WOW! Well, I don't know about you but I'm still feeling the dizziness from our roller coaster tonight. We experienced funerals, first kisses, bathroom visits, white-knuckled parenting moments, text messages, and a starbucks visit we'll never forget. We traveled to India, Italy, a barber shop in Georgia, an elementary school in California, a beauty contest a the county fair, a doctor's office, and the 1920's. We held a nickel in our hands, got a sign from God, went up the down escalator, and discovered that even dogs have their day in ministry. We learned the value of friendship, authenticity, and empathy, even in the toughest of situations. I am in awe of your candor, your stories, and Christ at work in all of you. I am also incredibly humbled and grateful that God has led us to an honest church with honest people who aren't afraid to recognize His presence in the oddest of places and messiest times of life. Thanks, guys. You are awesome. What a ride!
Questions for You:
1.) Who/what surprised you the most?
2.) Unforgettable moments for you?
7 comments:
A STANDING "O" for all you brave brave souls who chased lions on a not so snowy night! That was a lot to take on and I'm proud and humbled to have spent the 3 hours with you listening to your shiny little pieces of history! It's such a symbolic starting place since it's where an actor must begin anyway.
As a director, I want to say that I respect where each of you are. While we are raising this bar of excellence, it can't be expected to be reached tomorrow. Some of you are already replaying your own performance with an all too critical eye, wishing you could change one or two things, or that you hadn't been so afraid. In the months ahead, we'll arm you with techniques & exercises but for now, I saw in each one of you, endless possibilities. Your selections were beautiful and heartfelt, funny and thought provoking. So let everything else just wash away...water under the bridge. Believe me, I have to do that for me as well. You'll hear this a lot over the next year, "Begin again..."
It felt good to stand in front of an audience again. God's been prodding me for some time to get back to my roots and internalize the process again.
I wish I could comment on everyone's performance specifically...but I can't...
I was surprised most by all the authentic tears...some of you even smiling reluctantly through them. I think you'll fully appreciate the first chapter of this book. We tend to forget sometimes, how real emotion can sieze you in unexpected ways. And you guys did a beautiful job of letting the moment take you.
I think the unforgettable moment for me was the ending to Butch's story - surprisingly unexpected and a great example of how quickly life situations can stop you dead in your tracks. That sudden smack of reality with no indication caught me off guard especially when it didn't resolve.
Shelly, John C. & Diana, you made me cry.
Stephanie, Anita, Lisa, Paul, Lori, Kyle & Mark, you made the rest of us forget we were nervous...
David, Heather, John M., Phil, Kristin, Deanna, Becky, Janet,
Sherry you made us think about life, relationships and the humility God expects from us without exception.
Cory...you're left in the hotseat. Can't wait to see what you've learned from Ms. Baker.
Everyone, Great beginnings!
Dalene
I loved the vulnerability of everyone last night. Especially from the people I didn't expect it from, like Becky and Phil. That was nice to see.
I also really enjoyed getting to know just a little bit more about everyone through these monologues. Thanks Kristen for leading the charge on this.
I must say the entire experience was one that is helping me to grow. From what structure I would use, to coming up with subject matter. Along the way, wondering if I was able to do this, being challenged and then being able to achieve what seemed out of reach. I suppose that is one of the things I love most about acting. It makes me feel vulnerable and very alive.
I immensely enjoyed every bit of everyone's performance. I feel honored to be among such a talented, sensitive group of people.
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For me, Butch's stood out the most. Afterward it caused me to go through a very interesting journey of my association with racism and how it has impacted my life. I also felt that once you expose that type of subject matter, it is best to have some resolution. What it put me through actually disabled me for a day or two emotionally. But as Christians and artists, I believe God has a bigger plan for all of us than simply being offended when such things arise. I think the fact that we may feel there are some things that we cannot talk about should not be present in our lives. And if we can't, well, I think we have a bigger problem. I suppose the question is, are we courageous enough to really face those things that make us feel uncomfortable?
But I look forward to the further growth that is in store for all of us. I learned so much from watching all of you, and you have inspired me greatly.
Thank you, Kristen, for making this happen!
Absolutely thrillling. Three hours of amazing stories shared among friends. What a blessing you all were to me. I am convinced that God will be using you all in a big way.
Awesome! It felt so good to be back in a "drama meeting" knowing we're going to go places we've not been to before. Thanks everyone for sharing their stories in such a creative way.
1. Nothing really surprised me. I've known for a long time that our drama group is creative, talented, etc. we all have had some life experience (some of us more than others!) and this was a pretty cool way to get to know where some of us have been - the funny moments and the sad moments. They all work to shape us into what we are.
2. Hearing Jon's recounting of his friend's passing probably is the moment that struck me the most. It not only was well done by Jon, but it also touched on a subject that reminds us that there is much more to our life and our ministry than going to church, going to work, doing dramas and just generally getting through the day. There are those life changing experiences that keep us grounded so we remember that who we are is a lot deeper than what readily meets the eye.
For me, there was an "AH HA" moment in each monologue...something I could chew on or chuckle over later. (I must admit I haven't been able to go to Starbucks without a smirk!!)
I loved growing closer as a group by sharing ourselves...I enjoyed every story and all the support form each other as we galloped through this process.
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