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



© NaimaLett.com/blog


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

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

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

One Word or Phrase

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

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

What about you?

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

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

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

What about others?

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

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

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

How about you? Do your lists sync?

What about Jesus?

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

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

Just One Word, Fam

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

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

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

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

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

Something to ponder,
Naima

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