SHINE!

"For I know the plans I have for you" Jer 29:11.

SHINE was an amazing adventure, where I was able to test myself and step out on stage with singing, acting, and modelling. I have so many stories to tell and wonderful memories that I shared with many new friends. The Lord worked in my heart in a mighty way this week, and I would like to take a moment to share with you the journey that I took. Each one of us have our own path to walk, and this is what mine looked like last week.

On Tuesday, January 3rd I stood in line waiting to go up on stage to perform my first showcase, singing Fly Away by FFH. As I neared the front of the line, I grew very nervous and afraid. I literally felt like running off the stage and away. But then I prayed and recalled my memorized scripture, "Have I not commanded you. Be strong and courage, do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9. This settled my heart and mind, and I faced the challenge head on. After the first performance, the rest of the weeks performances were much more fun, as I had conquered my fear with scripture.

The week progressed rapidly, with little sleep (only about 5-6 hours a night), tons of rehearsals, show cases, performances, seminars, and meetings. There never seemed to be a dull moment, and I enjoyed every minute of it. But I had my ups and downs. On Friday night, I hit an all time low when I did not make it through to the talent or acting finales, I was super sad. I was also really tired and had all intentions to go straight to bed. When I got to my room though, God was like, na-ah, we're going to have a chat. So instead of sleeping I spent 2 hours praying, reading my Bible and singing worship songs to Him. He impressed it on my heart that He wanted me to go to film school. I was astounded, and prayed that He would clearly provide the way and give me affirmation that this is what He wanted me to do.

Saturday morning, I headed off to my audition to the New York Film Academy (NYFA), excited but still sad. My audition went well and the admissions lady said that they were interested - which was affirmation number 1. By Saturday afternoon though, I hit my lowest point, and so just went to my room and rested up. I could not face going to the acting finale because my heart was too broken. I emailed some of my prayer partners, and just asked them to pray for me. By the time the talent finale rolled around, the Lord had restored me, I was rested, and ready to face whatever He would bring my way. I had made up my mind to be obedient and go where He leads me, wherever that may be. The talent finale was a lot of fun, and I was so excited for my friends that did get a chance to perform.

Sunday morning rolled around, and we each got a sealed envelope that contained a list of the people that wanted to give us a "Call back." I went off on my own, because I knew I would be a mess. Before I opened up the envelope, I prayed and asked the Lord to make His will abundantly clear to me. I opened the envelope and I had a single call back, the one that the Lord had told me I would receive. You guessed it, I had a call back for NYFA - affirmation number 2. The call back was swift, and I was informed that NYFA was interested, but that I would learn more that evening.

Sunday night, I'm up on stage with the gospel choir singing, and just listening to the wonderful harmony we were producing. I was excited to be up on stage one last time, and this time with all of my new friends, just singing and bringing God the glory and honor. When the awards ceremony rolled around, NYFA was called up first to announce their winners. As I sat waiting for the names to be called, I prayed and asked the Lord that He would once again reveal His will for me. He did not fail me, for I was one of the few that received a scholarship to NYFA to go and do my Masters of Fine Arts! - Affirmation number 3! When I received the scholarship on stage, I was in tears, because I was humbled and now knew for sure what the Lord has called me to do, because not only did He affirm it to me, but He has provided the means.

I'm hoping to move to Los Angeles in September to begin the program, if I can get everything organized and lined up. The best thing about all of this is, that the Lord has already provided me with Christian friends and connections in LA, and I have my AMTC family in LA, and AMTC Grads that I can call on for support. This is the biggest blessing, knowing that I have christian family waiting for me in LA.

The Lord has revealed His will for me, and provided me with the way and the means. Therefore, I will walk forward in obedience, and with anticipation wait to see what He will do next.