How I Got on the Crime Drama Series, Vindication

We’re here. As of 26 days ago, everything’s in storage and we’re figuring out where our jobs are going to be before we jump into a lease or a house.

A couple of things have already happened that make me think I’m not fully done with acting for this season of life.

I decided to use a staffing agency to help me get a job here, and for whatever reason (I think we know the reason), I chose to go to this staffing agency, on this day, at this time, dressed in this outfit.

Here’s how it played out: I walked in and a guy sitting in a chair said hello to me. I thought that was nice being that he looked like he was filling out paperwork to also find a job.

I went up to the desk and talked to the woman about job stuff. Another woman (who turned out to be the owner of the staffing agency) walked out of her office, stood there looking at me, then sweetly asked, “Would you want to be in a commercial?”.

I was slightly thrown off and then asked what the commercial was for.

She said it was for their staffing agency. She said she was just in her office praying that God would send her an actor.

I'm pretty sure I gawked before saying, “Well, that’s pretty perfect because I am an actor.”

That guy sitting in the chair commented with “God answers prayers” or something to that sentiment, and I said, “Yes, He does.”

It turns out he wasn't actually looking for a job. He was the director.

So, I signed a release form and we spent the next 2.5 hours shooting a commercial!

Whaaat?!? Coincidence? No way, Jose. 

Here's the crazy outfit part:

I initially got dressed in a striped button-down that I rarely wear because it moirés on camera. I didn’t care because I was just going to a staffing agency, not an audition or a shoot, but just before leaving the house, I decided I didn’t really like my outfit, so I changed into a solid colored shirt…

And thank goodness I did because that first shirt wouldn't have worked for camera.

Craaaazy, right?!

Now, here's why that staffing agency story is so important:

This director I met a while back has been writing me a part for a series he's doing. I’ve been looking forward to this role for quite some time, but now that we’ve moved, I wasn’t sure if I should still plan on doing it.

I’d been sitting and praying on that decision for a while, and then I got a random text from the director asking me if I’m still pursuing acting or if this move away from Austin signifies a closing of that chapter for me.

In short, my answer was that I didn’t know what God wanted me to do though I’d been praying about it, but based on how I felt, I thought it was time to pause the acting for this period of life.

He completely understood and suggested I consider auditioning anyway to see if it would bring any further clarity. I agreed to audition and still prayed about it because I didn’t want to waste anyone’s time or choose my want over God’s plan. 

The next day – the very next day – God answered my prayer...

I walked into a staffing agency and got asked to be in a commercial.

It’s insanely humbling and elating when God answers a prayer so directly. So clearly.

Of all the people on earth praying things at the same time, with needs that are much deeper than mine, He chose to say, “I heard you. I have a plan for you. Let me show you.”

I auditioned for the series, got the role, and I film in November.

God’s good. So, so good. So trustworthy. So faithful. So perfect. It makes me grateful to have had influences in my life who showed me who He is and led me into a relationship with Him.

Fears don’t much exist for me, worry rarely creeps up (because I give it all to Him the moment I’m on the fence), depression doesn’t knock, and I always, always have someone with whom I can talk and who truly listens to everything I have to say.

I don’t do everything right as a Christ-follower, but even so, I know I’m always cherished by my Creator and I’m never doing this life alone. 

If you’ve ever wondered whether God was real, I’d encourage you to be honest and admit that to Him. Talk to the air and be okay feeling silly about it, but admit that you’re not sure, that you’d like to know Him, that you want to feel Him. He’ll meet you in that humility; maybe not instantly or maybe instantly. He’s worth it, I promise you. Life changes when He’s your go-to.

One more Jesus story (because I never get tired of hearing or sharing what He’s done):

While we were still living in Austin, I booked a paid gig. A couple of days after that, the same thought arose - should I be working a job with benefits, time off, a steady paycheck, etc? Am I doing what’s responsible? Am I in God’s will? Should I be trying to do this acting thing at all? 

Doing what I always do when I’m torn, I spent the evening in my bible, not knowing for what I was searching but just doing what I always feel is the smartest and most comforting thing to do. Again, I was contemplating the workforce. I do that a lot even though I know my calling. Funny how that is.

So, I prayed and read and thought.

The next day, my agent texted me. She said the gig that I just booked, that we hadn’t even shot yet, decided to double the rate and double the usage of the project.

What on earth?!

How nuts. How needed. How cool. Those little nudges from God keep me going. Those are what I need to keep trucking along in what I feel is not the best use of my time.

I can’t argue with God, but being the productive / planner / intentional person that I am, I don’t see acting as the best use of my time.

But I don’t run the show.

Being a piece of the puzzle,
V

If you decide that you want God in your life, here's a simple prayer you can say quietly or out loud:

Dear God, I'm a sinner. I’m sorry for my sin; please forgive me.

I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son and that He died for my sins and You raised Him to life.

I want to invite Him into my heart to take control of my life.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

(No pressure, but if you do say this prayer, I'd love to know so you're not stuck with the thought of, "Okaaaaay, what now?")