The Waiting Game

What's good, Y'all?!?!

I know it's been a long time since I last talked to you. A lot has been going on in my life, a lot of lessons learned. Can you believe that last August marked my one year anniversary in New York. Time goes so fast. I believe that I have officially learned to be on the grind in New York. I've been working doubles, auditioning, and networking in order to get closer to my dreams.


I'm not going to lie to you, this has been the hardest year of my life. We have it rough in this business. We have to experience rejection on a daily in order to get an acceptance in the future. It is emotionally and spiritually draining. Every time a door closes I have to pick myself up and encourage myself. It is far to easy to become discouraged in this land of opportunity. I almost have to give myself a pep talk every now and again to keep me sane. I have to remind myself that God has called me to use my talents and I have to remind myself that my time will come only if I remain faithful to Him.


I realized that life is a waiting game. Yes, waiting builds your charachter. And yes, it makes you want it more; It gives you the drive. Y'all, I have been impatient at times waiting on God. I find myself wondering, "God, when will my time start? When will opportunities open up for me?" I know, I sound like a big ole baby, huh? But that is real. I have to get it into my thick head that God's timing is perfect. He will unfold His plan for me when I am ready. He will unleash a plethora of blessings my way when I am faithful with the little things.


The hardest part of this journey is loneliness. I do have some friends, but I don't see them on the regular like I would see my friends on campus when I was at Belmont. In the midst of this loneliness, I believe that God is trying to get me alone so I can be content with Him, so that He can be sufficent. I have been praying that God would provide like-minded, positive people around me everyday. For the time being, Jesus has got to be all that I need.


Hey y'all, I had my first show two weeks ago. I performed along other independent artists in Brooklyn. I had sooooo much fun. It felt so good to be on that stage again. I do believe that I was going through "performance withdrawl" for a minute. When I'm onstage, I'm free; I'm at home. I didn't want to leave that stage and I sure didn't want to leave "Dreamsville" and go back to "Worksville." I can't wait until my passion becomes my job.


Hey guys, I'm getting back to my acting. I am so excited; I have abandoned acting for years. I start taking acting classes at Stella Adler in January. For those who don't know, Theater was my major in college prior to Belmont. One day, I woke up and I was like, "Why not?" I didn't realize how much I missed it until I auditioned for a Spike Lee film in Brooklyn. Can you believe it? Spike Lee???!?!?The film was based off of a book titled, "Miracle at St. Anna." The story covered the African American soldiers' involvement in World War II. Like an actor, I prepared for the role. I cut off my hair and all of my facial hair except a 1940's thin mustache. I read the book and researched WWII, the clothes, and the stories told by African Americans in the war. I wanted it SOOOOO bad, I couldn't hardly sleep at night. That was when I realized that acting still burned inside of me; it was still my passion. I didn't get the part, but that passion gave me the fuel to keep going.


I have to learn to embrace this struggle. I have to love the ups and downs of my life. These moments of discomforts and disappointments are making me into the man that God has called me to be. These moments are creating my story. I have to be content. God, is doing His thing; I have to trust Him. What is for me is for me. No one can take that away from me, not even myself. Keep praying for me and my families as I pray for you and yours.





Love y'all
Ra


P.S. Oh...this year has been an exciting year for music. Jill Scott's new album, "The Real Thing" is amazing. My wife, Alicia Keys (Sears)'s (lol) album is coming out on November 13th. My girl, Mary J. Blige's album, "Growing Pains" will be in stores on November 20th. Don't miss out on these albums.