Is It Possible to Dream Too Big?: Exciting Non-Writing-Related News!

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When we were kids, we had the tendency to dream big. Ask anyone under the age of 10 what they want to be when they grow up, and you'll probably receive some outlandish responses.  Of course, once we really do "grow up", our desires may change. Or we might start to realize just how crazy it was to assume, as a kid, that we could become an astronaut.

But why does dreaming big have to be considered "crazy"? Why is it that those who actually do strive to follow their dreams are considered illogical? 

One of the reasons, I believe, that we tend to take on this mindset is because ... well, who else do you know that is actually an actress? or a singer? or a professional ballerina? 

I am very thankful that I was raised in a home where my parents supported the dreams of me and my sisters. My mom would always tell us, "Someone has to do it. Why can't you?" If it wasn't for their belief in my writing, there is no way I would be where I am today. Because it is only those who believe they can pursue their dreams that actually end up achieving them. 

Personally, I believe that the desires on our hearts are there for a reason. Especially if, after years and years of praying over these desires, they still will not go away.  

For example: I grew up dreaming about becoming an author. I loved being able to interpret a story from marks printed on a page. I loved the way books felt to hold--the feel of their cover jackets. The smell of their pages. I loved the idea that one could create an entire world with using only a pencil and a paper.  I started working towards this dream at a young age. And I am glad that I did. Because if I hadn't, I would've probably became more "realistic". I would've focused on the probability of success rather than continue to persist. 

So I kept the vision of being an author in my mind as I worked towards making the dream a reality. 

And that reality came true when, at 19, I was able to hold Purple Moon in my hands for the very first time.   

However ... there is another dream that's been on my heart. And that passion, that dream of mine, is to work on Christian films--both as an actress, as well as a crew member.

Since I was seven, I've worked in theater productions and acting classes. I participated in a Christian theater group for years. In middle school, my mom would drive my sister and I to Atlanta on the weekends for auditions. In high school, I landed a small role in a short film and worked as an extra on set of The Blind Side and Get Low. 

Sorry for the awful quality ... haha! But this was when I was on set of Get Low, starring Bill Murray. I'm the one huddled underneath a jacket. It was freezing!

  I love it. I love losing myself yet finding myself in another character. I love discovering a story I can immerse myself in, just like I do when I read a book.  Because acting, to me, is similar to writing: It gives me the opportunity to help bring story come to life. One that has the potential to affect multiple lives of those whom I may never meet. 

Five years ago, however, I decided to put acting on the back burner and focus on writing. I knew that God could open the doors for that dream to come true when it was His time. 

Meanwhile, the passion never faded. I still dreamt of landing a role in a Christian film and spending hours upon hours on set with only caffeine as my fuel. I was still in love with the idea of working with other individuals who shared the same vision for a story, all of us using our own areas of expertise to put together a project that would bring glory to God. One that would become a vehicle in reaching others. I wanted to be apart of the process of moving people--whether my job was on screen or off screen. 

But the older I became, the more that "reality" began to sink in. I wondered if that was actually going to happen. Because that happens far too often when we "grow up", doesn't it?
God reminded me, however, that the passions He has given us -- beginning from a very young age -- are not there by coincidence.  
So I placed the dream in His hands. I asked Him to remove the desire if it was not in His will to fulfill. 
It never faded. Instead, the desire was stirred last December. So one day I decided to go online and search for Christian casting calls. 
I came across a casting from Faith Flix Films that had been posted just hours before. I quickly submitted my headshot and resume, and a few weeks later I received a response asking if I could submit a video audition. 
I did. A couple weeks later, I was offered a role. A small one, but a role nonetheless. (The producer made it clear to the actors that there is no "small" role in this film. =) )
Next month, I will be traveling to Nashville, TN to be apart of PROVIDENCE--both as an actress, as well as a Production Assistant. The movie will be produced by Faith Flix Films and hit theaters February 2016. 
{Side note: My best friend and fellow YA author, Caroline George, will work with me as a Production Assistant as well! She, too, has a passion for storytelling--both on paper and on screen.}

... But that's not all.
That same month -- in December -- I was cast in another film. As the main role. 
And, you guys ... this role is one that I am so very passionate about. It is a Christian film geared towards teenagers, and its message is one that is close to my heart. I cannot express how honored I am to be apart of this project. 
However, I cannot share all of the details. Not yet, anyway. But I will say that it is scheduled to film later this summer.
{Another side note: Caroline George will be apart of this film as well ... as my co-star! =) }

I am over-joyed. Still in awe that this passion, this dream of working on independent projects that will leave a big impact for God's Kingdom, is coming true. 
So now, back to the original question: Is it possible to dream too big?
Absolutely not. Not when God is first in our hearts {Matt. 6:33}. And not when we are in the center of His will. 
Because our Father -- the One who made galaxies and waterfalls and the ocean and the Grand Canyon and all of heaven and mankind and coffee (sorry, I had to) -- is capable of absolutely anything {Luke 1:37}.
And the desires that He has placed on your heart are not a coincidence (if you have placed them in God's hands and they have yet to fade). So don't ignore them by trying to think logically or realistically. 
All of this earth is a mission field. And by using the gifts God has entrusted you with, you become a missionary. Even if it is "just" a book. Even if it is "just" a film. 
And by doubting our dreams -- the ones that would ultimately bring Him glory -- we are ultimately doubting the power of our God. 

There are so many opportunities available out there. 
Besides, someone has to do it ... why can't it be you?
!  Are there any dreams you've buried over the years? Is there a passion that has stuck with you, an area that you're hoping to pursue? Let me know in the comments!

The Power of Storytelling in the Christian Entertainment Industry

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As a Christian fiction author, I have a burning passion for telling stories that point towards Christ. Books are powerful. Not only do they entertain, but the impression they leave on the reader's heart can stick with them long after reading. This seed authors plant can either bring life or death; I have chosen to write stories that bring life, healing, restoration, and are a representation of God's love. 

And I have witnessed just how powerful this art of storytelling can be, too. I have received numerous emails from readers thanking me for writing Purple Moon because of its spiritual impact. I don't take credit for this, only because I know it was God who ultimately worked in that person's heart. 

But these emails only confirm how powerful Christian fiction can be.  I have recently wrestled with the idea of writing for the secular genre, mainly so I could have a broader audience and have the potential to reach more people. And although this may be a good idea years down the road, I still feel like God has called me to the Christian fiction market.  But why is that, when Jesus calls us to go out in the world and preach the gospel rather than staying in a "Christian bubble"?

Here's why: If I chose to write secular stories with a subtle Christian message, it may offer a clean, uplifting alternative to other stories in that industry, but I would not be able to overtly offer a story that points directly towards Christ. It is possible to write Christian stories that are not preachy but can attract even non-Christians to God. (There have been several people that have become saved by reading Christian fiction, including my novel, Purple Moon. It is not impossible. Just because it has the label of "Christian" does not mean that non-Christians won't pick up the book and enjoy it as well.)

With that being said, I do not understand why so many people--Christians and non-Christians--continue to bash the Christian entertainment industry. 

Over the past several years, the Christian film industry has produced more movies and as a result has gained far more exposure. Of course, with this new exposure comes new criticism. There have been Christians that look down on this industry, saying that Christians should not "stay within a bubble by producing Christian films since only Christians will watch them". 

I don't believe this is true at all. Just like the Christian fiction industry, it is possible for non-Christians to watch Christian films and become impacted by them. No, we aren't supposed to stay in a bubble. But that is not what the Christian film industry does. The Christian film industry offers films that are clean and point people to Christ--both Christians and non-Christians. We need more of these movies. We need films that are not afraid of proclaiming the gospel; films that are not embarrassing to watch with your family; films that pull you towards Christ rather than away from Him. 

One could use the same argument against church since every Sunday Christians gather in a building to hear a message about Jesus. But these weekly gatherings don't just minister to Christians; they minister to the non-Christians as well. And they do this in a way that is overt rather than subtle. If churches can do this--if they can cause those who have never accepted Christ as their Savior to turn their hearts towards God--don't you think the Christian entertainment field can accomplish this as well? God can allow those who have never heard the gospel to watch these movies and read these books, and He has the power to work in their hearts as they do so.
There is a ministry in both facets: the secular entertainment field and the Christian entertainment field. But frankly, I do not see the point in bashing Christian entertainment (films especially) when it has made a lasting impact on people's lives. If God has called some of His children into this area of ministry, then what is the point in condemning these films? 

God is at work in the arts. And if He has called His children into the Christian entertainment field, then you know He must have a good reason for doing so. 

➙ Closing thoughts:

There needs to be more books and films that can offer a beacon of light in the midst of the dark entertainment field. Christian fiction and films are a ministry. And as a ministry, we are called to proclaim the gospel with boldness rather than in fear of offending others. 

Ultimately, Christian stories are clean yet real; entertaining yet thought-provoking. And rather than leading someone further from Christ, they should pull them closer towards Him—or at least plant a seed and allow God to do the watering.

"When you merge the power of music with the ultimate power of the gospel, it not only has the ability to impact people's day, but it can ultimately transform their lives for eternity."

~For King & Country

✎ What are your thoughts? Do you enjoy watching Christian films and reading Christian books? What area of the entertainment field do you think has the potential of reaching the most people: Christian or secular?