DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
SPIDER-MAN’S SECRET
© NaimaLett.com/blog

© Marvel, Sony Pictures, official site

“Secrets have a cost…”
That’s what Aunt May (portrayed masterfully by 2-time Academy Award winner Sally Field) shares with Peter Parker/Spider-man (reinterpreted by Golden Globe nominee Andrew Garfield.)

I won’t get into all the details of the film, just in case you weren’t one of the moviegoers that pushed this blockbuster to its $140 million US box office victory within the first 6 days of release.

But I will say that a major theme of this Spider-man reboot directed by 37-year old Marc Webb (as reiterated in the video trailer above) is secrets.

Spider-man’s biggest secret is his true identity as Peter Parker, high school geek.

In this new series, Peter designs his Spider-Man mask when he narrowly escapes an opponent who taunts, “I know who you are. I’ve seen your face.”

But this film also deals with all the secrets that have been kept from Spider-Man as well.
Hint: Stay through the end credits.

Secrets shape his life, and as Aunt May says, those secrets have a cost.

Isn’t that the same in our own lives?

SECRETS COST.

Double identities.
Affairs. Cheating. Adultery.
Undisclosed “love children”.
Molestation. Abuse. Incest.
Leaked photos and sex tapes.
Embezzlement. Bribes. Tax evasion.
Misuse of campaign funds.
Hidden addictions: drugs, alcohol, porn.
Jealousy. Envy. Coveting & wanting everybody else’s stuff.
Backstabbing. Lying. Conniving to get ahead in the industry.
The list goes on and on.

The longer the secret is kept, the longer it eats away at our souls.

I have spent the majority of my adult life inviting folks to ditch their harmful secrets and live in the light. As a minister, I have been entrusted to guard people’s confidences while guiding them to truth. I do not take this responsibility and calling lightly. It’s what I do. I lead people to Truth.

My one-woman plays (Shattered Silhouettes, The King’s Family, 3 Marys) all encourage people to live in truth, especially Shattered. My soon-to-be-released book and series, Confessions of a Hollywood Christian, are about guess what? The freedom of living in truth.

You’d think I was pretty passionate about this.

TRUE IDENTITY

The truth about who we really are is paramount.

In Spider-Man/Peter Parker’s case, he is tormented because he cannot reveal who he really is. When he does, people who are close to him can be hurt. And he can be killed.

Thank God we’re not in his predicament.

The very best life we can live is in transparency and fully embracing who we truly are.

When confronted about His true identity in JOHN 8:21-59, Jesus reveals that God is His Father, and He tells those who believe in Him that if they hold to His teaching, they will know the truth which sets them free.

JOHN 8:31-59
Excerpt
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”… 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38 I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father (the devil).

If you get a chance, read the rest of that conversation. It brought the house down. By the end, Jesus was headed towards a severe stoning. Good thing it wasn’t His time to go yet.

Jesus says that His followers who stay in His word discover who they really are as His disciples and they know truth that sets free.

Who doesn’t want that freedom?

Take a load off, Fam.
Do you have any secrets you need freedom from today?
Find someone you trust and let go.

There’s no need in donning a mask, especially if its latex. I don’t know how Spidey does it!
Let’s take the masks off and relax.

© Marvel, Sony, The Amazing Spider-Man

Secrets cost.
Let’s stop paying.

We are not Spider-Man.
We don’t have to try to save the world.
We know a Savior who’s doing a slam up job of that already.

Besides, it’s so much easier to live in the light.
I promise,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
MONDAY BLUES BUSTER
© NaimaLett.com/blog

© photo source, Monday Blues

When I saw the picture above depicting “Monday Blues”, I couldn’t help but laugh and want to share it with you. (The picture, that is. Not the blues.)

Isn’t this how some of our weeks start off?

The great thing is we have a choice.
We can stay stuck sucked in the seat or pry our tooshies out and get to moving.
We can stay blue or bust out.

We had such an amazing Sunday service yesterday. I’m still rejoicing.
If I can do anything this Monday, I’d like to pass some of my joy your way.

Need joy?
Need peace?
Need contentment?
Need to know everything’s going to be OK?

I don’t know your specific circumstance, but I do know that Scripture says we don’t have to worry. Instead we can lift up the situations in prayer and thanksgiving and embrace God’s peace. Look at how Paul ends his letter to the Philippians.

PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

We can choose joy.
We can choose not to worry.
We can choose peace.
We can think on things that are lovely, true, pure, just.

Let’s bust up Monday blues, Fam.
Let’s turn our blue into a sunshine gold.

I’m not saying pretend that things are great if they aren’t. If life is painful right now, we can acknowledge the pain, and still choose to embrace God’s peace.

Paul wrote the words above in a letter from prison, facing imminent death. If he can say “Rejoice” while on death row, we can at least give joy the benefit of the doubt.

And if there’s depression and/or a medical condition, this is a great time to seek professional help. No need to keep embracing the blues. There are trained medical professionals whose job it is to help you get better. Choose to make your life better today for you and the ones who love you.

If you’ve got a case of the Monday blues, bust out.
If you don’t, share your joy with someone else today.

Go forth,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
KEEPING UP WITH KULTURE
© NaimaLett.com/blog

© photo source, 3-D concert film “Katy Perry: Part of Me”

Bump Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
I’m having a hard enough time this week trying to Keep Up with Kulture (Culture)!

What a week, right?!

A CNN anchor and hip hop artist both ‘came out the closet’ to lots of fanfare, a Hollywood A-Lister turned 50 and was served divorce papers, and America’s pop-princess-former-pastors’-kid, famous for her cupcake bras, released a 3D concert movie highlighting her supersonic rise and marriage’s fall. (pictured above)

You keeping up?

Did you experience the BET Awards? I had a momentary crisis at the beginning of the awards. Honestly. I thought, “Who is that?”. I confess. This self-appointed researcher and explorer of all things Hollywood had no idea!

As the first artists flooded the BET stage and aimlessly milled around huffing profanities and posturing to a beat with no real musicianship or star power, I looked at the screen like, “Uh, oh.”

And by the time the group’s star, whom we all know, took the stage and proclaimed himself as God and likened his success to parting the Red Sea, I said out loud, “We’re in trouble.”

But nobody blinked. Everyone applauded. They called it the New God Flow. Then awarded him with the first trophy of the night.

This is where Kulture needs a good Kicking.

I spend a LOT of time meeting artists exactly where they are. I have a LOT of empathy. I get it. We’re all in different places. We all have different beliefs. But you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that you have Krossed The Line to call yourself God, and believe it to be true!

You make a sun rise this morning?
You keep the Pacific Ocean at bay?
You create a life today? Yesterday?
You keep the earth spinning on its axis?
Cause planets not to collide into one another?
Heal my husband of cancer?
Allow the hit-and-run driver to only take my car, not my life?!

If the answer to any of these questions is “No!”, then I’m sorry, you are not God.

DANIEL 4 recounts the story of a powerful king who thought himself to be God. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had a dream and Daniel interpreted it for him and advised him that if he continued down the path of pride, he would end up eating grass like cattle for 7 years until he recognized the Most High God as the ruler over all mankind. Daniel pleaded with the king:

“Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.” Daniel 4:27

You think King Nebby listened?

DANIEL 4:28-37
28 All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” 31 Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. 32 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” 33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird. 34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever… 36 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Look, I don’t wish this story on anybody, especially not our artists.

We are all tempted by pride at one point or another. We are all tempted to think that we have built our own lives and pulled ourselves up by our own bootstraps. We are not immune, so I dare not sit in judgment.

At the same time, LOUD RED SIRENS start going off when one of our creative family climbs up on a stage in front of millions worldwide and proclaims himself to be God and starts promoting a “New God Flow” song as if it’s the same as the Quincy Jones’ produced hit “We Are the World”.

My heart breaks and I am so grieved for you because I see your potential. I know your gifts can be used to add value to young people’s lives instead of pushing lies. I’m a visionary and I see where you could be and wish a very different place for you filled with purpose and peace and joy and true love.

I cannot and will not divorce myself from Kulture.
We cannot run off and create a sub-culture thinking that will solve our issues.
This is the world in which we live. And I love the arts, media, fashion, etc.

But don’t blame me, if from time to time, I take a break.
Yal wearing me out.

‘Cause guess what?!
When you start spouting this kind of nonsense, I go in for you.
I go before the real God, the Most High, and plead for Him to have mercy.
I lift you up, because I figure, you cannot possibly know what you’re doing. You have to be utterly not thinking straight. I plead your cause and ask for time and pray for The Light to illuminate your darkness so that you see The Truth.

Work with me, Fam!
Work with me.

This weekend, I may not Keep up with Kulture.
We’ll see. I might go see the pastors’-kid-turned-pop-princess’ movie.
Or I might just go to the beach and gaze upon the handiwork of the true and living One, the real Creator of the Universe.

Lots of love from LaLa Land,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
DO WHAT YOU CAN DO
© NaimaLett.com/blog

© photo source

“I just need a break!” Frustrated actor exclaimed.
“So, make it happen,” I encouraged.
“You don’t understand,” he insisted.
“Yes I do,” I countered. “That’s why the best advice I can possibly give you is ‘Make it hap!'”

Gone are the days of studios giving actors a “big break”, and then grooming young “Elizabeth Taylors” from child actors to screen super sirens, arranging everything from industry marriages to lucrative endorsement deals, and signing movie contracts for 3- 5 films in advance for millions of dollars a piece.

GONE.

Honestly, I’m not so sure those days ever really existed. What was presented to the public were publicity tales woven of rags-to-riches stories starring artists being discovered at El Pollo Loco one day and making $20 million per film the next. It’s simply not true.

There’s a joke here in Hollywood that it takes 10 working years to become the “next new star”. And actually, for my friends who are stars, that’s true… unless you are the wife/husband/ daughter/son/nephew/niece/daughter-in-law/son-in-law/mistress/boy-toy of someone who can expedite your journey. If you’re working up the ladder, it usually takes about a decade of consistent, relentless working and networking and making others lots of money.

THESE ARE THE DAYS…

These are the days of great opportunity for artist-entrepreneurs and creative visionaries who are willing to hustle and meet people and create fan bases and assemble teams to put together projects that showcase their talent.

Today, the actor/writer/director/producer/singer/songwriter/dancer/artist who works is the one who makes work happen.

I recently saw a YouTube channel dedicated exclusively to introducing new series of famous film actors who are now trying to find work and producing short episodes through the internet to build enough buzz to land television deals for their new series. These are über-famous stars, and they are making work happen. Does not the actor who needs “a break” need to do the same?

There’s A LOT of leg work that goes into actually booking a role for a show that is already created. And I love our studio world, but I also know that I have no control whatsoever of whether or not I will actually book a role that has been created by someone else. There are at least 10 levels of decision makers between me and that series regular role on television.

Both worlds – winning created roles by someone else AND creating winning roles for self – are hard work. Both take time and a considerable amount of effort and drive.

I would be bold enough to say that no working artist today is able to wait for “a break”. The person who waits is the person who is waiting. The person who works is the person who is working.

DO WHAT YOU CAN DO

So, do what you can do.
Figure out your purpose, desires and dreams, put together a plan, and start working.

I love Paul’s testimony to the church at Philippi. When talking about surrendering all of his accolades and worldly success and gains for the sake of Christ, he gives them a little insight to his work ethic. He says that he forgets the past and strains toward his future, pressing toward the goal to win the prize which God called him.

PHILIPPIANS 3: 3-14
Excerpt:
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it [my goal]. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Paul is talking about his calling and faith; but we can glean much from his attitude. Paul does what he can do. He presses toward the goal. He’s not waiting around for someone to come and invite him to do ministry. He goes out and starts churches. He rolls up in the synagogues or street corners and starts preaching. He keeps pastoring and checking on his flocks from prison.

Paul takes his cues from God. Once he knows his calling, he pursues and he doesn’t let up.

Now that doesn’t mean that Paul doesn’t live or have a life. He expresses his joy continuously and he’s always on some adventure or another. He lives life to the fullest knowing that he’s doing what he has been purposed to do.

Whether you’re an artist, professional, stay-at-home parent, or student, today, let’s make a resolution to do what you can do.

I’m not trying to overly simplify and/or make light of the frustration that we can feel. I’m offering a way to focus and begin making sense out of our situations.

One of the things I do very well is help people find their purpose and follow their dreams without losing their faith. Part of that process is identifying what a person can do and encouraging them to do that, instead of worrying about things that are completely out of their hands.

What’s out of our control, let’s let go.
What we can do, let’s do.

In the words attributed to President Theodore Roosevelt (pictured above):
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

Go forth, Fam!
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
HAPPY 4th, FAM!
© NaimaLett.com/blog

© photo source

Happy 4th, Fam!

Hope you have a wonderful holiday filled with fam, food and fun!
And maybe an Amazing Spiderman or two. :=)

© Marvel, Sony Pictures, official site

Future president, John Adams, wrote about the creation of the Declaration of Independence, that the day “will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

Let’s do it, Fam.

In the midst of our pomp and parades, games, fireworks, bonfires and barbecues, let’s remember this as a day of deliverance, and say a very special thank you to God Almighty!

PSALM 107
(Excerpt)
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe…
6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress…
21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy.

Let’s give thanks!
Have an awesome holiday,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
OLYMPIC DRAMA



VIDEO: SKIP TO 04:09

The Olympic drama has begun.

11.068 seconds.
That’s the time it took to make history.

Apparently, in no other U.S. Olympic Track & Field trials since the modern Summer Games kicked off in 1896, has there ever been a tie.

But that’s what happened last Saturday.

Two training partners, Jeneba Tarmoh and Allyson Felix, crossed the finish line at the same time for the final, 3rd place, spot on the Olympic team in the 100 meter race.

I saw the race, and it was tight.

The race jumped off with a false start.
They reset, and started again.
11.068 seconds later, there was a tie for 3rd.

photo source

The clock showed both finishing at same time, but 22-year old Jeneba was announced as the winner, given a US flag, and took a victory lap around the stadium. If I remember her interview correctly, I think she thanked God and spoke well of Allyson, whom she trains with under coach Bobby Kersee, husband of Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

Then, the real drama started.

The USATF overturned its initial decision, which was in Jeneba’s favor, after looking at photo-finish images showing both torsos crossed the line at exactly the same time. Legs and arms don’t matter. That’s why athletes lean chest-forward. It’s the torso that counts.

Drama continued when it was announced that the USATF did not have any rules in place for a tie-breaker, and the winner would be decided by coin toss, voluntary withdrawal or run off. What??!!!

The ladies had another race to compete in – the 200 meter, which Allyson has already won 2 Olympic silver medals and 3 world championships. Allyson, 26, also won Olympic gold on the 4×100 relay team in 2008. It was no surprise that she won the 200 on Saturday the 30th. Jeneba placed 5th.

Both ladies, their coach, agents and reps met to figure out what to do about the 100, and they decided on a run off.

First time in Olympic trial history.
It was set for Monday night, July 3rd. 8 PM PT.

I purposefully avoided the internet and nightly news so that I wouldn’t hear the winner prematurely from the East Coast broadcast.

8 o’clock sharp, I ran to the TV, turned to NBC and took my seat to witness history in the making. Instead I got, “No run off.”

No run off.
What??!!!

Jeneba conceded.
She said her head wasn’t in it.

In a previous interview, Jeneba confessed that she felt robbed. She had been announced the winner, then told to re-run for the spot. She felt she had rightfully won the race. Why should she have to run again? In her interview Monday night, she seemed very gracious. She mentioned praying about her decision and having a peace from God. So, she let it go.

Allyson issued a statement saying she was deeply disappointed because she wanted to earn the victory instead of concession. But she had seemed willing to concede early on after she won the 200 meters and would be going to the Olympics anyway.

As a matter of fact, both girls would be going to London on the relay team, so all this hoopla over the 100 meters was an emotional roller coaster and a hot mess. I think the USATF should’ve had tie-breaker rules in place long before this debacle. Every other sport seems to have it. I know gymnastics does. I believe swimming did too.

As confusing as the whole situation was, what impressed me the most was how the two friends protected one another. Having trained together and been described more like sisters, they did not throw each other under the bus for selfish gain.

I am reminded of Jesus’ words to His disciples as His time on earth is winding down.
JOHN 15:13 says:
13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Laying down one’s life

To train for a race for 4 years – blood, sweat, tears – and then concede a victory that you feel you earned to your training partner has to feel like laying down your life.

We may not ever understand it, but Jeneba did what she felt she had to do: lay it down.

Could you do it?
Would you do it?

Reports say there were tears on both sides. This had to be an excruciating decision for Jeneba, and a very difficult situation for Allyson. And they both now, still have to run a relay together. Whew!

Both are women of faith and have publicly talked about their faith.

Allyson, whose father is an ordained minister and professor of New Testament at Master’s Seminary, is quoted as saying, “My faith is the reason I run – it calms my heart and makes everything feel like a lift. My speed is definitely a gift from Him, and I run for His glory. Whatever I do, He allows me to do it.”

Let’s pray for God’s glory as the races continue.
And pray for healing for both ladies.
This one’s tough.
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
WHAT IS TAKING SO LONG?



photo source ©simoendli

“What is taking so long?!”

New week. New month. New series.
And that’s the big question we’re asking this month at our bible fellowship on Sundays.

When I planned the preaching schedule at the beginning of the year, for July, I settled on a 4-part series called Sex & the Summer, which would’ve kicked off yesterday. But last week, I begin to feel a heavy burden for the dream chasers and dream makers we’re called to. It seemed like our artists were hemmed up, under the gun, and backs against the wall, so to speak.

Ever feel like that?

You’re doing all you can do, you’ve got faith, you’ve got works with your faith, you’re praying and waiting and waiting and praying… what in the world is taking so long for the answers to come? Jobs, finances, health, relationships… You’re in the 11th hour and time is up!

You need help. Now.
You need hope. Period.

Well, hope is on the way!

There’s nothing like actually hearing the preached word (and we’re working on trying to get our videos up and running soon for our out-of-town fam), but if I can try to sum up yesterday’s message in a nutshell, it would be: Stay the course.

Stay the course, Fam. The answer is on the way. Sometimes, it’s held up in the spiritual battle that is waging invisibly above us.

As we discover in DANIEL 10, answers to prayer can sometimes get re-routed in the spiritual realm. This may not be the case in all situations, as we’ll discover in the next few Sundays, but it could be the case in some circumstances.

Daniel sees a vision that is so disturbing that He decides to fast and pray for understanding from the Lord. He decides that he will not eat meat, regular food, drink wine, use lotions/bathe until he hears from God. He needs an answer. NOW!

Anybody been there?
Desperate times call for desperate measures.

I remember a similar time when everything started collapsing around me, and I got on my face before the Lord and said, “I won’t eat ’til I hear from You.” This was no liquid diet to lose weight. I went on liquids out of pure contrition of my soul. I needed the Creator of the Universe to intervene and stop the earth from caving in up under me.

If you haven’t experienced that kind of turmoil yet, as my wise father would say, “Keep living.”

Daniel finally gets an answer, 21 DAYS LATER.
21 days, Fam.
He fasted and prayed every day, not knowing when the answer would come, but he kept praying. Day in, day out, he prayed.

When the angel finally showed up to deliver Daniel’s answer from God, 21 days after Daniel started specifically asking for an answer, this is what the Bronzed One said:
Daniel 10:12
“Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.”

21 DAYS LATER

From the first day Daniel gets on his knees and starts praying and fasting, God hears him and dispatches an answer. The angel with the response is met mid-journey by a demonic opponent who fights him for 21 days. Then, Michael, God’s Big Gun Archangel, comes to help overcome the enemy so that Daniel’s angel can deliver the answer. Upon delivery of the message, the angel returns to finish the battle with the enemy.

Daniel has no idea this is going on behind the scenes.
Sometimes, neither do we.
We don’t know what’s holding up our answer.

But just like Daniel, we should not let up on the prayers. He is relentless.
He doesn’t know it will take 21 days. He just keeps praying each day.
We may not know when our answer is coming, but we can keep praying. Stay the course.

I hope this encourages you as much as it encourages me.
We can be certain that God hears our prayers and our answers are on the way.
Hang in there.

Stay the course,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
“Celebrate”, Whitney’s Swan Song

“Celebrate” music video with Whitney Houston & Jordin Sparks ©2012 RCA Records

It’s Friday, Fam. Let’s ‘celebrate’!

And what better way than enjoying Whitney’s swan song, “Celebrate” with American Idol winner Jordin Sparks.

“Celebrate” debuted yesterday as the push for “Sparkle” ramps up. “Sparkle” is a remake of the 1976 musical film which starred Irene Cara and Phillip Michael Thomas. Whitney executive-produced “Sparkle” and stars as the mother of three daughters who form a Motown-esque girl group (think The Supremes) and navigate the rise and pitfalls of the industry.

Jordin Sparks is Sparkle.
The name couldn’t be more perfect.
And “Celebrate” is fitting for Whitney’s last song.

While discussing the video in a recent interview, Jordin says, “We planned on it being Whitney and me, but she’s not here, so we wanted to make it a tribute to her… It was so cool because you could just hear the smile in Whitney’s voice when she was singing it…”

Whitney recorded her verses on the track just days before the eve of the Grammy Awards when she was found deceased by her bodyguard here in Beverly Hills. Her death was ruled an accidental drowning with complications from cocaine use and cardiac arrest. Whitney struggled. More than anything, I pray that our young artists are encouraged to steer clear of drugs. Our artists are dropping left and right and so young. Whitney was only 48. Michael was barely 50. Amy Winehouse was what, 27?

Jordin, 22, seems to be on a path of light. The youngest American Idol winner and Grammy Award nominee has been very outspoken about her faith in Christ, very much how Whitney was at her age. She’s got a strong support system and she’s enjoying a musical career that has sold millions of songs and landed her on Broadway, television and now film. I’m happy for Jordin. Let’s continue praying for her.

What do you have to celebrate this Friday?
– Wonderful Family
– Great friends
– Good Health
– A job in this economy
– A safe place to call home
– Peace of mind
– Life
– Eternal life

Got a reason to shout?
The psalmist does… and does so in one of the shortest songs in scripture.

PSALM 117
1 Praise the Lord, all you nations;
extol him, all you peoples.
2 For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord. (Hallelu Yah)

If nothing else, today, we can celebrate God’s great love toward us and His faithfulness that endures forever. That’s right, you are loved greatly by the One who is faithful forever.

The amazing thing is that, even as much as Whitney struggled down here with addiction, our faithful God still honored her faith in His Son. She’s home now. No more struggles. No more pain. I wish she had more time with her daughter, but God is faithful, and can take care of Bobbi Christina too, if she allows Him.

It’s Friday, Fam. Let’s celebrate!
Ladies, let’s get our sparkle on.
Gents, let’s shine.
So much to be grateful for,
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
NOBODY GREATER

“Nobody Greater” by VaShawn Mitchell ©2011 EMI Gospel

Sometimes, our obstacles = great.
Project deadlines.
Financial setbacks.
Health battles.
Relationship drama.

I woke up with the realization that Sunday is July 1st, meaning 1/2 of 2012 is over. Where did the year go? We’ve been busy, no doubt, and we’ve accomplished a lot, but I’ve still got a full docket of projects to push to completion.

Anybody ever feel like, “Can I get it all done?”

Stress = great.

So, I did what I always do when I need to organize my thoughts – I started writing. The more I journaled and prayed, the more I realized that things aren’t as dire as I feel.

I’m alive. In my right mind. Loved and can love. Got a roof over my head. Food. Clothes. Forgiven. Purpose-driven. Palm trees dance up and down my street. Sun’s shining. 80 degrees with a breeze. What in the world do I have to complain about?

Sure, stuff has to be done. Bills got to be paid. But in the whole scheme of things, God is still in control.

So, I’m adding to the equation.

Obstacles = great
Stress = great
God = GREATER

There’s a beautiful song in scripture that testifies of God’s greatness. Here’s an excerpt, but feel free to explore the whole thing. I love God’s creative children who are singer-songwriters.

PSALM 104
(Excerpt, The Message)

O my soul, bless God! God, my God, how great you are!
beautifully, gloriously robed,
Dressed up in sunshine,
and all heaven stretched out for your tent.
You built your palace on the ocean deeps,
made a chariot out of clouds and took off on wind-wings.
You commandeered winds as messengers,
appointed fire and flame as ambassadors.
You set earth on a firm foundation
so that nothing can shake it, ever.
…What a wildly wonderful world, God!
You made it all, with Wisdom at your side,
made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.

What a wildly wonderful world!
Anybody want to take off on wind-wings?!

Focusing on how great God is today helps us put our problems in perspective.
That doesn’t mean we ignore them and just say, “God will work it out” without doing anything. Faith without works is dead.
But it does mean that we don’t have to stress out over the obstacles. Let’s pray and figure out what to do next.

If God can dress Himself with sunshine and command wind as a messenger and fire as an ambassador, I’m sure He can help me figure out what to get done and when. I’m sure He can help you figure out whatever you’re facing today. And He does promise to provide in whatever way He sees best, and we can rely on His promises. He’s got the faithfulness thing down.

Got problems?

Obstacles = great
Stress = great
God = GREATER

I’m attaching the gospel hit song/video “Nobody Greater” by VaShawn Mitchell above and below.
Be encouraged today, Fam.
Nobody’s greater than our God!

Can’t wait to get wind-wings! Woo-hoo!
Naima

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DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME

© Cheers Theme Song by Gary Portnoy, posted by HDNet

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name
And they’re always glad you came
You wanna be where you can see
Our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows your name
You wanna go where people know
People are all the same
You wanna go where everybody knows your name

The 1982 Cheers TV show Emmy-nominated theme song written by Gary Portnoy became a bona fide hit. So much so that 30 years later, it was voted in a readers’ poll by Rolling Stone as the Best TV Theme Song of all time.

Gary’s lyric, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name”, became the sitcom’s tagline.

When Gary penned these words, he hit upon one of our most basic human needs: acceptance.
Isn’t it true? Don’t you wanna go where everybody knows your name?

Not in the sense of everybody knows your name like you’re famous. Only a few people in this world really want to be famous. And they are. They do whatever it takes to achieve fame including spending thousands per month to keep their names and images in constant rotation.

What Gary uncovered was our deep need to have a safe place, a place where we can be exactly who we are – no pretense, no front – just us.

We all need that safe place. For the characters of Cheers, it was the Boston bar they frequented. Before you condemn a show based around a bar, know that the creators first considered a hotel or inn. They simply wanted a location where they could add a stream of new characters each week and a tavern seemed to be the perfect location. I’m sure there are many actors who are grateful to this day that they got a costar or guest star role out of this transitory set up.

Back to my point, we all need a safe place.
That was the crux of my short message last Sunday.

It was a different day for us. Instead of our regular bible fellowship from 11:30 – 12:30, we partnered with the Interfaith Center, where we meet. The center hosted a seminar from 10:00 – 5:00 on intimacy and relationships led by Messianic Jewish Rabbi Russ Resnik. I was asked to speak briefly along with other rabbis and pastors on the program.

I asserted that, in terms of our relationship, Kevin and I have created a safe place in our marriage which allows for both of us to be accepted just as we are. It’s been 11 years. If we haven’t learned anything by now it’s that we cannot change each other. The desire to change comes from a place deep within. Best we can do is communicate with one another about the things we appreciate as well as the things that rub us the wrong way and honor and respect each other.

How are you doing?
Do you have a safe place where you can just be you?
Do you have relationships in which you are embraced as you are?
Do you accept others as they are or are you overly critical?

I am reminded of a song from scripture in which the psalmist sings about God’s creation and acceptance of us.

PSALM 139
(Excerpt)
1 You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar…

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand —
when I awake, I am still with you.

The singer concludes that God creates us and knows us intimately from before we are even born. He knows everything about us, all the good and the horrible, and yet His thoughts are precious to us. We are accepted.

That does not mean that God is OK with sin. He is not. He is holy and perfect and sinless, and created us that way in the beginning. Didn’t last long. :=) But even now we yearn to become more and more like Him. Thank goodness we have an advocate in Jesus, who took on the penalty of our sin, even death, so that we can repent and be made righteous in Him. I am grateful everyday for His sacrifice for us because of His deep love for us.

Without a shadow of doubt, we have a safe place in His love.
And we can recreate that safe place for one another.
A place where everybody knows our name, and they’re always glad we came.
We wanna go where people know people are all the same.
We wanna go where everybody knows our name.

It’s so possible, Fam!
Go forth,
Naima

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