I'm not a fan of the four letter word, can't. My children know that I don't let that word float around because of its  carcinogen effects. However, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to listen to the voice of God. He is real, and He is speaking to us. The world is LOUD and full of distractions, and if you don't get still and make time to hear, you won't; I know this the hard way. But to encourage you, I wanted to share several ways in which I have heard the Lord communicate to me clearly during a process of humbling, meditating on His word  and seeking His face over the past five years.  

When I last wrote on this topic, Called Back To Center Stage, I knew over the summer that God was calling me to this screenplay project, but didn't know how all this would play out. It was a challenge to find time to work on this project, while juggling other looming projects. We had water seeping up from under our driveway, our oldest was looking for a car, we were still going back and forth with our insurance company to honor their obligations of covering my medical costs from the beginning of the year, and had major issues with our large deck out back. Truthfully, I felt a bit overwhelmed. After leaving a Wisdom for Wives class, my friend, Karen, asked if I was going to be working with Special Events again in the fall. I replied with an almost certain, "yes" because not only did I love the women I worked and formed relationships with, but our family needed all the income we could earn. It seemed like a spiritual no brainer. When I got in the car, I became convicted.

Don't ignore conviction; it's there to help you, unlike condemnation.

Not in an audible voice, but His voice, nonetheless, I hear Him say, "Weren't you going to ask Me about this?" I became aware that I hadn't prayed about that decision like I should have. Not only that, my boss always asked us to pray about being on the team, and I was a team leader, so I should have been praying about it fervently. I apologized and repented, and asked Him to show me clearly what to do. Trainings were coming up and I needed to let my boss know asap because I was one of the trainers. A week later, on a Tuesday morning, after praying specifically about it again, I heard a message from Ron Hutchcraft on Victory 91.5 and knew the Lord was speaking directly to my heart and answering my prayers. With tears, I felt He was calling me to leave my job of fourteen years, before having it all figured out, and I needed to trust Him and be obedient to His voice. What I feared most was missing the call of God. 

What I feared most was missing the call of God. 

As I was working on Eyes In Nuremberg, set in 1938 before the onset of WWII, I was concerned, and rightly so, on how to write this story in an authentic way that communicates what life was life for people of that time period and generation. I asked the Lord to help me write with an authenticity and understanding of the culture and times. Then I waited for His response.

During the mid summer,  I had noticed a new face, smiling and waving as I drove through our neighborhood. She was out walking for exercise and would politely wave to me as I drove by. I immediately took a liking to her.  When the plumbing truck was parking out front of our house. I saw her walking by and was concerned the driver might not see her. I walked up and introduced myself. As she told me her name, Christiane, I noticed her accent. Turns out she was born in Berlin in 1937. I about fell over at the shock, and shared the story I was writing. I invited her over for coffee, and we bonded. We started having regular coffee dates, and she began to teach me about life in Germany during that time. Not only did God provide right in front of our house, but He blessed me with a new friend. 

​Her account of being forced by the Nazis to leave their hunting lodge home, when she was a child, is still a very vivid memory. She said it was the coldest day of the year when they were forcibly placed on an open top truck to be driven off and then dropped off in the middle of nowhere during winter. Christiane was separated from her mother at one point. Thankfully, they were reunited and  taken in by a Priest, who knew of her father, a famous photographer. 

Here I am with Christiane at the Christkindl Market at Atlantic Station.

Later, I heard Him speak to me through a persistent urge to email the brother of my step mother, who is a serious stamp collector,  I had wanted to reach out to him for years, to ask him some stamp related questions, but never got around to it. Then I felt this strong push to finally sit down and go through my stamp collection and reach out to him. 

​A week later, I received  a  beautiful letter from him, with stamps from Germany around the time of WW11. Please keep in mind, I never mentioned the project I was working on, never asked for stamps, never even asked about that time period or region. BUT GOD! I'm so glad I listened to that push, because that is often how He speaks to us through His Holy Spirit. It's hard to fully explain, but I'm overwhelmed with His willingness to answer specific prayers. In this case, I thought looking through my stamp collection and writing an email would distract me from the task I knew God had given me, so I was surprised to feel such a strong, continual push to contact him. NOW, I understand why!

When I opened one of the packs of stamps, I was struck with a sickening feeling. Grieved for all the people affected by this infamous man's ideologies and the lives tormented and lost.  Somehow, just holding actual stamps from the Nazi era, gave me a great sense of the fear and foreboding that these images represent, and a tiny glimpse of what life might have been like for the average German citizen, Jewish and some Gentile alike. My writing took on a new level of importance and duty.

Back in the spring, I felt led to join the Atlanta Writers Club. What has amazed me is how many of the speakers have spoken directly to where I am in this process. Laura Harrington taught a Screenplay workshop at the spring conference,  Tamlin Hall led a four part series on screenwriting and then there was a lecture by Dr. Steven Nicklas, author of  Memories of a Lost Generation: German War Letters, 1939 - 1945. His topic was on the use of random sampling techniques to address historic stereotypes. I am currently in David Fulmer's Fiction workshop and am going to a screening of Regina Mason's film, Gina's Journey: The Search for William Grimes, in celebration of Black History Month. Again and again, I see how God is directing my steps as I listen to His voice.

During this process, I have realized that God meets me when I listen and step out in faith and obedience FIRST. I find that His method of operation is to tell me, "You go first, and I will meet you there."  Several times, I found myself avoiding my writing space, for fear of staring at a blank screen. I cleaned and straightened the house, telling myself these things needed to be done. I told myself that at least I wouldn't waste time looking at the laundry. I could at least finish that job. Then I felt this call to be still and listen, to sit down and type. I stopped procrastinating and took a seat at my desk. And it happened! He met me there every time, and the story started to come into view day by day. Now it is in the editing process, but what a journey! 

His method of operation is to tell me, "You go first, and I will meet you there." 

Hope this encourages you to get still and listen to Him. You won't regret it if you do.

The screenplay is about a young woman in the South traveling to Nuremberg to see family on her mother's side and touches on the parallels she sees between racism in America and Nazi controlled Germany. She notices how propaganda, peer pressure and steady methodical political progression sway the average German citizen to look the other way and to justify the mistreatment and genocide the Jewish people. Many Germans were not on board with the Nazi agenda, but over time, many became worn down by the persistence and continual threats of an evil regime.  I can't help but see the parallels in how our society today is looking the other way and making justifications for killing the most innocent among us. Have we learned nothing from the Civil Rights Movement and the Holocaust?

Activist, Catherine Davis, founder and president of The Restoration Project, spoke right before the march, about how the black community has been targeted by Planned Parenthood, and she seeks to see them held accountable for the genocide of her people . . .  our brothers and sisters. According to it's definition by Merriam-Webster, genocide is the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political or cultural group. Davis often partners with the National Black Prolife Coalition, the Network of Politically Active Christians, and the Frederick Douglas Foundation in an ongoing effort to educate Americans about the issues that are impacting the Black community. In my eyes, she ranks right up there with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in her outspokenness on injustice and encouraging Christians to act. Her goal is for the removal of the Office of Population Affairs and Planned Parenthood. Click here to see her speak at The Lincoln Memorial with friend, Dr. Alveda King.

Here are two important links, Catherine Davis provides, in which you can easily take action.

You can find the petition to abolish the Office of Population Affairs here: 
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/abolish-office-population-affairs 

And the petition to prosecute Planned Parenthood for genocide here:
https://www.enough-thebattleisreal.com/sign-petition.html

After New York's Governor Cuomo passed The Reproductive Health Act that same day, my heart grieved along with many others.  The name of the act sounds innocent enough, but what was passed truly leaves many shaking their heads. If you think you are pro-choice and made it this far, I thank you for your willingness to read this post. I have found that most people who are in favor of abortion, have not seen videos or illustrations of what actually happens. This video will explain the different procedures used and risks to the mother. 

After the silent march, my friend asked me what I thought the blood moon represents and I responded with, "I'm not exactly sure. Blood moons happen, but when they happen on Jewish holy days or other festivals, I believe God is sending a message and we need to pay attention." Right before posting this, the Lord brought this verse in Deuteronomy to mind. The God of Israel says this, "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."  Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV (New International Version)

If you've had one or multiple abortions, please know you are loved.  Need encouragement, listen to Jean's story here.

To all my Christian friends, please don't look the other way. 

Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)

Christina

Stay humble & BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105

To check out my testimony click here
To like my facebook page click here 
Find me on twitter @humble_bold ​
​On Pinterest at humble&BOLD by Christina

We all have things we want to see change in our lives. I've tried many years doing things my way, but can testify that surrendering to Him and His Word has been the best . . . by far . . . decision I have ever made.  So while new year resolutions are on your radar, may I humbly suggest you resolve to dive in and go deep into the things of God. You won't regret it! 

1 Timothy 4:15-16 International Standard Version (ISV) 
​15 Think on these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress. 

16 Pay close attention to your life and your teaching. Persevere in these things, because if you do so, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

​With love,

In the Psalms, King David wrote The LORD Is My Light and My Salvation.

Isaiah wrote about The Future Glory of Israel.

In the second chapter of Luke, the prophet, Simeon, carried Yeshua in his arms. He spoke these words over the baby  Jesus, as he held him in the temple.

And in the Messiah's own Words, he said this about Himself.

May we all see and spread the true LIGHT to a dark and hurting world.

​Christina

Stay humble & BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105

Growing up, my grandmother would have all the family over at least one Sunday out of every month. Such great memories I have of dear family members gathered around the big dining room table - saying grace, laughing and discussing  the latest news, with politics and religion surfacing throughout the conversation. Not everyone agreed, but everyone was courteous, I distinctly remember that. And since I was the oldest grandchild, by nine years, I totally bypassed the kiddy table on that side of the family. 
 
Today, I am thankful for a mother and father-in-law that carry on the same tradition of getting people together for warm meals and are open to having discussions around the table.  On the night we gathered for dinner, just two days before the mid-term elections and with news of more shootings, it was extremely refreshing to hear my father-in-law share this letter he received from a high school classmate, that he had reconnected with after sixty-two years. As he read the letter out loud, his friend's words touched our hearts.  I asked him for permission to post this letter and share because . . . well, it's refreshing.

It's refreshing to hear the words of an eighty year old man looking for ways to bless others year round, and delighting in the joy it brings to strangers. Reminds me of how Ebenezer Scrooge saw people after his wake up call, and it reminds me of this scripture that a friend sent me just this past week. 

2 Corinthians 9:11-12 New International Version (NIV)

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

Here is the letter.

​Long story edited, after two years of living in a mind puzzle, he finally let me in on some of his hidden secrets. You know you have gone into shock when you hear a literal ringing inside your head and become nauseous. Much of what he had told me over the years was not true, and after weeks of walking around in a daze, I tried to make the best out of a painful situation. He kept calling, and I kept hanging on, for what, I don't know. I felt raw on the inside, insecure, and at times, very angry - I'm talking red head angry. Thought I was a good judge of people and situations, but this relationship left me in a field of doubt. Could men be trusted? What was wrong with me? Was God really real?  And if he was, did He leave me or did I wander away? Deep down, I knew the answer to those last two questions.

One night at the Back Alley, a blonde man, in his late twenties, stopped me as I was walking up the stairs with the guy I was, unsuccessfully, trying to make a break from emotionally. I will never forget that strange moment. As this man descended down the stairs, he reached out to touch my shoulder, and looked directly at me and in a kind and pleading way and said, "What are you doing here? You don't belong here." I don't remember if I responded out loud, but I do remember screaming on the inside, I know, thank you! To this day, I don't know who that person was, but I felt God speaking directly to me through him, and it got my attention. 

​I enjoyed taking on a character's problems and issues; acting became a way of survival and escape from my own troubles. But I started to be concerned that I was falling into a danger zone with other male actors, because when you feel unattractive and unlovable you start looking for validation in places and in people that you shouldn't. Thankfully, I listened to that uneasy feeling and stepped back from those type of acting roles, before causing more emotional drama to someone else. I wasn't in a good place, nor was I using my gifts in the right way; things would only get worse if I didn't make some serious changes, so I started calling out to God. I was sorry for going my own way and asked for His forgiveness and direction. After putting my focus back on God, I was finally becoming free of the relationship that had such a hold on me.

Shortly afterwards, I took a job as a nanny of four children who had lost their mother in a tragic car accident. I knew the Lord had directed me to that job, taking me from my self focused mindset, to looking after the welfare of these children, who had been through a very traumatic event. I could relate to losing a mother, but I was older and had time to prepare, whereas these guys were much younger and had no warning. They needed someone to be there, listen, and take care of their needs. Their family also welcomed my little brother, who was still dealing with losing our mom; he would come from Birmingham to stay with me for long visits. I didn't have time anymore to dwell on my problems and that was a good thing, like a spiritual boot camp. During that season, I asked the Lord to help me find a husband who loved Him. I wanted a healthy marriage where we were both passionate for God and each other. I also wanted to be a mother, as I enjoyed the children in my charge. I started visiting local churches,  even bringing the children with me when they wanted to come. I was  still interest in acting, but starting looking into voiceover work, script writing and other ways of working in film and the art of storytelling.

On weekends, I kept running into a former acting classmate who asked me to come work for her. She was producing a television show called Southern Raceweek, and needed a production assistant. Our third, unexpected encounter was when I stepped into the lobby of Center Stage Theater in Midtown Atlanta for the very first time; there was a Women in Film event being held, of which we were both active members. When she asked me, again, to come to the edit suite at the Tape Warehouse to check out their production and see if I would like to come on board, I knew it was more than a coincidence. I went home and prayed about it; talked with my boss and he gave me his approval to check it out, while the children were in school..

​The first day I walked into Tape Warehouse was the first day I met Scott, my now husband of almost 20 years. Looking back I know our meeting was definitely a God thing.  Before we were married, God showed me my life verse, Romans 8:28, framed and hanging in a Kinkos.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  -  Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Unintentionally, I brought old wounds and fears into the relationship. I was cautiously moving forward anticipating that the rug could be pulled out from under me at any moment; I was guarded . . .  like Fort Knox. Thankfully, it turns out that Scott is one of the most humble men I have ever met.  He genuinely loves God and puts others above himself. We have seen God do such a work in us over the years: disciplining, teaching, guiding, instructing, and the list goes on and on. Scott, who used to be in a heavy metal band and once auditioned for Cirque de Sol as a didgeridoo musician, has followed God's calling to be an evangelist, and is sincerely passionate in sharing God's love with people through his shofar outreach ministry. Scott has been a faithful husband and father, and when I think of how God heard my heart's cry way back then and was preparing my steps, I just get overwhelmed with His goodness. In the early years of our marriage, I laid down my desires for acting before the Lord and asked Him to only bring me back to it, if it was His will and for His glory.

Two years ago, I was on day five of Draw The Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge by Mark Batterson. We were in Washington, D.C. at the time. Scott was invited up, by Jason Hershey, to sound the shofar at David's Tent; celebrations were being held for the one year anniversary of them being on the National Mall. While there, we made our third visit to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, where we came across a plaque; the idea for a script came to me right there. I could see the characters playing out in my mind and started jotting down notes immediately. The very next day, on September 11, 2016, at a National Community Church service in the Miracle Theatre on Barrack's Row, we listened to lead pastor and best selling author, Mark Batterson say that he had it on his heart to do a film, but he didn't have a story or a screenplay yet. The hairs on the back of my neck raised and I knew that God was clearly speaking to my spirit. Mark Batterson continued with saying that the first movie that impacted him was The Hiding Place, which gives the account of Corrie Ten Boom and her family's harrowing experience with the Nazis during WWII. God was calling me to write a screenplay. Later, when we got back home, I asked the Lord to reassure me that I wasn't just doing this on my own, and he confirmed it through a text from my cousin that day, who, unbeknownst to him, mentioned the city where the story is set. That happened on day 18 of the prayer challenge.

I have prayed over the timing of this project and God has been leading us every step of the way. In the last two years, there have been times where I felt overwhelmed. We welcomed two, wonderful teenagers into our home to help them stay in school and find a stable environment for them to finish their education. There was another job transition for my husband, and God called me out of my job, where I had worked the past fourteen years; but God was right there with us. When I look back and take inventory, I see clearly how He has worked everything out for His glory.

In coming back to Center Stage, after 21 years, our youngest son put his feelings into words, "Today was the best day ever!" And I felt that emotion too. That morning, July 29, 2018, I got up early to have my morning time. I had just finished a Wisdom for Wives Bible study and went to my husband and asked for his forgiveness on a certain area in our marriage where I had been at fault. He graciously forgave me and thanked me for sharing what the Lord had revealed to my heart concerning him. Our oldest son had mentioned wanting to go downtown via Marta to explore the city and then go to a Free Chapel Midtown service, so Scott planned our day. He took us to the Breman Museum, which has an in depth account of the Holocaust, and there, I felt the call, stronger and louder, to focus on finishing this work.

​Then we came upon a movie scene being filmed. The boys loved it and for me, I felt God's confirmation once again.

And it wasn't just this scene, alone, that day. When we went to dinner, it happened to be the first restaurant that I remember going  to with my parents when I was a child, visiting Atlanta. God planted a seed in me, way back then, to come to this city.  At the Free Chapel Midtown service, that evening, Pastor Franklin preached on when you know God has called you to something big; how to walk into that calling, while staying humble through and after the process. I received prayer and the laying of hands that evening, and am so thankful that God called me back to Center Stage. Only God!

​Thanks for stopping by and reading all the way to the end. I know, it was a long post. 

Blessings to you!

​Christina

Stay humble & BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105

To check out my testimony click here
To like my facebook page click here 
Find me on twitter @humble_bold ​
​On Pinterest at humble&BOLD by Christina

Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex upon today's announcement that they are expecting their first child! Lots of excitement in the air and over the internet as people celebrate the happy news. This royal baby is unaware of all the privilege, prestige, and prominence that will come his or her way based on birthright. And this reminded me that many people today are still unaware that they are royal too, because of wonderful circumstances that took place before they where born, giving them access to a marvelous kingdom. 

I will use this beautiful fabric with crowned bird to explain.

After the couple's royal wedding on May 19th of this year, several articles about the newly designed crest for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were written, and there was some concern over the crown placed around the bird's neck instead of being on top of it's head, that represented the Duchess. Well, this article explains why the crown was around the neck. It is very interesting. In essence, one who marries royalty is grafted into the kingdom and is to support the crown. 

When I saw imprint of a crowned bird on this fabric, I thought about this article and how those who trust the Lord and abide in Him are His children. As children of the most high God, we are royal because of Who our father is and our identity in Him. I choose this fabric to use for a dear friend's nursery as a reminder of who we are in Christ.
​
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. - 1Peter 2:9-10 ESV

Marvelous to think how the Kingdom of God is made up of many different races and nationalities that have been called to become one!

Jaws dropped as we watched this video footage while transferring some home movies from VHS to DVD this year. Felt like we traveled back to a more innocent time in our history, while taking in all the scenes that my father had captured back in the spring of 1999.

​The first clip is short and a bit eerie as the towers seem to appear from nowhere in the skyline. Just after they come into view, a plane passes behind them and then the towers fade away as my father zooms back. 

The second video below serves as a back in time tour of the Twin Towers from the observation deck. I had visited the second floor of the lobby, inside one of the Twin Towers, back in 1998 to stand in line for Broadway tickets with a friend, but had never visited the observation deck or seen the towers from the outside, since my friend, Laura, and I had taken the subway, and traveled up inside to the lobby from the escalators. This video gave me a whole new perspective of the Twin Towers and what it might have been like for those up top the World Trade Center.

This video gives the viewer a back in time tour of the Twin Towers from the observation deck.

 September 11, 2001 was a horrific day for the victims, their loved ones and the survivors. All who remember where they were and the helpless feeling of watching your fellow countrymen suffer and die was devastating. Hoping this video will become a useful resource for teachers to use in the classroom, as a video field trip back in time, to help the next generation understand what life was like in New York City when the towers were still standing.

Read here to find out about the scripture reference that was found fused to 911 rubble and is now on display at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

With Love,
​Christina

Stay humble & BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105

To check out my testimony click here
To like my facebook page click here 
Connect on Instagram at humbleandbold
Find me on twitter @humble_bold ​
​On Pinterest at humble&BOLD by Christina