Dusting Off An Old Dream

Last week I found myself on the set of a television movie, filming in Toronto. I was perched in one of those high-backed director's chairs with a role as a Producer. How did I get there? Why haven't I blogged in so long? Here's my story, and I'll try to keep it at least somewhat brief! And to anyone reading, thank you for your patience with my silence... I have been sensing for months that God was asking me to make room in my life for something - though I did not know what. While fulfilling all my already established commitments to the Willow Creek Association (where I have a part-time contract) and to my church, I sought the Lord to discern what the next season of my life might look like. I thought maybe this was all about simplifying things, time for more solitude and family and friends. All good...but was there something else? Then last April I came into contact with a group from Cincinnati called Front Porch Entertainment. Some of the key leaders are elders at Crossroads Community Church, and I knew them through the Willow Creek Association. This team feels called to create television movies with positive family values, programming that entire families can feel good watching together, particularly focused on moms and kids ages 10-14. Their first two-hour movie, "Secrets of the Mountain," aired in April on NBC and did quite well. Next year, it looks like it will spin into a regular series. Front Porch is aligned with Proctor and Gamble and Wal-Mart, as major funders who want to connect their products with uplifting programming. The more I interacted with these guys, the more I sensed a stirring in my spirit. I must explain that my education was in television, and my original dream was to become a producer of high quality programming, influenced by my Christian world view. In my mid-twenties, God re-directed my path to serve in the local church leading artists. The call was clear and unmistakable. I fought with God, wanting to pursue the media dream instead, but God asked me to trust Him. I have never regretted following the path into local church leadership. What an adventure and privilege! So now...almost 30 years later...God, in his OUTRAGEOUS GRACE has opened up an opportunity for me to revisit that long dormant vision. Front Porch has invited me into a leadership role with their many projects, on a contract basis. I am thrust into a new arena, learning every day, building new relationships, testing my artistic instincts, trying to be a bright light for God. The way I see it, God dusted off my old dream and said, "Here, in this season of your life you can taste what you originally longed for. Have fun!" I don't know how else to explain it. I feel like a little kid again, like it's the first day of school! I will continue, with passion and conviction, to contend that the local church is the hope of the world. And I will serve my own church and any other church whenever asked and however I can. But now I see that I can play a part in the shaping of media, leveraging the learnings of creating moments on Sunday morning and leading all kinds of artists. This too can make a difference of another kind... I have not been posting much, waiting for this decision to become official. Now I feel the freedom to let others know of my adventure, and to occasionally continue to reflect on what God is teaching me and what I am experiencing. I don't think my life matters any more than others, and I still find it odd that anyone might want to know how I'm doing or what I'm up to. But for those of you who have read my words in the last few years, thank you for this odd relationship we carry on, for your support and concern and your occasional comments. It means a great deal to me. Sunday I will head back to Toronto for another full week of filming. We are working with Brooke White as the lead actress (she was a contender in American Idol awhile back), along with a wonderful cast. As I sit in my fancy producer chair and try to make a contribution, I will be always aware of how grateful I am for a God who truly cares about the desires of our hearts. His goodness is breathtaking.

Comments

[Cmazanowicz]

Nancy....change. It must be in the water or air. I too am moving towards my post college dream. I've moved from Chicago to Dallas/Ft. Worth this week and am embarking on a job within the Christian music industry, specifically working with worship leaders and worship song writers. I didn't see any of this coming my way...so I am still a little shell shocked. All I can say is...only God.
All the best to you, Nancy, as you live out your dream, as well!

[Kathie]

What an amazing opportunity!!! Isn't God good? May God continue to bless you and open doors during this season.

[Chris]

So glad you're in this season. And to be working in Toronot (which is only a stone-throw from us here in Guelph) - such a blessing. I read the excitment and Hope in your entry and I shre these things with you. I am embarking on a Songwriting Minsitry at Lakeside (my church) and I know of which you speak - the saying No before and now the the saying Yes - God is Good - His plan is perfect and we need to be listening closely to His wishpers. Blessings on this new adventure.

[John Raymond]

Congratulations Nancy! May you feel God's pleasure in what you are doing.

[Rachel Durban]

I'm SO happy for you Nancy! God is so good. It's awesome to see how you were faithful in doing what He called you to do back then, and how He is rewarding you now. I'll definitely be praying for you!

[Nancy Beach]

Dear Friends,
I am so grateful for all your kind comments. This has already been quite an adventure as we are filming in Toronto. I am learning a lot every day and forging some new relationships. Your support is deeply appreciated...
Nancy