Saturday, January 12, 2013

Reflections: First National Commercial Call Back and Making Sense of Life... "Relax, I Got This!" - Jesus


    "Relax, I Got This" -  Jesus

    Last week I had my first call back for a national commercial.  There were about 6 other women who had call backs, 6 men, and 6 cutie pututie boys. I knew my lines, my on camera husband was Omarr Dixon (http://www.omarrdixon.com/) and my son was so sharp with the casting director's recommendations.  We had fun! It felt good. However, I did not receive a call back for the job. I'm learning that in this business it's not necessarily about how well you  perform, but it's also about what the casting director is looking for. For whatever reason I did not get this particular job, but this just means that there will be another opportunity for me. 

    Over the last 8 months I have been working to figure out next steps post graduation.  I graduated from seminary in May 2012.  When I first graduated I asked myself:  What in the world am I supposed to be doing?  I applied for non-profit and faith based jobs.  Networked my butt off!  Started dream chasing in the area of modeling! Started a speaker's academy program to move forward with my speaking business.  I moved across the country to be closer to my family.  Worked to foster new and healthy long term relationships.  Over the months I have worked to listen to my heart and to also see what actually is sticking.  I figured if I put the time into something that I enjoy and it actually sticks or something good comes out of it...keep walking through the door.  

    When I first started with the modeling agency I thought that this was a great opportunity to try this with an agency at least once.  I told myself "at least I can say I tried."  I did my first modeling gig with Disney and it was a lot of fun. I didn't think I would get other calls. As opportunities present themselves I am realizing that modeling, acting, hosting is a business.  It is a lot of fun, but there can also be a lot of pressure to get the job, get the call back, and make the money. I actually got upset when I saw how much money someone makes for doing a national commercial.  As a former public school teacher I was actually offended because there was absolutely no comparison.  

    As I move forward I am realizing that God has a plan for everything and everyone. I am seminary trained, called to ministry, and God has me in this field doing this type of work.  Really? Romans 8: 28 notes, "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."    Romans 12: 6 reads:  "Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly."  The text goes on to speak about different spiritual gifts. 

    All things work together for good and we all have some type of gift that God has blessed us with.  Even if it seems random it is still a gift and can be used to build the kin-dom of God.  I have a t-shirt that says "Relax, I Got This" -Jesus.  We have to put in the hard work here on earth because "faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead." (James 2: 17) I also truly believe that God is often behind the scenes making things happen; sometimes when we least expect it.  God has our back!

    On February 14, my friend Jacalyn Barnes and I am starting Testimonies of Hope: The Intercultural Christian Devotional Website at testimoniesofhope.org  Check it out!  If God gives you a voice and a gift, use it to build up the kin-dom!  I encourage you to move forward in those gifts while also letting folk know where your gifts come from, God.   

    "Relax, I Got This" - Jesus. 

    Blessings Ya'll,


    Kit