DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
What is True Greatness?
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©NaimaLett.com: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony, Lombardi, O’Brien, Commissioner, Olympic Gold

How do we define true greatness?

The Hollywood answer is easy:
Oscar. Emmy. Grammy. Tony.

Only 11 people in history have ever garnered all 4 awards, including actresses Whoopi Goldberg, Audrey Hepburn and Rita Moreno, actor/writer Mel Brooks, and producer Scott Rudin.

Sports’ greatness comes in one-name trophies as well:
Lombardi, Heisman, O’Brien and Commissioner.

How many athletes have we seen kissing their statue and giving a shout out to mom?
The Super Bowl is only a couple of weeks away!

Achievement

While there’s nothing wrong with achievements, I’ve recently been challenged. Remember, my New Year’s Resolution to care about the things that God cares about? So my question, especially during our Hollywood awards season, has been, is this vitally important to God? Is our definition of greatness the same as His? How does He define greatness?

Last month, my first exploration led me to a little 3-verse song in Psalm 131 where David sang, “Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I do not get involved with things too great or too difficult for me. Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself like a little weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forever.”

I’ve meditated on this scripture each night as I’ve climbed into bed over the last month. It’s become a regular prayer on my lips. I don’t want to be proud or haughty or get involved with things that are too great or too difficult for me. I can make a choice to be content, trust that God is in control and continue to put my hope in Him. There’s always hope.

What is too great?

The theologian in me loves to ask questions of the biblical text. So, I keep asking, “What is too great?” What did David mean by that when he first sang it? What was too great for David? The king who slew giants, lions and bears? Oh my! What is too great for me? Nothing is impossible with God, right? Is there anything too great for me? What is greatness?

This led me to an obscure message for Baruch, Jeremiah’s right hand man, in the little 5-verse chapter of Jeremiah 45. God asks Baruch, “Are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them…” God goes on to confirm the coming disaster on His peeps for serving other gods and the works of their own hands, but He tells Baruch to be satisfied with his life. His life.

Wow. That’s all I could say. Are we seeking great things for ourselves? I’m just asking questions, Fam. This is how I wrestle with God’s Word.

Who is the Greatest?

Finally, this morning, I saw what Jesus, God the Son, says. How does he define greatness?

In Luke 22:24-27, His disciples are fighting over who’s the greatest. “And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.”

Jesus ensures them that each one who stands with Him through trial will be rewarded, but He’s very clear that greatness, true greatness, is bestowed upon the one who serves.

True Greatness

Trophies are nice. There’s nothing wrong with being recognized by our peers for hard work and achievement. I watch all the awards shows and sports championships (with the exception of maybe the World Series. Sorry! The Braves haven’t won since ’95! LOL) But if I follow what Jesus is saying, God doesn’t define greatest by gold trophies or accolades.

Muhammad Ali claimed, “I am the greatest!”, and he was a fantastic boxer, absolutely.

R. Kelly encouraged us to all sing that we are “The World’s Greatest“.

It’s a snazzy song. Very empowering. Love the melody. But if we’re not servants, the song is just words, Fam. I’m not trying to rain on anybody’s parade. Just the opposite. Knowing what true greatness is helps us keep things in perspective.

I have more questions than I have answers right now. I just started working through the texts. No doubt, circumstances will arise that help me walk out what I’m learning. Just thought I’d share a little bit of my journey thus far.

Have a lovely weekend,
Naima

How have you defined greatness?
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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Youngest Best Actress Nominee Ever!
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© Theo Wargo/Getty Images, 9-year old Quvenzhané Wallis, source

9-year old, first-time actress Quvenzhané Wallis made history today!

She became the youngest ever Academy Award® Best Actress nominee on the day that also rendered the oldest ever Academy Award® Best Actress nominee (Emmanuelle Riva, 85). Congratulations, Ladies!

Side note:
My apologies for the late blog release today. Shortly after the nominees were announced, I Skyped in a video interview for alma mater Dallas Theological Seminary‘s new initiative called The Table Podcast. I had fun talking about Cultural Engagement and the Arts with good friends (and world-renowned scholars) Dr. Reg Grant and Dr. Darrell Bock. The video will air in March.

Back to History!

For the record, I said back in September that Quvenzhané’s film, Beasts of the Southern Wild, could be this year’s Oscar®’s Little-Engine-That-Could. Today, it received 4 nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Benh Zeitlin), Best Actress in a Leading role (Quvenzhané Wallis) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Benh Zeitlin and Lucy Alibar).

For my review and details about the film (including why it’s not exactly appropriate for children), check out my blog, Beasts of the Southern Wild: Fantasies Come True.

Que’s Journey

Here’s the quick synopsis that I wrote about Quvenzhané’s journey:
Quvenzhané Wallis portrays Hushpuppy. When she auditioned, she was only 5 years old and could barely read. She had never acted before, yet she landed the role over 4,000 little actresses who auditioned. Quvenzhané filmed the movie when she was 6, just turned 9, and recently won the first major trophy of the Oscar® season: Hollywood Film Award’s New Hollywood Award. Past recipients of this ‘new talent’ award have been Robert Pattinson (Twilight), Gabourey Sidibe (Precious), and Jennifer Lawrence (Hunger Games) – who Quvenzhané now competes with in the Best Actress category. Wow, right?!

In a recent article with the Huffington Post, we learn that Quvenzhané is the youngest of 4 kids, ages 9 – 19 (2 brothers + 1 sister in college) and lives in Houma, LA, an hour from New Orleans. Her mom is a teacher. Her dad drives trucks. They’ve been married for 20 years. Quvenzhané likes cheer-leading and her favorite subject is math. She says she’s normal.

“I’m just normal… I’m just this girl who always fights with her brothers, like normal, always tackles the big dog that’s always in the house, like normal.” Well, now Ms. Little Normal will add another red carpet event with the Academy Awards®. :=)

Que’s Wisdom

In dealing with success, Quvenzhané says she “Just tries to be nice to everyone, and gives everyone a chance… I really don’t worry about the attention… I’m happy to be nice to them.”

What a concept!
Be nice to folks. Don’t get caught up in fame. Give everyone a chance.

I’m reminded of Paul’s advice in Ephesians 4:32 where he says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Be kind to folks. Build each other up. Let’s forgive and give each other a chance.

A Long Shot

Though Hollywood loves an underdog, winning is probably a really long shot.

It helps that the film has such a rich back story:
Armed with a crew full of family and friends in the Louisiana delta, 1st-time feature film director Ben Zeitlin cast two 1st-time, unknown actors in leading roles and shot a different kind of fantasy film reminiscent of Hurricane Katrina. This is no big budget, star-studded juggernaut, but that’s what makes it memorable.

Just not sure it’s enough. There are some great films this year from seasoned veterans that are outstanding including Lincoln (12 nominations) and Les Misérables (8 nominations).

Still, I applaud little Ms. Quvenzhané. She has already filmed her next movie with Brad Pitt in Louisiana. And she still wants to be a dentist “to see people smile”.

For the Academy’s complete list, go to: 2013 Oscar® Nominees.

Happy History-making,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Django Dolls & Valuing Others
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© Django Unchained action figures

“Anything to make a buck!”
T’was my first thought when I saw the news re: Django Unchained dolls.

“Wow…”
T’was my second.

Anybody else stunned? disturbed? speechless?
All of the above?

No Stranger to Controversy

Django Unchained, director Quentin Tarantino’s latest blockbuster, is no stranger to controversy. It’s been a hotbed of discussion since its December release.

Tarantino’s supporters back the director who defended his work by saying he made an entertaining western and that slavery was worse than what he depicted, “The truth, or the reality, was a thousand times worse than what I showed.”

Many agree with acclaimed film director Spike Lee who refused to see Django and tweeted, “American slavery was not a Sergio Leone Spaghetti Western. It was a holocaust. My ancestors are slaves. Stolen from Africa. I will honor them.”

Feel free to check out my reaction in one of my film blogs, Django Unchained: Blame Game?

The same controversy spills over into folks’ feelings about the creation of a doll line.

What’s the big deal?

If you’re asking, “Isn’t this just entertainment? They’re dolls. What’s the big deal?”, Rev. K.W. Tulloss, Pastor and CEO of the Making a Difference Foundation and Activist Najee Ali from Project Islamic Hope reportedly put it like this in L.A. on Tuesday:

Tulloss: “Selling this doll is highly offensive to our ancestors and the African American community.”

Ali: “I don’t see any dolls representing Hitler that came from Tarantino’s (Holocaust movie Inglourious Basterds)…I don’t see them making dolls of Holocaust survivors who are bald and starving in concentration camps.”

In other words, why would the Weinstein Company, who distributed the film and licensed the dolls, not be more sensitive? Academy Award winners Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Jewish brothers and Hollywood power-players most definitely would honor their own history. Why not honor the heritage of others?

Just Because We Can

Just because we can do something doesn’t always mean we should.

Just because we can make dolls depicting slave owners and slaves doesn’t mean we should. As popular as Alex Haley’s miniseries Roots was, were there Kunta Kinte dolls? I have no idea, but I just searched and couldn’t find any. What I found was a 1977 JET quote, “There have been offers to endorse Kunta Kinte dolls, replicas, reproductions, artifacts. But Haley says, “I haven’t endorsed a handkerchief… The dignity of Roots is just not consistent with overt commercialism.”

Roots and Django Unchained are two totally different genres, no doubt, but the idea is still valid that further commercializing slavery just doesn’t feel quite right. It doesn’t feel like choosing the best for others. It feels… selfish.

Paul, when he encouraged Jesus’ followers to imitate the Messiah’s humility, wrote in Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Value Others

Let’s do what we can to value one another and not just looking out for our own interests. Sure, we could exploit any people-group and “do anything to make a buck”, but if it’s merely for selfish ambition and doesn’t lift a brother or sister, let’s re-think it. You know?

Today, can we find ways to choose the best for others – in our homes, careers, communities?

And pray for us here in Hollywood.
We don’t always excel in this area. LOL!
We’ve become quite expert at making a dollar off the backs of others. We need help, Fam.

Lord help us,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Most Watched Video in History
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© PSY, Gangnam Style


“Most Watched Video in History”, read the CNN headline a couple of weeks ago.

It’s CNN, so I’m thinking it has something to do with the president, our country or some sort of political major event.

No, Fam.
It’s entertainment. The most watched video in history is South Korean musician PSY’s K-Pop, horse-gallop-dance-craze video, “Gangnam Style“.

Say hello to the first YouTube video ever to surpass the 1 BILLION mark. That means that as of a few minutes ago, 1,146,732,756 viewers around the world have Gangnam-Styled.

And it’s just like it sounds:

4 Minutes of Silly

But that was PSY’s intentions. The 35-year old South Korean singer-songwriter-rapper-dancer-record producer (gotta love those hyphens), whose real name is Park Jae-sang, (stage name PSY is short for PSYCHO), said that he worked hard for 30 days with his choreographer to create a dance that was pure fun and a video that would make people laugh.

“I just wanted to make something that was purely comedic – something that could make people laugh like crazy even in the midst of all this global economic slowdown. I wanted to make them forget — just for a moment even — about their immediate troubles, and to entertain them the way entertainment should be all about.”

He definitely succeeded.

One Question, Though

How can we make people forget economics when the song’s refrain is all about economics?

The affluent Gangnam District of Seoul, South Korea, where PSY grew up as a corporate executive chairman’s son, is referred to as the Beverly Hills of Korea. “Gangnam-style” is to be wealthy. So, do we make people forget economic hardships by singing about the wealthy?

Making Fun

PSY says (try to say that fast five times back-to-back!) that he’s actually making fun of those who “pose” as wealthy, but are not.

In the same CNN interview quoted above, PSY explains, “People who are actually from Gangnam never proclaim that they are — it’s only the posers and wannabes that put on these airs and say that they are “Gangnam Style” — so this song is actually poking fun at those kinds of people who are trying so hard to be something that they’re not.”

While I can admire the intent to move folks towards living in truth and authenticity a.k.a. Ephesians 4:25, “…put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor…”, the song’s lyrics also tell a different story.

What Does It Really Mean?

It’s K-Pop (Korean Pop), Fam, which means just like American pop music, it’s not supposed to be deep. It’s supposed to be popular: catchy beat, repetitive lyrics, something you hear once and have a hard time forgetting. Light, fun, get up and dance. That’s why the video hit 1 billion views. I’d say that’s “popular”.

Most people have no clue what PSY is saying, but they like the horsey dance. It’s fun! And world leaders can’t wait to do it.

I looked up the English translation of the lyrics for you (hilariously parodied in video by Misty Kingma). The song is about the kind of sexy lady who knows how to be classy during the day and wild at night. PSY then says he is “Oppa Gangnam style”, oppa being an older male friend. Is that like the equivalent of Sugar Daddy? Anybody know?

Absurd, Making $$

Either way, the video leans heavily on absurdity. A little boy imitates Michael Jackson’s dance moves on a playground. Women in silver booty shorts gallop around. There’s a Ferris wheel, yoga classes, lots of pelvis gyrations.

And PSY is having a ball making $2 per every 1000 views, which at this point has generated over $2 million from YouTube alone. Billboard says the video has generated more than $8.1 million in advertising deals and PSY is making and additional $4 million from digital downloads.

Justin Bieber’s manager signed PSY prompto! I wonder if that was before or after Gangnam Style dethroned Justin’s own video for “Baby” as the top watched video ever.

Before You Write

Before you blow up my Facebook page with questions as to why I’m sharing such a video, please remember that I blog about Hollywood, current events/trends and faith. We need to know what our world has voted (though internet hits) as the #1 Video ever.

The real question is, “Why?”
That’s the question I’m researching for my dissertation: “What does Hollywood (our entertainment community) value and why?” But this isn’t just Hollywood. It’s what does our world value and why. It could be as simple as everyone likes to watch/do a silly dance? Or we look at what we perceive everyone else is viewing? Or PSY created a video that was as funny as he wanted it to be?

I look forward to our continued conversations,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
“The Real Housewives”: Peaches. Oranges. Big Apples. Oh My! , © NaimaLett.com/blog



© Bravo, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Orange County & New York

Peaches. Oranges. Big Apples. Oh My!

I finally watched an episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta yesterday. Apparently, I’m 5 years late to the Peach party, but I didn’t miss a thing.

Like every other reality show, there’s a villain, a bevy of “unsuspecting” women to villainize, and an instigator to insure the pot’s always stirred.

Unreal Reality

What amazes me is how producers could think we’d think the show is “real”. Just in case anybody out there is still confused, let me say for the record, The Real Housewives ain’t real.

It’s a created, highly produced and orchestrated Bravo franchise of a dozen past and present series based originally on the ABC juggernaut, Desperate Housewives. Since premiering The Real Housewives of Orange County in 2006, executive producer Scott Dunlop has created: The Real Housewives of New York City (2008), Atlanta (2008), New Jersey (2009), Beverly Hills (2010), D.C. (2010), Miami (2011), Athens (2011), Israel (2011), Brazil (2012), Vancouver (2012) and Dublin (2012).

The Big 3 Originals, our Peaches (Atlanta), Oranges (the O.C.), and Big Apples (New York City) are all in syndication, and 5 spin-offs have been produced including Bethenny Ever After, The Kandi Factory and Vanderpump Rules. The participants use the shows to build their platforms, sell their products and expand their businesses. One thing’s for sure: everybody’s got plenty of personality and there’s fruit loads of fruit cake to go around!

And Bravo is cooking all the way to the bank.

Real/Fake Housewife-Boyfriend Talks

But Bravo didn’t count on one of its “housewives'” boyfriends spilling the beans.

In December, Atlanta entrepreneur Walter Jackson, the ‘supposed’ boyfriend of former Miss USA Kenya Moore (new villain on Housewives of Atlanta), went on the PR circuit to tell the truth about the show. He disclosed in several radio interviews that his storyline was completely fake. He says that he briefly dated Kenya for a couple of months 3 years ago. She called him out the blue last April and invited him to “play her boyfriend” on the reality show that was “full of acting”. He obliged for a few episodes, but didn’t realize the drama that would ensue.

Fast forward several months, the episodes start airing. But pictures surface online of Walter and his REAL girlfriend (who is not Kenya) around the ATL. Kenya’s PR machine goes into overdrive accusing Walter of being gay to try to save face. Bravo executives scramble to save their season and question if Walter has violated confidentiality. His net worth is reportedly $2 million, he owns a successful trucking company, he has lawyers. He wouldn’t be that careless.

Truth Comes to Light

Why do I write about any of this? It’s a great reminder that truth always comes to light.

Shakespeare said it through Lancelot in Act 2 of The Merchant of Venice: “Truth will come to light. Murder cannot be hid long—a man’s son may, but in the end truth will out.”

John, Jesus’ disciple, put it this way in John 3:21, “But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”

Is there any area in our own lives where we are not living in reality? Are we lying to ourselves or others? Are we pretending to live one way, but really, it could be for the cameras? Caution, Fam. In the end, truth comes out. It’s probably best to just live in the truth to begin with.

For Your Entertainment

If watching women yell, curse each other out, almost fight (no one can actually physically punch as per contract) and throw food and drinks at each other is your cup of tea, by all means, keep a’sipping. Bravo has created marathons of reality TV for your entertainment. Just don’t make the mistake of calling it real. :=)

Listen to the fake boyfriend of the non-housewife. He’s telling the truth.

As for me, I think I’ll pass on future episodes. I absolutely love fruit and can get down with a fruitcake or two, but hanging through all that fighting was simply exhausting! LOL,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
First Friday. Got plans?
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© W, source


It’s the first Friday of the New Year. Got plans?!

The first of anything we do is usually thrilling!
First word.
First step.
First kiss.

We get as excited as the picture above when we hear, “Once upon a time…”, because a new adventure starts! And “In the beginning…”, is still stirring, whether Genesis 1:1 or John 1:1, because the stories of our creation and salvation never get old.

The new year is no different.
We get a new start, a new story begins.
There are lots of firsts we explore.

Got any FIRSTS planned this year?

First date?
First child?
First grandchild?
First dance with the one you’ll choose to love forever?

First degree?
First Hollywood film?
First album release?
First step towards owning your own business?

First jump out of a plane?
First cruise?
First vacation?
First vacation out of the country?

What’cha wanna do?

Make Your List

If you haven’t already, go head and make your list. Maybe it’s not a list of firsts, but a list of do-overs or getting-things-done, but whatever it is, write it out. Make it plain.

You’ve probably heard this saying before:
“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it…” (Hab 2:2)

That’s what the Lord said to Habakkuk after the prophet lobbied several complaints at the Almighty about how bad society had gotten: violence, strife, injustice! Sound familiar? God’s response was two-fold: 1) Write down what’s going to happen and be patient, as it will come to pass, and 2) The just lives by faith.

Now to be honest, I would NOT have wanted to be at the receiving end of the vision that God laid out for Habakkuk concerning the recompense of the wicked, but this principle still stands: You got a vision? Write it down.

Happy First Friday

Happy Happy! And cheers to all the firsts coming your way this year. I’ve got a few of my own I’m writing down. Oh! You didn’t think I’d share these wonderful gems with you and not do it myself?! LOL!

Looking forward to a fun, full year,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Simpson & 5 Resolutions We Don’t Keep, © NaimaLett.com/blog

source

© Weight Watchers: Jennifer Hudson & Jessica Simpson

WEIGHT WATCHERS KNOWS:
America’s #1 New Year’s resolution is to LOSE WEIGHT.

So, WW enlisted it’s 2 A-List spokeswomen to motivate us to get on board:
Jennifer Hudson, who reportedly lost 80 pounds after pregnancy a few years ago, and
Jessica Simpson, who reportedly lost 60 pounds after pregnancy this year (pregnant again).

Their latest 30-second commercial (above) is inspiring. We all remember J. Hud on American Idol and the flack Jessica got after she grew out of those Daisy Dukes. You cheer for them… and you believe, “I can do it too!”

GREAT MARKETING

That’s the power of great marketing. We believe we can do it. We make the New Year’s Resolution. We sign up and pay Weight Watchers too. But, if experts are telling the truth, it turns out that most of us don’t actually lose and keep the weight off.

According to a recent Forbes’ article, there are “5 New Year’s Resolutions You Won’t Keep – And 5 You Will“. Contributor Melanie Haiken says experts agree that people have a hard time keeping the following 5 resolutions.

TOP 5 RESOLUTIONS WE DON’T KEEP

1) Go on a diet (aka lose weight)
2) Quit smoking
3) Join the gym (aka lose weight)
4) Lose 20 lbs (aka lose weight)
5) Stop biting nails (or some other physical habit)

WHY?

The explanation offered to sum up why we have a hard time keeping such resolutions is because we’ve formed habits that are hard to break. “Experts say it’s almost impossible to break a physical habit with willpower alone… we’ve been doing it so long (hence the name habit) that we’re no longer aware of it.”

Instead of making resolutions to change long term habits by will alone, the article suggests that we work from the inside out. First, find out what triggers the habit. What are the “cravings underlying the behavior”? If we understand our trigger, we can address the root issue.

Also, it’s recommended to make small changes instead of sweeping declarations. For example, instead of going on a diet and starving (which doesn’t work long term), choose to daily swap the 600 calorie muffin for a 150 calorie bowl of oatmeal. We can choose to buy differently.

MY RESOLUTION

Is it just me, or does anyone else find it remotely interesting that all 5 resolutions mentioned above involve weight, addiction or something physical? Not that we shouldn’t get in shape. We should. But is that odd to anyone? I wonder if it’s one of our Americanisms.

What’s on your list? Are your resolutions all physical?

I had one resolution this year, and it wasn’t necessarily physical.

MY RESOLUTION?
Care about what God cares about.

WHAT MATTERS

Before you send me angry emails exclaiming “How dare you talk about weight when you don’t struggle with it !!!”, please know that we all struggle with something.

For me, I daily want to pursue and put my energy into things that matter to God. I want His heart, and I want to care for people like He cares for people. I meet folks all day long, believers and non-believers, who are obsessed with chasing fame and fortune. The longer I walk with the Lord, the more I realize those things don’t seem to be a priority on His list.

God is not nearly as fixated as many of His children are about becoming millionaires. He owns all. I believe He’s more interested in our stewardship of what we currently have and what we’re doing with it. How we use what we have reflects what’s in our heart.

Romans 12:1-2 says transformation starts in our mind: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Of course, we should read all of chapter 11-12 to get the context, and this is not a ‘canned’ answer for every situation, but the concept is transformation starts with renewing our minds. This is applicable in our theology. And it’s also applicable in our New Year’s Resolutions.

LIKE JEN & JESS!

So, if you really want to lose weight like Jennifer Hudson and Jessica Simpson, get a $4 million endorsement deal with Weight Watchers and have all your meals prepared and delivered to you. Just kidding!

Our weight loss and any other resolution we make starts from within. If we change how we think, we change what we believe. If we change what we believe, we change what we do. :=)

Work in progress,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Hope for the New Year!
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© Naimalett.com | In the Hills atop Greystone Mansion, overlooking the LaLa

Happy New Year, Fam!

2013 is here! And the start of each year is always the most Hopeful time of year!
NEW beginnings. NEW goals. NEW drive.

But first, how was your holiday?

Kevin and I chilled in the Hills with fam. T’was fantastic to finally take time off. Lots of folks from the LaLa head to Hawaii. So traffic here was light; lines not so long. YAY!

Then, we brought in the New Year with great friends over dinner. Fascinating ladies & gents: Up-and-coming Director-Filmmaker, Cable TV Writer-Producer (gotta love those hyphens), Singer-Songwriter (what’s your hyphen?), Accountant-Coach, a young Philanthropreneur-(philanthropist-entrepreneur)-to-be, and Kevin & me (not going to list all our hyphens! LOL :=)

Hollywood Films, Faith & Food

We kicked off our lively discussion about the latest Hollywood films and faith over an avant-garde din of salmon, wild rice, fresh spinach and candied carrots.

OK, I probably just lost many of my southern readers who are wondering what respectable Georgia Peach would move cross country and not make fried chicken, collard greens, black-eyed peas and yams for New Year’s dinner. More than one caller asked me about those black-eyed peas! I know my roots, but about 10 years ago, during my hubby’s cancer fight, I switched to a pescatarian diet (vegetarian + seafood). Do black-eyed peas go with salmon? Not so much. Our meal was delish. I chipped in, but Kevin rocked it. He’s straight gourmet.

We talked Lincoln, The Hobbit, SkyFall, Les Misérables, Django Unchained, Zero Dark Thirty, The Master, Argo, This is 40, Silver Linings Playbook, Celeste & Jesse Forever, Rust and Bone, The Intouchables, Beasts of the Southern Wild… gosh, I know I’m leaving a few out.

Something truly electric happens when fam gathers over good food and organic discussion, whether re: film or otherwise. We share, debate, laugh, relate. In those moments, I see hope.

There’s Hope!

Hope is the feeling, the belief, that things will turn out for the best.

In those safe places where relationships are real, walls are non-existent, and folks can be who they are, hope rises. I looked around our table and saw the minds behind coming films and television shows that will inspire, music that will transform, ministries that will lift, and giving that will fund dreams beyond what we can imagine. I saw hope.

As I pray atop Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills often (pictured above) overlooking the LaLa, I have hope for our city. I have hope for our world. I believe, through Christ, things turn out for the best.

Got hope?!

What’s your hope for the New Year?
Do you believe things will get better?
The good news is that if we hit rock bottom in 2012, great! The only way now is up.

We all have needs, don’t we? But as we share life together, we realize that we’re not alone. We have nothing to hide. We have brothers & sisters who fight for us on their knees and lift us through their love. We have a heavenly Father who gave His Son to save us. Things will turn out for the best!

Romans 5:1-8 says that we have peace through Christ and we hope in God’s glory as well as our hard times: “…but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope….”

Whatever circumstances we endure produce perseverance, character and hope. And hope says get up! Things will get better.

What a great way to start the New Year, Fam!
Got Hope?!
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
WHAT A YEAR! Knocking Out Never!
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What a Year, Fam!
Is there anything you said you’d NEVER do? (That’s legal, of course! :=)
2012 was a year of Knocking out NEVER for us.

— KNOCKING OUT NEVER! —

Finishing D.MIN?!

When I finished my Masters at Dallas Seminary, I assumed I was done with higher learning. I thought I’d NEVER go back to school. This year, I finished my courses (2010-12) & became the 1st female Doctorate in Ministry candidate in Talbot’s (BIOLA) Preaching cohort. Now, I’m researching and preparing to write my dissertation on Hollywood’s values and how to serve here in La La Land.

Hollywood Christian!

As we’ve learned ALLLL that there is to know about the book publishing biz (royalty & self publishing) in preparation to release my upcoming book, Confessions of a Hollywood Christian, I said I’d NEVER obligate myself to daily posts. Didn’t quite work out.

This year, my DAILY BLOG about Hollywood and faith took off reaching thousands via email subscriptions, Facebook and Twitter. My pers Facebook maxed out over 5,400, so I had to start a public page (now at 4,150). Several mags & newspapers asked for interviews re: Hollywood Christian. Onward & Upward!

Actor to Pastor?!

I’ve served in ministry for 15 years, and I said I would NEVER shepherd a church. All that time, I’ve known my calling to share God’s Word & I’ve done so thru one-woman plays, teaching, preaching. Kevin says he asked me years ago if God was calling to pastor. I have no recollection of the convo. LOL!

Several leaders’ confirmations and 4 adventurous years later, we began Hope in the Hills in Beverly Hills with a dynamic team of young dream chasers and dream makers. We dream of a church that looks like heaven (diverse), sounds like heaven (worship-filled), loves like God loves (sacrificially) and lives like Christ lives (radically).

God showed out this year. We just mailed the YEAR-END news. Let us know if you didn’t get it. And please consider donating a tax-deductible, YEAR-END gift to help us continue to fulfill our mission to share God’s Word and love God’s creative children here in Hollywood as much as He does. As one of the most secular regions in our country, this is great soil. We’re planting, watering, harvesting. There’s hope!

SO WHAT’S YOUR NEVER?

What have you said you’d NEVER do?
2013 is here. What a great year to knock your NEVER out and keep it moving.
Let us know what you have in mind! :=)

Lots of love from LaLa Land!
Naima & Kevin

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RECENT BLOGS ON FILM:
Denzel Washington’s “Flight” Takes Off
Les Misérables: Best Musical, Full of Faith
Rise of the Guardians: Two Thumbs Up
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ARGO: Political Thriller, Dose of Fun
Silver Linings Playbook: Funny Spin on Illness
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© 2012 Naima Lett. All Rights Reserved

DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
MERRY MERRY FROM THE HILLS
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© Naimalett.com, all rights reserved

Hi Fam!

As we reflect over this year and settle into the flow of the holiday, Kevin and I want you to know how very much we appreciate and love you.

Many of you have walked with us for years on this “never-a-dull-moment!” journey that has led to life, work and service in the Hills. Thanks for your prayers, and know that you’re in ours.

Look for the Year-End e-News after Christmas. We’re taking the next week off. Instead of writing the daily blog, I’ll be enjoying a much-needed break with my husband, father, oldest brother and his family, and friends. I encourage you to do the same. Feel free to peruse back through the year’s blogs for daily devotions or meditate on Luke 1-2 and the story of Christmas.

Wishing you a Christmas filled with joy, peace and love. Always remember, there’s hope!

Merry Merry from the Hills,
Naima & Kevin

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

RECENT BLOGS ON FILM:
Denzel Washington’s “Flight” Takes Off
Les Misérables: Best Musical, Full of Faith
Rise of the Guardians: Two Thumbs Up
Django Unchained: Blame Game?
ARGO: Political Thriller, Dose of Fun
Silver Linings Playbook: Funny Spin on Illness
Middle of Nowhere: My Friends’ Film
Beasts of the Southern Wild: Fantasies Come True

© 2012 Naima Lett. All Rights Reserved