Today my Mom sent me an e-mail with a devotional attached to it about what taking a leap of faith looks like, and this concept has never felt more present than now. God alone has opened up doors and opportunities for me to move to L.A. to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. I absolutely love stories, and I feel so blessed to be able to move to the city where many famous stories are born! Of course I have dreams and goals for what I hope to achieve in these next years of my life, but I'm amazed at how hard it is to make the initial leap.
I'm experiencing so many mixed emotions as this Feb. 7th date approaches. One moment I'll be so giddy with excitement, and then the next tearing up because of all I leave behind. Then, I feel so blessed because I have amazing family and friends to miss and cry about leaving. Some people tell me that I have nothing but money to loose by trying and moving to L.A...but my heart thinks otherwise. Here, I'm surrounded by love, comfort, and really the life that many currently living in L.A. wish they had. I have a great relationship with my family and friends, and of course life is never perfect, but here life feels pretty close to it.
So what does it mean to take a leap of faith? I'm not running from my past, or pursing L.A. to find myself. I'm finding that a leap of faith is jumping off the ledge of all that you love and of all that is certain into a place where only God is calling and only he can catch you. I see his fingerprints all over this move...this leap...but the uncertainties are completely overwhelming!! It's actually a communication theory (see that college degree paying off! lol) the more uncertainty, then greater the fear, but here's my point in sharing this with those to you who are reading...With Christ, there's no uncertainty because his love is perfect. Perfect love is certain, perfect love casts out all fear, and perfect love is something only God alone possesses. No friend, family member, or relationship could ever amount to the love that God has for each human being, which means that when he calls we take that leap with the upmost confidence that the God of perfect love with catch, hold, sustain, and bring peace in every uncertain life circumstance. In 2007 I went to NYC in St. Louis and a band sang these words "I want to hold the hand that holds the world," and that's my prayer as I move because when I'm holding that hand I know that I may not get a happy ending here on Earth, but I'm directly connected to the joy of God's everlasting Kingdom.
Deep? Yes, but I challenge you to leap everyday with a move of BELIEF and not of hope. Hope is stagnant, while belief requires action, and today is the day we're given to move in the direction God is calling. Am I going to cry my eyes out as I say goodbye to all that I know to be certain and comfortable? YES! But do I need to fear the doubts that float all over what I don't know right now...NO! Because I know with all of me that this move draws me closer to God's perfect love where everything is certain.
Blessings to you as you go for it too! :)
Alisha Stevens
Monday, January 30, 2012
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Reflections of "Senior Year"
This evening I found myself looking back at many of the old pictures that I've taken during my four years here at IWU. The final projects are starting to be completed, the final presentations are prepped and ready to go, and then there's silent moments where I catch myself going "wait...how did I get here?" I know it sounds cliche to say that time has passed so quickly, but it has! I mean, when I started college there were so many people, places, and experiences that I never dreamed would come into my path! My precious nieces weren't born, I didn't have these amazing IWU friendships that I now have, I didn't know what Arbonne was, I would have never dreamed that would've led me to the Bahamas, and never thought that God would bless my passion for L.A. and he went WAY beyond what I dreamed!
I have to admit that there were some expectations I thought God would bless, and one of those is again a cliche...I really thought God would send my prince charming to IWU, we'd meet, and I'd be engaged by now. I really really really thought that going into my freshman year, and TRUST me my poor friends had to suffer through many extremely painful moments where they knocked me in the head and said, "ALISHA! Your life is not a movie...this is reality!" It sounds harsh, but trust me...I deserved it FULLY! And this is isn't a post about how I'm angry, depressed, or look out every guy out there...Alisha hates you and is now Miss Independent! haha No...it's more of a realization that God knew what I needed before I asked for it. I needed to fall completely in love with my savior, and tonight, as I was passing memory lane...my heart is filled with so much joy because throughout my time here at IWU, I've fallen completely, madly, and hopelessly in love with my Savior! My eyes are fully of hope, life, and joy even when life isn't exactly like the movie playing in my head.
I've moved from a hopeless romantic to a sarcastic-if-you-want-the-key-to-my-heart-buy-me-coffee! haha Speaking of coffee...didn't like that at ALL when I started college...oh. how. things. change! This is just a little example of how life has a simplicity about it when your first love is Jesus, and for the first time I'm starting to see what true freedom looks like in Christ. I've said all this Christian jargon my entire life, but through all the experiences I've had these past 3 1/2 years...I've had to make a choice to say it or live it. Living out the foundations of Christ are not easy, not always pretty, but always hopeful. With Christ, my life's movie is full of purpose, meaning, and drive. He is that dominant force, which propels all the other actions that take place in my story.
My hope and prayer is that you too will be challenged to be faced with this choice to say the Christian jargon, or actually live it too because when you choose to love your Savior completely...life becomes a beautiful place with hope in places you never expected. I don't know what the future holds, but something tells me that it'll be an adventure that I'm so ready to embrace! So here's to all the people, places, and experiences that have past--and those to come...CHEERS!
Blessings!
Alisha Stevens
I have to admit that there were some expectations I thought God would bless, and one of those is again a cliche...I really thought God would send my prince charming to IWU, we'd meet, and I'd be engaged by now. I really really really thought that going into my freshman year, and TRUST me my poor friends had to suffer through many extremely painful moments where they knocked me in the head and said, "ALISHA! Your life is not a movie...this is reality!" It sounds harsh, but trust me...I deserved it FULLY! And this is isn't a post about how I'm angry, depressed, or look out every guy out there...Alisha hates you and is now Miss Independent! haha No...it's more of a realization that God knew what I needed before I asked for it. I needed to fall completely in love with my savior, and tonight, as I was passing memory lane...my heart is filled with so much joy because throughout my time here at IWU, I've fallen completely, madly, and hopelessly in love with my Savior! My eyes are fully of hope, life, and joy even when life isn't exactly like the movie playing in my head.
I've moved from a hopeless romantic to a sarcastic-if-you-want-the-key-to-my-heart-buy-me-coffee! haha Speaking of coffee...didn't like that at ALL when I started college...oh. how. things. change! This is just a little example of how life has a simplicity about it when your first love is Jesus, and for the first time I'm starting to see what true freedom looks like in Christ. I've said all this Christian jargon my entire life, but through all the experiences I've had these past 3 1/2 years...I've had to make a choice to say it or live it. Living out the foundations of Christ are not easy, not always pretty, but always hopeful. With Christ, my life's movie is full of purpose, meaning, and drive. He is that dominant force, which propels all the other actions that take place in my story.
My hope and prayer is that you too will be challenged to be faced with this choice to say the Christian jargon, or actually live it too because when you choose to love your Savior completely...life becomes a beautiful place with hope in places you never expected. I don't know what the future holds, but something tells me that it'll be an adventure that I'm so ready to embrace! So here's to all the people, places, and experiences that have past--and those to come...CHEERS!
Blessings!
Alisha Stevens
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Reflections: The Aftermath
Hi friends!
So, I wasn't the best blogger during my internship, and now I'm semi-regretting it, but I think the entire journey got completely overwhelming, and I had to journal it all out before putting it on the public internet! lol If you couldn't tell, when I write...I open up almost completely about my thoughts. I love to share stories, hear stories, and be involved in other people's lives! Anyways, I was revisiting my little 3 post blog, and decided to attempt re-blogging if you would. So here it goes...
I look back on my time in L.A., and if you know me at all, you probably know that I can barely finish a sentence sometimes without saying, "When I was in L.A..." haha! I know it can be a little annoying, but I can't help it! God went WAY beyond my wildest dreams or expectations! I think the reason why I didn't blog or even journal as much as I usually do, is because I simply lived. I lived in the moment that felt like something I would pray for...but it was happening right before me! When my friend Jimmy from WB and I were touring all the different sets on the lot, or when he would invite me on "The Mentalist" set, or would do an editing session with me, or when my internship asked me if I would want to go and observe on the "Chuck" set where I talked to Zachary Levi for 15 min, and the directors, grips, and even the 80-year-old security man who told me every story in the Hollywood history book! Or when a lady said she just "liked me" and wanted to give me a tour of Fox Studios, or when or when or when...get the point?! It hands down changed my life.
Even though these events look like awww wowie! moments....the ones that I still hold so dear to me is the people who changed my life. Jimmy was and is such an encouragement to me and all my dreams. I mean I went into this wanting to do editing, and then producing, and then script development? I was allll over the map! But he really helped me, and most importantly, he was a friend throughout the entire experience. Ya know, the one that stops you from running out in front of Zach Levi's car as it leaves the lot because then maybe you'd need CPR...haha!! I'm 100% being sarcastic, but I still laugh about that to this day. Obviously, I didn't do it! lol
Hands down, best moment was my last day at my internship. It was 6:30pm and I was running one last little errand for one of the assistants. I came inside to gather all of my things, and I had to say goodbye to Breean, Jeff, and D.J. the three that I worked with the most. They all said such nice things, and sincerely wanted to help me when I returned to L.A. They all wrote me little notes, and I can't explain all the details, but as I walked out of the door for the last time...I just got teary eyed! I sat in my little parking spot, and as I pulled away for the last time...I just cried. Obviously I'm an emotional person, but it takes a lot for me to shed some tears! But it's like everything hit me all at once. In that moment I saw a piece of God's plan happen start to finish. He asked me to give up everything, trust, and simply go. I was so scared, insecure, and vulnerable, but watching it all kinda flash before my eyes in like playback mode...it came together just like he promised.
I didn't get my dream career, I didn't get the Hollywood discovery, but I just feel like I got more than that Earthly stuff. God brought me closer to him, closer to finding out who I am as a person, and closer to people. Yes, I would love a job there and write stories for the rest of my life, but man would I love for other people to experience this life in Christ! It's so distorted in today's society, and God allowed me to connect with people for his glory...and for the first time I felt humbled that he would choose me to go. Ok, now I sound cocky, but I don't know how else to explain it! You take your biggest dream, and if God gave you the door to walk through to do it for his glory...you may understand the "WHAT?! Me?! Surely there's someone greater than me...REALLY? You want me?!" that I'm talking about.
Why share all of this with you, who may have made it through this semi-book! lol Because I know what it feels like to want more, pray for more, and then have God tell you to give him everything over and over again. It's SO scary, but I smile because through every single low (there were plenty) and every high...he never left my side. He never stopped surrounding me with his presence that was cheering me on when I had nothing left to give, or when things felt like they were falling apart, or when I missed my family so much I felt so alone...he was there. So...I challenge you to reflect on a moment that changed your life, and ask yourself what would happen if you opened up your availability to God to the maximum?! What would happen if you sincerely opened yourself up to all the crazy he could do through you?! Now that I'm home, on vacation, and in my little comfort zone it's easy to say sure God do what you want. But my heart knows it's going to have to do a repeat of fall 2010 all too soon. My face has a little bit of anxiety on it now! lol But I'm so so so excited for the journey!
"The opportunities you have are more important than the opportunities you wished you had."--from a reflection of Mordecai's life in the book of Esther.
Dream Big Today!
Alisha Stevens
So, I wasn't the best blogger during my internship, and now I'm semi-regretting it, but I think the entire journey got completely overwhelming, and I had to journal it all out before putting it on the public internet! lol If you couldn't tell, when I write...I open up almost completely about my thoughts. I love to share stories, hear stories, and be involved in other people's lives! Anyways, I was revisiting my little 3 post blog, and decided to attempt re-blogging if you would. So here it goes...
I look back on my time in L.A., and if you know me at all, you probably know that I can barely finish a sentence sometimes without saying, "When I was in L.A..." haha! I know it can be a little annoying, but I can't help it! God went WAY beyond my wildest dreams or expectations! I think the reason why I didn't blog or even journal as much as I usually do, is because I simply lived. I lived in the moment that felt like something I would pray for...but it was happening right before me! When my friend Jimmy from WB and I were touring all the different sets on the lot, or when he would invite me on "The Mentalist" set, or would do an editing session with me, or when my internship asked me if I would want to go and observe on the "Chuck" set where I talked to Zachary Levi for 15 min, and the directors, grips, and even the 80-year-old security man who told me every story in the Hollywood history book! Or when a lady said she just "liked me" and wanted to give me a tour of Fox Studios, or when or when or when...get the point?! It hands down changed my life.
Even though these events look like awww wowie! moments....the ones that I still hold so dear to me is the people who changed my life. Jimmy was and is such an encouragement to me and all my dreams. I mean I went into this wanting to do editing, and then producing, and then script development? I was allll over the map! But he really helped me, and most importantly, he was a friend throughout the entire experience. Ya know, the one that stops you from running out in front of Zach Levi's car as it leaves the lot because then maybe you'd need CPR...haha!! I'm 100% being sarcastic, but I still laugh about that to this day. Obviously, I didn't do it! lol
Hands down, best moment was my last day at my internship. It was 6:30pm and I was running one last little errand for one of the assistants. I came inside to gather all of my things, and I had to say goodbye to Breean, Jeff, and D.J. the three that I worked with the most. They all said such nice things, and sincerely wanted to help me when I returned to L.A. They all wrote me little notes, and I can't explain all the details, but as I walked out of the door for the last time...I just got teary eyed! I sat in my little parking spot, and as I pulled away for the last time...I just cried. Obviously I'm an emotional person, but it takes a lot for me to shed some tears! But it's like everything hit me all at once. In that moment I saw a piece of God's plan happen start to finish. He asked me to give up everything, trust, and simply go. I was so scared, insecure, and vulnerable, but watching it all kinda flash before my eyes in like playback mode...it came together just like he promised.
I didn't get my dream career, I didn't get the Hollywood discovery, but I just feel like I got more than that Earthly stuff. God brought me closer to him, closer to finding out who I am as a person, and closer to people. Yes, I would love a job there and write stories for the rest of my life, but man would I love for other people to experience this life in Christ! It's so distorted in today's society, and God allowed me to connect with people for his glory...and for the first time I felt humbled that he would choose me to go. Ok, now I sound cocky, but I don't know how else to explain it! You take your biggest dream, and if God gave you the door to walk through to do it for his glory...you may understand the "WHAT?! Me?! Surely there's someone greater than me...REALLY? You want me?!" that I'm talking about.
Why share all of this with you, who may have made it through this semi-book! lol Because I know what it feels like to want more, pray for more, and then have God tell you to give him everything over and over again. It's SO scary, but I smile because through every single low (there were plenty) and every high...he never left my side. He never stopped surrounding me with his presence that was cheering me on when I had nothing left to give, or when things felt like they were falling apart, or when I missed my family so much I felt so alone...he was there. So...I challenge you to reflect on a moment that changed your life, and ask yourself what would happen if you opened up your availability to God to the maximum?! What would happen if you sincerely opened yourself up to all the crazy he could do through you?! Now that I'm home, on vacation, and in my little comfort zone it's easy to say sure God do what you want. But my heart knows it's going to have to do a repeat of fall 2010 all too soon. My face has a little bit of anxiety on it now! lol But I'm so so so excited for the journey!
"The opportunities you have are more important than the opportunities you wished you had."--from a reflection of Mordecai's life in the book of Esther.
Dream Big Today!
Alisha Stevens
Monday, September 13, 2010
Reflections of "Celebrity"
Hey Friends!
It's been awhile since I updated my blog, but it's been an interesting couple of weeks. A couple of weeks ago I went to visit one of my friends that works at Warner Brothers, and I got to tour the set!!! I loved it so much, and yes, went on the set of "Chuck" and met Ryan McPartlin. I saw Sarah, Chuck, and Chuck's sister, but they were live shooting a scene, so unfortunately I wasn't able to meet them in person.
Then, I interviewed for an internship at Wonderland Sound and Vision, and I was accepted! Wonderland does "Chuck," "Supernatural," "Human Target," "Nikita," "O.C.," and have done some awesome films like "Charlie's Angel's," and "Terminator." While I was there I found out that I get to go to the premieres! I'm very very very excited and can't wait to go the "Chuck" premiere next Monday night!
In classes I am a producer for one of the big short films we are doing, and I'm also very excited for that as well. Although my script and character were not chosen for one of the films, I am learning a lot about developing characters and understanding the art behind telling a story.
In short there's the fun and exciting news! God is doing amazing things, and today I put my status on fb how the little things seem like HUGE miracles. My prayer life has gone through the roof because I'm so out of my own comfort zone, there are times when I realize that I really can't do it on my own. I'll be driving and looking for a building that I'm supposed to run an errand to and be praying that a) I get through traffic b) I don't get in an accident and c) I remain calm even when I make a wrong turn and my gps says "rerouting." Sounds crazy, but I'm not in Ohio or Indiana anymore and need guidance...and sometimes LITERAL guidance when trying to find a person, place, or answering the phone. Here's the thing, God cares about our little concerns and wants to be involved...even when we feel like it's petty or not life altering.
Since I've been here, I've obviously been highly interested in seeing celebrities. You'll hear people come back from their internships or from going to yogurtland and telling all about their encounters with celebrities. After meeting some celebrities, which felt surreal, I had some long thinking moments. Why are we so obsessed with the idea that someone is greater, or above everyone else? I mean, if someone who is at a "celebrity" status wants something...then they'll get it ASAP no questions asked. We are always told not feel like we are better than everyone else, but yet I'm a walking contradiction because I swoon and get overly excited! I'm not saying that it's wrong to be excited, but maybe check what we're excited about. It's very easy to caught up in all the glam, but they are just people. Yes, they have a ton of responsibility, but they're not created any different than you or me. When we realize this, then we might look at them differently. I don't know how to say it without it sounding cliche or cheesy, but they are God's children too. He loves them just as much as all of us. This true realization put a whole new perspective on "celebrity" for me. Even though I'm so excited to see and meet celebrities...it doesn't bring complete satisfaction. The moment is "Ahhhh!" But then it fades to "Now what?" People are searching for purpose and fulfillment, and many places they look are empty and lost. Working on TV or Film projects are VERY exciting for me, but if it was my everything then I'd be disappointed. Simply because I've built up this idea, this perfection that lies in Hollywood...and it simply isn't. Everything we see on TV and Film is only seen to audiences around the world because of extreme work. I love it, but if it were my everything, then it would probably consume me. I'm starting to understand the truth of "Christ the solid rock I stand...all other ground is sinking sand."
I'm very excited for the journey ahead, and I am praying that God will use me to love, serve, and contribute to this land. Thank you to all of you for your prayers and support! I am beyond grateful!
God Bless!
Alisha
It's been awhile since I updated my blog, but it's been an interesting couple of weeks. A couple of weeks ago I went to visit one of my friends that works at Warner Brothers, and I got to tour the set!!! I loved it so much, and yes, went on the set of "Chuck" and met Ryan McPartlin. I saw Sarah, Chuck, and Chuck's sister, but they were live shooting a scene, so unfortunately I wasn't able to meet them in person.
Then, I interviewed for an internship at Wonderland Sound and Vision, and I was accepted! Wonderland does "Chuck," "Supernatural," "Human Target," "Nikita," "O.C.," and have done some awesome films like "Charlie's Angel's," and "Terminator." While I was there I found out that I get to go to the premieres! I'm very very very excited and can't wait to go the "Chuck" premiere next Monday night!
In classes I am a producer for one of the big short films we are doing, and I'm also very excited for that as well. Although my script and character were not chosen for one of the films, I am learning a lot about developing characters and understanding the art behind telling a story.
In short there's the fun and exciting news! God is doing amazing things, and today I put my status on fb how the little things seem like HUGE miracles. My prayer life has gone through the roof because I'm so out of my own comfort zone, there are times when I realize that I really can't do it on my own. I'll be driving and looking for a building that I'm supposed to run an errand to and be praying that a) I get through traffic b) I don't get in an accident and c) I remain calm even when I make a wrong turn and my gps says "rerouting." Sounds crazy, but I'm not in Ohio or Indiana anymore and need guidance...and sometimes LITERAL guidance when trying to find a person, place, or answering the phone. Here's the thing, God cares about our little concerns and wants to be involved...even when we feel like it's petty or not life altering.
Since I've been here, I've obviously been highly interested in seeing celebrities. You'll hear people come back from their internships or from going to yogurtland and telling all about their encounters with celebrities. After meeting some celebrities, which felt surreal, I had some long thinking moments. Why are we so obsessed with the idea that someone is greater, or above everyone else? I mean, if someone who is at a "celebrity" status wants something...then they'll get it ASAP no questions asked. We are always told not feel like we are better than everyone else, but yet I'm a walking contradiction because I swoon and get overly excited! I'm not saying that it's wrong to be excited, but maybe check what we're excited about. It's very easy to caught up in all the glam, but they are just people. Yes, they have a ton of responsibility, but they're not created any different than you or me. When we realize this, then we might look at them differently. I don't know how to say it without it sounding cliche or cheesy, but they are God's children too. He loves them just as much as all of us. This true realization put a whole new perspective on "celebrity" for me. Even though I'm so excited to see and meet celebrities...it doesn't bring complete satisfaction. The moment is "Ahhhh!" But then it fades to "Now what?" People are searching for purpose and fulfillment, and many places they look are empty and lost. Working on TV or Film projects are VERY exciting for me, but if it was my everything then I'd be disappointed. Simply because I've built up this idea, this perfection that lies in Hollywood...and it simply isn't. Everything we see on TV and Film is only seen to audiences around the world because of extreme work. I love it, but if it were my everything, then it would probably consume me. I'm starting to understand the truth of "Christ the solid rock I stand...all other ground is sinking sand."
I'm very excited for the journey ahead, and I am praying that God will use me to love, serve, and contribute to this land. Thank you to all of you for your prayers and support! I am beyond grateful!
God Bless!
Alisha
Friday, August 27, 2010
Reflections of "the dream"
It has been a crazy week here in L.A.! My mind is over stimulated with class, writing, and having actual places to go and see! It is honestly weird to have something to do in the evenings, and have multiple places to go for the weekend. In the mist of all the "city life," I'm finding myself dreaming in new ways. I am beyond fascinated by this industry. Oh yes...the good, the bad, and the really really really ugly. I feel like Curious George as I explore the city, possible internships, and ideas for characters. If I'm honest, I really don't feel like I am in school at all. This is a good thing! Yes, it is only the first week, and yes, I have many more to pursue through. BUT, never in my whole life have I felt such joy, peace, and purpose. There's still a possibility that I may not find a career here, but thankfully this is not my job. My job is to trust and obey.
The Sunday before I left for L.A., the song "Trust and Obey" was sung by the congregation and I found myself choked to tears.
Trust and Obey, for there's no other way,
To be happy in Jesus,
If you trust and obey.
Simple concept, but BIG action.
My dream used to be to create "Christian Films," but now I'm hearing testimonies of people who took on the literal form of salt, and preserved the good. Yes, these people worked on very controversial films, and many of them not even close to the spectrum of "Christian." The gospel was not preached, and in no way did the film itself portray the love of Christ. Hmmm...intrigue. Why be involved in something like this? Why care? Why not build our own subculture to gather together in the black and white zone and live happily ever after? Well ask yourself this question now...did Jesus live in the black and white zone? Did he interact with those who were, dare I say, in the grey area? Welcome to Hollywood friends! If Hollywood had a color, like school colors, it would be grey. Grey, grey, grey, grey, and grey. The thing is, GOD IS MOVING!! My encouragement to you is to quit judging the followers of Christ here in Hollywood to black and white standards, because there are few! The more I hear, listen, and talk with people here, the more I get it. God wants to guide you, not the opinions and judgements of other people.
Tonight, one of the actors from Fantastic 4, Doug Jones, gave his testimony as a Christian actor. In another film, his character was supposed to be the crazy Christian who wanted to kill everyone. Yea, he kinda plays creepy roles, anyways...he refused the role because of his faith, BUT along with that the director was sent an e-mail stating why. Jones said he was bored with the idea because it had happened before, and because he did not want to portray his faith in such a negative way. Guess what...THEY CHANGED THE SCRIPT! He was salt in that situation and preserved a little good. These are the little things that are happening in Hollywood. God has given us the gift of creativity, and there are times when his people are needed to suggest a more creative option to preserve the "good" content.
Here's the thing, the grey area is a scary place to be under, therefore; we sometimes prefer to just ignore it. If I'm honest, it is so much easier to just ignore the tough issues. We don't like to struggle, but I'm starting to see that even Christ himself had to suffer greatly to command such a large impact. Please continue to pray for the body of Christ in Hollywood. Pray for God to guide the men and women in this industry as they continue to serve in multiple ways.
Trust and Obey Today!
-Alisha
The Sunday before I left for L.A., the song "Trust and Obey" was sung by the congregation and I found myself choked to tears.
Trust and Obey, for there's no other way,
To be happy in Jesus,
If you trust and obey.
Simple concept, but BIG action.
My dream used to be to create "Christian Films," but now I'm hearing testimonies of people who took on the literal form of salt, and preserved the good. Yes, these people worked on very controversial films, and many of them not even close to the spectrum of "Christian." The gospel was not preached, and in no way did the film itself portray the love of Christ. Hmmm...intrigue. Why be involved in something like this? Why care? Why not build our own subculture to gather together in the black and white zone and live happily ever after? Well ask yourself this question now...did Jesus live in the black and white zone? Did he interact with those who were, dare I say, in the grey area? Welcome to Hollywood friends! If Hollywood had a color, like school colors, it would be grey. Grey, grey, grey, grey, and grey. The thing is, GOD IS MOVING!! My encouragement to you is to quit judging the followers of Christ here in Hollywood to black and white standards, because there are few! The more I hear, listen, and talk with people here, the more I get it. God wants to guide you, not the opinions and judgements of other people.
Tonight, one of the actors from Fantastic 4, Doug Jones, gave his testimony as a Christian actor. In another film, his character was supposed to be the crazy Christian who wanted to kill everyone. Yea, he kinda plays creepy roles, anyways...he refused the role because of his faith, BUT along with that the director was sent an e-mail stating why. Jones said he was bored with the idea because it had happened before, and because he did not want to portray his faith in such a negative way. Guess what...THEY CHANGED THE SCRIPT! He was salt in that situation and preserved a little good. These are the little things that are happening in Hollywood. God has given us the gift of creativity, and there are times when his people are needed to suggest a more creative option to preserve the "good" content.
Here's the thing, the grey area is a scary place to be under, therefore; we sometimes prefer to just ignore it. If I'm honest, it is so much easier to just ignore the tough issues. We don't like to struggle, but I'm starting to see that even Christ himself had to suffer greatly to command such a large impact. Please continue to pray for the body of Christ in Hollywood. Pray for God to guide the men and women in this industry as they continue to serve in multiple ways.
Trust and Obey Today!
-Alisha
Monday, August 23, 2010
L.A. Trip Reflection 101
As I said goodbye to my friends and family, boarded the plane, and watched Columbus, OH disappear in the sky...it became real. I am going to L.A. Here was the thought thereafter, "WHAT THE HECK AM I DOING???" I mean, I've been bargaining with God since I was 14 and realized that this day would come, but seriously, now? Then I thought, "Am I ready? What if this isn't 'God's will'? What if I don't succeed? What if I actually fail? What if...What if...What if?"
You see, I had to make this trip by myself. I had to let go, let God, and trust him completely. I love my family, and if you know me, I love love love my little niece, Evelyn Renee Kenney. She has brought so much joy and perspective in my life, which actually lead to some form of healing. She was a miracle, all babies are, and for some reason her life touched me from the first time I held her in my arms. People will tease and say, "Alisha, you do realize that she is NOT your child." And I say, "Yea, but it never hurt anyone to be loved so much!"
A year ago, I remember driving back to IWU from Cleveland after Evelyn was born. Tears flooding my face, and saying goodbye once again to my family and this precious new life. Why am I saying this? Simply because that drive home is what drove me to bigger goodbyes in coming to my current city, L.A., California. While I was driving I examined the current culture. What would Evelyn have to see, face, and struggle with when she was my age? Cause let's all be honest, it just seems to be getting worse. People say we are 10ish years behind Europe, and "God" is almost non-existent in many of their lives. This reality scared me. In 10 years? No God in today's mainstream culture? Everything and anything goes is soon going to be the "norm" and the "standard?" What would Hollywood look like....
Like I said, since I was 14 I felt "called" or rather a strong passion and conviction towards Hollywood. The people, the culture, the city, but being in 8th grade at a NYC mission trip...I had no idea what that call really meant. I felt the same conviction when Evelyn was born, and throughout the past 6 years I randomly will feel so passionate towards Hollywood. Psh...I could care LESS about being famous, wearing the right clothes, getting the cutie dog, or even saying my "Thanks to God" speech at the Oscars. Weird, I know. I think it's because I realized there's something bigger than that, and I could be involved in an eternal impact. Simply put, I love people. For some reason God has placed a deep conviction to be here, in L.A., at the heart of "miracle mile" where all the world is influenced by it's vibes.
It's a journey, and one that I am really excited about sharing with you along the way. I do ask that you do pray! Pray for Hollywood, the celebrities, the behind the scenes workers, and this culture. In class today they asked if anyone felt like they had a "boring" testimony. The one where you've had an amazing family, friends, and life so far. Sure, you've had some bumps, but nothing like other people who share! I raised my hand. "Good," they said, welcome to the minority. People here will be fascinated by your "perfect" story. I'm not saying that any testimony is better than any other, but the fact that even me, who has had amazing roots, can still relate is pretty exciting! This is a mission field. Yes, the starbucks, the studios, the offices, the streets, and even (as I found) the airport. This truly is the city of "lost souls" and already I see so many people lost and lonely.
I am really excited to learn, grow, develop, and trust as God guides me through these next 16 weeks. Who knows where I'll be. I'm not sure who said it, but someone did in a film we watched today and I love this concept! "I soon realized that my dream isn't to be a 'star,' but to be a 'light' for Jesus Christ."
Pray, love, and dream today!
God Bless,
Alisha Stevens
You see, I had to make this trip by myself. I had to let go, let God, and trust him completely. I love my family, and if you know me, I love love love my little niece, Evelyn Renee Kenney. She has brought so much joy and perspective in my life, which actually lead to some form of healing. She was a miracle, all babies are, and for some reason her life touched me from the first time I held her in my arms. People will tease and say, "Alisha, you do realize that she is NOT your child." And I say, "Yea, but it never hurt anyone to be loved so much!"
A year ago, I remember driving back to IWU from Cleveland after Evelyn was born. Tears flooding my face, and saying goodbye once again to my family and this precious new life. Why am I saying this? Simply because that drive home is what drove me to bigger goodbyes in coming to my current city, L.A., California. While I was driving I examined the current culture. What would Evelyn have to see, face, and struggle with when she was my age? Cause let's all be honest, it just seems to be getting worse. People say we are 10ish years behind Europe, and "God" is almost non-existent in many of their lives. This reality scared me. In 10 years? No God in today's mainstream culture? Everything and anything goes is soon going to be the "norm" and the "standard?" What would Hollywood look like....
Like I said, since I was 14 I felt "called" or rather a strong passion and conviction towards Hollywood. The people, the culture, the city, but being in 8th grade at a NYC mission trip...I had no idea what that call really meant. I felt the same conviction when Evelyn was born, and throughout the past 6 years I randomly will feel so passionate towards Hollywood. Psh...I could care LESS about being famous, wearing the right clothes, getting the cutie dog, or even saying my "Thanks to God" speech at the Oscars. Weird, I know. I think it's because I realized there's something bigger than that, and I could be involved in an eternal impact. Simply put, I love people. For some reason God has placed a deep conviction to be here, in L.A., at the heart of "miracle mile" where all the world is influenced by it's vibes.
It's a journey, and one that I am really excited about sharing with you along the way. I do ask that you do pray! Pray for Hollywood, the celebrities, the behind the scenes workers, and this culture. In class today they asked if anyone felt like they had a "boring" testimony. The one where you've had an amazing family, friends, and life so far. Sure, you've had some bumps, but nothing like other people who share! I raised my hand. "Good," they said, welcome to the minority. People here will be fascinated by your "perfect" story. I'm not saying that any testimony is better than any other, but the fact that even me, who has had amazing roots, can still relate is pretty exciting! This is a mission field. Yes, the starbucks, the studios, the offices, the streets, and even (as I found) the airport. This truly is the city of "lost souls" and already I see so many people lost and lonely.
I am really excited to learn, grow, develop, and trust as God guides me through these next 16 weeks. Who knows where I'll be. I'm not sure who said it, but someone did in a film we watched today and I love this concept! "I soon realized that my dream isn't to be a 'star,' but to be a 'light' for Jesus Christ."
Pray, love, and dream today!
God Bless,
Alisha Stevens
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