Its Never Too Late to Follow Your Dreams

A few months ago Darrell came home frustrated with work. He was working a low paying, unfullfilling job which required an enormous amount of hours. Although He didn't like what he was doing he was thankful for having a job. What frustrated Darrell the most was the fact that he had never pursued his life long dream of acting. He stated "Ever since I was a kid, I've always wanted to act.". Around the same time a soror of mine was promoting her acting class. I told Darrell what do we have to lose, why don't you enroll in this class. We prayed, gave it to God and he enrolled. From there Darrell took off. Since then he has booked a commercial, appeared in an off Broadway play, been cast in the independent film ATAY and will soon star in a stage play at Symphony Hall. I praise God for a husband who strives daily to do the right thing and is a man after God's own heart. The following is a review the play LOVE'S GONNA GET YOU which will soon go on the road to Baltimore, Md. Catch Darrell in the upcoming play IN PRAISE: A UNIQUE DANCE EXPERIENCE at Newark's Symphony Hall June 15-16, 2012.

LOVES GONNA GET YOU

A cast of eight, relatively unknown actors and actresses deliver lines of life in their journey to understanding, respecting and finding true love.

The off Broadway play, Love’s Gonna Get You', was the best 90 minute play I've experienced in a long time.  Perhaps it was because our very own friend and brother Darrell Pope, the loving husband of Susan Pope, starred in it.

 Act 2, scene 6, enters Bobby Washington, the father of Pablo, the self proclaimed 'player'.   "Listen son.  I’m not the man I used to be".  Darrell begins a genuine heart wrenching conversation, of a father's confession to his estranged son, about his absenteeism.

 As his wife sits a seat before me, teary-eyed, she watches her husband begin the first of many scenes, plays and perhaps movies.  The audience is equally engrossed.  One could hear a pin drop as we clang to his every word, relating to, understanding, sympathizing with how life’s circumstances, can drive a good husband and father to make poor decisions ... the kind that would forever alter their and their loved ones futures.  (I'm consciously trying Not to give the story away).

Great piece of work Darrell!  That role was best delivered by God's chosen apprentice who need not act, but just be himself to share a story line almost parallel to his own life's testimony.  'Love’s Gonna Get You' is a great play, well written, addressing life's favorite subject - love.  It's well peppered with humor and dialogue delivered by a group of fabulous actors and actresses.

Written, directed and produced by James and Michele Woodson - perhaps the next Tyler Perry? AWESOME work!

Editorial by Tinah Bouldin

The Struggle is Over

Welcome 2012! I am so excited about this new year. I'm starting this year off with prayer, fasting and dancing my prayers.  As I start the Daniel Fast today, it isn't as difficult as it was a couple of years ago. Many of the foods allowed on the Daniel Fast are already a part of my daily menu. So I've proved to myself that I can make lifestyle changes. Instead of resolutions I've made a bucket list. A list of things I want to accomplish this year. that I haven't done yet

1. As a way of becoming a better dancer and teacher I am taking professional ballroom classes. I want to compete at least once this year in ballroom. I have come to love ballroom dancing. It seems like a perfect transition for me as I age gracefully and struggle with not being able to do things with my body that I used to. Since the Struggle is over, I am embracing my 50+ body and enjoying my waltz, tango and foxtrot. I've started taking ballroom classes at Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Stay tuned for my first showcase. I also love teaching ballroom to couples. It is an excellent way to teach the concept of submission and following the leader.
2. Cake decorating. As a child, I used to love to bake and decorate cakes. Darrell's father was a baker so he has tried his hand at baking many times. I thought this would be an excellent way for us to spend more time together in the kitchen - so I'm taking a cake decorating class at A.C. Moore. My challenge will be to make healthy delicious cakes that will fit into my healthy lifestyle (after my fast is over of course).

3. SPLIT! Yes at 50+ I'm getting my split back. I took an awesome class a few weeks ago at Power Stretch Studio. It was an amazing class! I had so much energy after my class and I wasn't sore. It was such a great experience and I can now see my split in sight.
4. Flash Mob Dance - I want to participate in a flash mob dance. Its going to take a lot of planning. Not sure yet if its going to be at school or in some random public place for my birthday but be on the look out. I'm going to be in one this year. Let me know if you want to join me.

So that's my bucket list. Of course I still dance my prayers everyday. I continue to meditate on God's word and exercise with PraiseMoves. I still have challenges but I'm addressing these challenges with a new mindset. This battle is not mine, it's the Lords. The struggle is truly over. I dance because dance is my chosen weapon of warfare. Only He can make wars cease to the end of the earth. I dance because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I dance because God is all the help I need. He is my refuge and strength - an ever present help in trouble. So when trouble comes, as it will, I dance - knowing that my struggle is over. I dance because...