertson (14), and Cynthia Wesley (14) were supposed to send a terror message to the civil rights movement for using the church as a meeting spot. Instead, killing 4 innocent children further galvanized the nation and garnered support to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which ended “unequal application of voter registration requirements”, among other things.

We live in a different time. Thank God.
But we must not forget the sacrifices that were made.

20 days ago, I wrote the blog:
“Don’t talk religion or politics (unless you want an all-out WWF brawl)…”

I wrote to encourage us to learn how to love each other better, through our political differences. I wrote to ask if those of us who follow Christ could actually act like we’re part of the same family, His family – one big, worldwide family. We don’t always agree with family members, but we certainly don’t divorce each other because we disagree politically… or maybe we do? Either way, I wrote to challenge us to work at reconciliation.

We are called to pray for those who are in authority. When Paul wrote to Timothy about leading in worship in 1 Timothy 2:1-6, he gave the following instructions:

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

Just as those 4 little girls, and thousands of others lost their lives for others, our Messiah, Jesus, gave His life for us. Paul says God wants all people to come this knowledge of the truth. And in order for them to do so, we – the family of God – must pray, intercede and give thanks for all people, including those in public authority over our lives.

Debates are over.
Now, we vote.
And we never, never cease praying,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Have a Best Beginning!
© NaimaLett.com/blog



© Paul Mansfield/Getty Images, source

Every great story starts with “In the beginning…”:

Our story of creation (Genesis 1:1),
The story of our Messiah (John 1:1),
Every Disney “Once upon a time…”,
and each Star Wars’ “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….”

Our own stories are no different.

We each have a great story that starts with an “In the beginning”, “Once upon a time”, or “A long time ago”. But within that one big story, we have a bunch of little stories with new beginnings every year, every month, every week.

Whenever one chapter ends, the next one begins.
So, how can we make the most of our beginnings?
How can we have a best beginning?

BEST BEGINNINGS

Whether beginning a new job, new relationship, new family, new adventure, new week, new mindset, new dream, we can decide to make the best of it.

And the best way to start is to decide what’s best for you at that particular moment and plan accordingly.

I recently read a fascinating New York Times article for runners which explained that there is no perfect form or perfect way to start a running program. Each person must choose what’s best for his/her body and plan accordingly.

“There is no convincing evidence (of a perfect running form). In fact, studies have found that individuals automatically run in a way that is most efficient for their own bodies. Those who change the way they run naturally are less efficient and more prone to injury… Exercise researchers also say there is no perfect program to get people started running. A lot depends on what a person’s goals are and how fit he or she is before starting to run. Experts caution, though, that it is important to start slowly, increase mileage and effort gradually, and not become a slave to a rigorous program…”

Did you get that? A lot depends on your goals and the state you’re currently in.
What is your goal?
What is your plan?
What is your natural rhythm?

These should all play into your best beginning.

COUNT THE COSTS

Jesus put it another way. In Luke 14:25-33, when talking to a crowd about following Him, He gives them an example of counting the costs:

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’…”

In other words, take a look at what you’ve got, and plan accordingly.

Happy Monday, Fam.
It’s a new week. A new day.

We finished up our Dreams series, but it’s just the beginning.
Let’s have a best beginning!
Shall we?
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Box Office Battle
© NaimaLett.com/blog



©Paranormal Activity 4

I don’t do scary movies.
I’m spiritually hypersensitive and retain every image, so I gave them up years ago.

But according to the $576 million worldwide box office haul of Paranormal Activity‘s horror film franchise, I might be the only one.

Apparently, folks love these films. The very first one is “the most profitable film ever made, based on return on investment”. The original writer/director filmed the first movie for $11,000 with 2 unknown actors over a few days. Steven Spielberg and Dreamworks/ Paramount bought the U.S. rights for only $350,000, a good pay day for the writer, right? Well, Paramount released it and made $108 million in the U.S. and $198 million worldwide. Yeah…

The 4th installment of the franchise opened last night, just in time for the Halloween season, but, by now, the film is getting real lackluster critic reviews.

Do we even listen to film critics these days?

Even with critics calling the 4th film “the same old, same old” simply “riding on the coattails of its predecessors”, (Isn’t that the point?!), this haunted house is still poised to bring in $35-40 million, topping the domestic box office.

Well, not if a Madea-less Tyler Perry has anything to do with it.

Perry, named as Forbes 2011 highest paid man in entertainment with $130 million earnings, is attempting to crossover as a mainstream actor with the rebooted Alex Cross franchise, first popularized by Morgan Freeman in the 1990s. Perry is best known for his self-produced/directed/written/acted films and plays, largely centered around his character Madea. Though his films without Madea haven’t done as well, Perry is banking on his core Madea audience showing up for Alex Cross to take on Paranormal.

Here’s the problem:
Just like Paranormal Activity 4, critics have slammed Alex Cross too. But, Perry is no stranger to negative critic reviews. After his very first movie was slammed, he never pre-screened another film for critics. The only reason Alex Cross has been pre-screened to critics is because Perry did not produce it. He’s just acting this time.

But is it a problem?

Even with most critics slamming Perry’s work over and over as elementary film-making, he’s still managed to amass a core audience over the last decade who helped him earn $1/2 billion over the years and snag the Alex Cross role that many trained actors would’ve given an arm and leg to portray. The fact that Perry can consistently bring $15-25 million worth of tickets in the first weekend box office ensures that investors get their money back and is what really matters to Hollywood.

So, how do you decide?

How do you choose which films to fork over $15/ticket these days?
In the box office battle, how do you decide a winner?

How do we make decisions about any entertainment we consume?
Seems mostly like it’s based on preferences, upbringing and what we moves us, makes us laugh, makes us cry, right?

I make most of my decisions based on artistic value and preference. Also, I take into account a real desire not to cause any brother or sister to stumble in their faith.
I Corinthians 10:31-33
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

That’s important to me.
And I actually read the critic reviews.
Most of the time, they are dead on in terms of what makes a great film, artistically speaking. They aren’t going to praise robots beating each other up in Transformers, but they’ll recognize the cinematic value of say a The Dark Knight Rises.

Besides, $15 – 20 (IMAX) per ticket is where our voting power lies. It’s how we tell Hollywood what to keep making and what to give up.

So, whether you listen to the critics or not, know that your dollar is voting one way or another in the box office battle. When you don’t pay, that says something. When you do, that says something.

May the best film win!
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Some Days Smoother than Others
© NaimaLett.com/blog



© NaimaLett.com, Filming Confessions

In the photo above, we were filming our Confessions of a Hollywood Christian promo.
My microphone pack had just slid all the way down my leg into the shot.
Airplanes were flying overhead.
And the breeze decided to go monsoon on us like Beyonce’s wind machine!

Our set photographer caught me in candid shot of:
“(Sigh), Some days are truly smoother than others”.

Ever had one of those?

That’s me today. Tried to get the blog to you earlier. It’s been chaotic. Deadlines due. Everybody needs me, NOW! What’cha gonna do?

So, I’m scrapping the original idea, which takes lots more research, and deciding to just touch base with you.

What do you do when things go left?

I talk to myself.
For real.

I may have shared this before, but my go-to declaration is usually Philippians 4:6-7 which reminds me to: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

It works. When your day takes a turn toward drama, maybe you can talk to yourself to. I promise I won’t judge or suggest anybody put you away. Let’s remind ourselves that there’s no reason to worry, but we can pray about everything and God’s peace guards our hearts and minds in Jesus. I’m so grateful for truth!

OK, Fam, back to the grind. Stuff is still due. LOL! :=)

Lots of love from LaLa Land,
Naima
aka the Chica in the Red dress with the natural wind machine…

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
You Having Fun Yet?
DEC 5, 2012 RE-POST © NaimaLett.com/blog



© 2012 Dove Award Artist of the Year Jamie Grace

You having fun yet?

We’ve made it to mid-week.
Christmas is right around the corner, and I love Christmas.

You enjoying your life?

Ever been through a slump when hope was fleeting? Even the smallest things seemed difficult, like a pressing on every side. And as an artist, I feel things deeply. The highs are Mount Everest, but the lows are straight gutter.

Recently I received a message to pray for a friend who was in a spiritual World War III. I wish I could report that I go to war cute, but there’s no such nonsense. I got on my knees, pulled out the Word and started praying Psalm 18 on their behalf.

You might ask, ‘why in the world would I use a song as my choice to battle in the heavenlies?’ Why? Because music is powerful. Music shifts our world. Lyrics matter. And the inspired lyrics from God’s Word can turn things upside down.

When I got to Psalm 18:16-19, I read out loud:
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.
He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.
They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support.
He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Hold up. Hold up. Hold up.

God delights in us?!

I’ve read the bible many times, but that’s the first time verse 19 landed like it did. I’m talking a home run, an Oscar, Tony, Emmy, Grammy all wrapped up in one.

God delights in us!
The Creator of the ends of the earth delights in you.

Sometimes, we forget that.
Sometimes, we forget that God’s Son, Jesus, comes to give us life (John 10:10) and speaks often of joy (John 15:11).

That doesn’t mean that we don’t have ups and downs, mountains and valleys. That doesn’t mean that if we’re in a traumatic period, we pretend things aren’t bad. We must walk in truth and be honest. I’m also not saying we turn our faith into some positive-thinking, happy-go-lucky, mantra-chanting powerless mess. That’s not representative of the true walk of a follower of Christ. Jesus makes it really clear that anyone who follows Him has a tailored-made cross fitted for him/her, and that’s no joke.

But we also can’t go down the rabbit hole and hide out in a funk, withdraw from life, and resign ourselves to experiencing joy only “when we get to heaven”.

The song says God rescues us because He delights in us.

What are you going through today, Fam?

Is God not the same yesterday, today and forever? Is He not the same God David sung to? If He delivered David because He delighted in him, (and David had a whole LOT going on :=), He can certainly deliver us.

Be encouraged.

I’m attaching a song/video by Grammy Award nominated and 2012 Dove Award New Artist of the Year, Jamie Grace, a young Christian artist from Atlanta whose pop sound is crossing over and causing a whole generation to feel good everyday. Jamie uses her singing and songwriting to help cope with her diagnosis of Tourette syndrome. Thanks Hope Fam for introducing me to her music.

I believe the Lord is using the music of artists like Jamie to remind us that He delights in us. It’s hard to stay down listening to her album. Let’s get up. Let’s enjoy this life.

You having fun yet?
Naima

P.S. In case you’re wondering who that grown man is driving around a teenage Jamie in her video, that’s Christian phenom Toby Mac. The story goes that he discovered Jamie on YouTube and signed her to his record label. The rest is history. Woo-hoo!

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