DIRECTOR:GOD/STARRING:ME

Yesterday, I attended a wonderful event at Trinity Broadcasting Network.  A christian based network that delivers all kinds of inspirational programming.  Tonight's show was hosted by Pastor Dewey Friedel.  I knew that Hezekiah Walker would be performing but I had no idea that I would gain so much from this taping.

Each segment brought energy and a lot to think about.  There was Bishop David Evans from Bethany Baptist Church, Tim Chey, an award winning director and Devon Franklin, producer of the Karate Kid and Jumping the Broom. A perfect night for me to attend with two industry professionals in the house.  The most  memorable of the show was Devon for me.  A lot of what he touched on was so in tune with my journey and experiences. I really appreciated his testimony.

I haven't been to church in a good a little while.  I've streamed it a few times in the last few months and although the message can still touch me, attending church gives you a chance to fellowship.  More importantly, I have not been praying as much and putting aside quality time for GOD.  Which could be why the last two weeks have been totally dead. GOD always has a way of bringing us closer or back to him.  It can be subtle or a catastrophe ... either way HE knows how to get our attention.

A few years ago, I might have been totally going crazy about the lack of auditions and bookings I've had in the last two weeks.  I mean its been NOTHING. But over the years my FAITH has grown into a house of bricks you can try to huff and puff and blow down and well, its not budging.

This down time has actually allowed me to be productive in a lot of other ways and has given me opportunities to be in places that may open up doors to help further my career.  It's been amazing really. But more importantly, yesterday's show pointed out all to well, how when things are going good that we can lose site of why they are.  While my FAITH isn't in jeopardy, my lack of commitment to time with GOD could jeopardize the rest of my life's journey.

I owe all praises to GOD for giving me everything.  HE has produced the FAITH I have to continue through whatever ... the good, the bad, the crazy, the happy, the mess ...  I am more than just a model or an actress, a sister, daughter or friend.  I am a child of GOD that should be demonstrating everyday that HE is worth my time, my love and sacrifice.  Doesn't HE do that for me?

HE DIRECTS every scene of my life.  I should be in HIS word, speaking and living it so that my STAR  continues to shine through EVERY season.

Until Next Time ... Continue to give GOD the praise and the glory, forever and ever.  Amen.

The COLOR of God's Hand

My journey in the last 4 years has been a lot of things. ...  but most of its been surprising ... in a lot of good ways.  You guys have read about challenges, hardship, happiness, pain, loss, confusion, relief ... I could go on and on but all have shaped this road I'm traveling.

Last year I learned about an organization that recognizes the achievements of diverse advertising industry leaders. ADCOLOR. Google it! After hearing and seeing what this initiative contributes to an industry that I audition and cast for, I was on board.

After talking over ideas with one of my friends who introduced me to ADCOLOR, I decided I wanted to be a part of a committee.  But most of the people involved in this organization are the agencies, advertisers and creative teams behind the brands.  So initially I thought, my strong point would be to bring the "talent" side to the initiative more specifically, interviewing the people responsible for opening the doors for this kind of marketing, who create the ads and ultimately keep me auditioning.  It didn't quite work out that way but I was still able to volunteer my services and I was super happy about that.  It was one of the greatest experiences in my life.

Attending the awards show and conference in Miami last year opened up so many opportunities for me to network and make some really great connections.  I've kept in contact with those connections and have worked hard to build and maintain those relationships so that I can be considered for projects. All that work and initiative on my part really set something up for me that proved, yet again, GOD's hand in my life.

Yesterday I attended one of several ADCOLOR meetings we'll have leading up to the show and conference. In a nutshell, we discussed nominations, sponsors, possibilities, the flow, etc. The entire time, I'm thinking OK, how can I step up my contribution to this year's event?  I definitely still want to represent the "talent" side because after all, that is my strong point. 

Everyone has said something or made a contribution and I'm still "thinking" ... about what to say??? Just say it!!!!  The meeting is wrapping up and instead of voicing anything, I decide well I'll take two of the leaders aside and express a few things and see where it leads.  As Tiffany, the Founder of this awesome organization wraps and finalizes the meeting, she talks about some special person deserving of this title, that contributes to the industry and so on.  Then my picture pops up on the screen. MEEEEEEE??! WTH? UNBELIEVABLE!!!  I was named MS. ADCOLOR 2011.  I ... almost ... fell ... out ... my ... chair. Instead I did more of a meltdown in the chair, hence almost sliding out of it. LOL.

My mouth was to the floor and of course for those of you who know me well, the tears started flowing. I could not believe that ADCOLOR was recognizing ME. I guess I do contribute after all. ; ) I represent the finished project for those wonderful ads being aired, hung, posted and distributed ... around the country. And they represent my culture, my people ... ME.

I am so excited about heading to L.A.  for this year's event.  What in the world am I going to wear?  

UNTIL NEXT TIME ... HE may not come when you want HIM, BUT HE IS ALWAYS ON TIME. *pageant wave*