Finish Lines
Yesterday afternoon was a finish line. Ten sessions of Miss Perfect: Discovering God's Purpose without the Pressure and three promo videos are now complete and in Digital Land.To be honest, it was much harder than I thought. There was plenty of pressure, I promise! There have been so many times in the last two years when I wanted to give up or move on. Even Monday night with the first day of taping complete, I was having major doubt. All that Overcoming that Voice stuff Chris teaches... yep, I needed to hear it again.After ten outfits, and hair and makeup for three days, I decided to record my last promo in my pajamas. After all, how ironic is it that I tried so hard to look like Miss Perfect while teaching women they should stop striving to be Miss Perfect? Seriously. Ick. I am definitely a work in progress.With our final take, I took my PJ-dressed self and headed home to see my family for the first time in three days. As I drove away, I kept thinking of the lyrics, "Not for a moment will You forsake me." God had been so faithful. I imagine I felt like someone who had just completed their first marathon: exhausted but satisfied. Whatever happens, I gave it my best.As I reflect, there are three reasons I made it to the finish line. I share these with you hoping that, if God has put a seemingly impossible assignment in front of you, you would take courage and seek God's provision in these ways.
1. I was coveredDon't take prayer lightly or tritely. At least six women were committed to praying for me throughout this journey. I arrived at a friend's house the night before we began, to find written prayers to encourage me. In my moments of weariness over the next three days, I had their prayers in hand to remind me that I was not alone. Several came and sat in the audience to pray. Don't take on an assignment in isolation. Ask others to stand in the gap and pray for you.
2. I was surroundedThe last three days have been the most amazing picture of the body of Christ at work. I was surrounded by people who each had a unique skill set that when brought together as a group was beyond my greatest expectation. There are so many things I can't do. I can't create a set or run a camera or even do my own make-up. Literally, I borrowed clothes, had someone do my hair, and watched as God whispered, "Just do your part." May I encourage you? Just do your part and ask God to surround you.
3. I was coachedI didn't expect this one. During our first day of filming, Chris stopped by the set and watched one session. After the session, I asked if he had any feedback. He did. He knows me better than anyone. He knows what I’m capable of and he knows my greatest strengths and weaknesses as a communicator. He cared enough to speak into my potential and help pull it out of me. Whatever your talent, find a coach. Find someone who you will let in far enough that you trust his or her heart when they encourage you to dig deeper.
I have no idea what God will do with this project, but I know I have no regrets. I want to encourage you not to give up on whatever assignment the Lord has for you!Huge shout-outs to Joe Urcavich, Joel Tyler, David Tigrett, Matt, Taylor, Josh Maze, Amy Hale, Cherisse Hixson, Holly Burris, Robyn Smith, Mitzi May, Jill Hollingsworth, Kathy Howard, Alesia Kempe, Bobbie Currie, Kristi Guess, Margaret Brasel, Cheryl Walker of Sorelle Boutique, Michelle Bolton, Jenna Lindsey, Kathy Albertine, Rebekah McConnell, Sue Strydom, Melissa Wadsworth, the amazing audience, Molly Farrell of Maggie Louise Bridal, Denise Suthoff and the Heartwood Hall staff! twitter | facebook