My Daughter – the Actress
In all the hustle and bustle of our oldest daughter getting married, I just didn’t take the time to blog about the our other daughter — the actress. It’s been over three months since the play, but let’s forgive me and pretend like it just happened. Okay?
My youngest, 14 at the time, was selected for a lead role in the play – a pretty big feat since it was her first time to perform in the school play.
I glanced through her lines and realized that she had a lot to memorize. I offered to help her, but she wasn’t interested. She told me she had it covered. I doubted her.
The night of the play arrived and I took my seat in the auditorium, along with my Mom, my other daughter and her soon-to-be husband, and my aunt. The lights dimmed and, as all good mothers do, I held my breath and just hoped that she’d do well — and if not well, I prayed she wouldn’t bomb. The first and second acts were cute and humorous and then began the third act – out walked this incredibly flamboyant, dramatic and talented actress. She talked, she walked, and she owned that stage. She used her voice, her gestures and her words to become the character.
To say that I was stunned would be an understatement. I was blown away. For a moment, I doubted that this was even my daughter. Now, don’t get me wrong Paige is bright, smart, and funny, but I didn’t think that drama would be her fit. I was wrong, very wrong. She was Mrs. Darbus (and for all you High School Musical fans out there, yes, Paige played Mrs. Darbus to the hilt). She was the hit of the show.
As I watched my little girl up on that stage with such confidence and command, I thanked God for blessing her Dad and I with the responsibility of raising her. I don’t know what the Lord has for her, but I know that He’s equipping her for that work.
As I consider how Paige handled herself on stage, how she immersed herself in that character – she became the person she was portraying. I pray that she’ll immerse herself in the Lord – and she’ll become a living picture of the Jesus.
I pray that she’ll realize that being a Christian isn’t about how acting a certain way, dressing a certain way or where you go to church, but it’s about being a follower of Jesus Christ. Being a Christian isn’t a list of don’ts, it’s a life of freedom. Christian life is about the joy that comes from knowing that God is on the throne and He rules over this crazy world. Being a Christian is about your heart – about giving your heart to the Lord and asking Him to fill you with His spirit.
I pray that my little girl continues to find confidence in her walk with the Lord. I pray that she opens her heart and allows the Lord to pour out His spirit into her life. I pray that she listens for His voice and follows His commands, wherever they may lead her.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In
all your ways acknowledge Him and He will guide your path.
Proverbs 3:5-6