interview with Joe Neal Host Of Christian Media Spotlight

 Here is our in-depth interview with Christian Media Spotlight creator, showrunner and executive producer Joseph Neal as he shares a bit with Contributing Writer Elizabeth Holthouse about this history of Christian Media Spotlight as Night of Hope is on the verge of its one year anniversary. Enjoy the read!

Q. I would like to know; how did the show first start and is there a story on how CMS got its name?

A. The show first got its start in 2007 out of necessity in part really. I was producing a ministry show that was an hour in length and the content that edition ran only 45 minutes - so I was scrambling to figure out how to fill time since in TV you can’t leave the air that early - so that’s where CMSTV was born. I emailed a few publicist managers to see if any artists could be featured half expecting them to say no - but the next day Brandon Heaths manager said he would do it! We did the interview via phone and it ended up being a success / more interviews followed from there! The name came pretty quickly - wanted it to really depict what the segment was about to me which was spotlighting the stories and testimonies of artists in Christian music - it was there that Christian Music Spotlight (renamed Christian Media Spotlight in 2015) and the slogan was born! The rest after that as they say is history!

Q. When would you say you first started to interview people?

A. That first interview believe it or not was the first exposure really to interviewing people in Christian media. I had taken journalism and studied broadcast media at a radio station but this was my first leap head first into something like this on a regular basis hosting and interviewing. Started with phone interviews and eventually morphed into in person interviews, and now thanks to technology - Skype and Facebook Live interviews too!

Q. How has the show developed and grown from the time you first started it to now?

A. It has grown so much in the last number of years. When I first started it was a segment on another television show and included it where time allowed - we mixed in our first festival broadcast in 2009 by a move of the Lord too. In late 2011, I quickly realized the show needed to grow wings on its own - so on New Year's Day 2012, we launched its own half hour show of its own! In 2015, we started getting enough authors and actors in the mix to where the name was tweaked slightly to Christian Media Spotlight to reflect the broadened scope. In about 2018ish is when we started taping the interviews as they happen over Facebook Live which really opened things up to a national audience more so than in our history. All that ground work prepared me and this ministry for the craziest year in its history. When the pandemic started and festivals were lost, Night of Hope was born and set into motion a lot of the growth that’s exploding now - from the music hangouts that now happen twice a week, to the personalized concerts, and even now the launch of the new audio podcast on Spotify and other platforms and articles like what people are reading now - that coupled with our TV stations expanding us to a full hour at the start of 2020 - and it’s been a wild ride! So, while we’ve grown - it’s still about the stories and testimonies and cultivating community at its core - that will never change.

Q. Did you have any mentors or people in your life, growing up that helped you in your faith walk with God and if so, how has it helped you?

A. I came to the Lord really in high school by a guy named LT - who friended me when I was finding my way and showed me the love of Christ - him and Mitch and Jamie - a lot of those guys in high school laid the foundation of my faith walk - and I won’t forget them for that. My late aunt and cousins are devout followers and so their love and kindness has been really cool over the years. Even though we see things differently now / I learned a lot of things from the first church I went to and produced tv for. My immediate family and relatives have all been pretty supportive of the work I do and never give them enough credit over the years for that. Beyond that I’ve been privileged to work with and network with so many musicians, venue owners, media personnel and others in the community who have been like a second family who continue to inspire me to keep being who I am in my faith and no matter what - hopefully I never lose that ability to love people and serve where God places me. I learned long ago that we are all imperfect people serving a perfect God and it reminds me and humbles me to show grace and kindness to people and just be a support and cheerleader where I can - and it helps in the tough stretches knowing that it’s not a war with flesh and blood - powers and principalities - and it helps me not to take a lot of things personal anymore and know that no matter what God is still here - life happens and you get through it one day at a time and with the Lord enjoy the journey a little bit along the way!

Q. Is there a Bible verse or passage of scripture either growing up or now that you go to when things are a struggle or are difficult for you?

A. There are several depending on the season - a few that come to mind : “My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭73:26‬ - God has to be the strength of my heart bottom line and the reason why I do what I do and why I am who I try to be and emulate.

“I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through He who strengthens me”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭- this scripture helps me to roll with the punches and no matter what happens He is with me and I can endure.

Jeremiah 29:11 - he has plans to prosper us and give us a future. This helps me to realize that I don’t have to worry about the future because He has it all taken care of in front of me and helps me to focus on what’s in front of me in the present. (There’s a few more scriptures for sure / but there’s a good three to start with for ya!

Q. What would you say, looking back from when the show first started to now, has been your favorite moment on CMSTV?

A. Wow. What a question. There’s almost been too many to narrow to just one - I’ve got stories for days. I’ll give a quick couple. In studio when Jenny from Addison Road performed in our studio was an amazing landmark episode I won’t forget on the show at that point in its history. A number of the festival shows were fun - MercyMe was only supposed to go 7-8 minutes and when our production timer/stage manager stopped us it was 22 minutes (and Bart came up with a liner I won’t forget ever). That year we did Chris August and Tenth Avenue North which was off the rails hilarious from the start! - In a video interview maybe, I’ll go into more detail on a few of these. Recently the shows with Carrollton, Sam Day and Collington were absolutely fun interviews. I loved my recent trips back to do TV in New England were very memorable because it opened up my eyes to how nationwide reaching, we are now and to just do television with a huge support around that week was a blast. I’ve been extremely fortunate producing this the last number of years to have met so many people and to have so many heartwarming, side splitting funny moments that I won’t forget that it’s so hard to pick one because I’ve been blessed with so many of those type moments over the years. I have probably so many production stories I could write a book.. lol

Q. If you had to go back to a moment from when this show first started, was there a time that something happened and you had to try and fix it really fast or not really?

A. If you mean like tech things going wrong - yes! Usually that happens not so much in the studio but when we have a large amount of production equipment onsite at a festival where things tend to go wrong. Whether it be memory cards, microphone issues, etc. - you fix it as fast as you can when you are on site and having multiple cameras helps - the biggest headaches sometimes is when it’s all done and you find those issues with a clip in post-production and that’s where many a headache has been spent.. lol! Lately it’s more connection and software glitches producing the show lately via remote setups that could go wrong. I was always taught old school in broadcasting by a mentor that things happen - you just have to roll with it and not draw too much attention to those mistakes - and no matter what the show must go on. You just try to mold and be flexible and adapt the best you can in any situation and that’s why I run a fairly loose production set because if something happens last minute, I want the production to be able to quickly adapt to a fluid situation and not be so stuck that if something changes / it’s ruined if that makes sense. I try to just keep pressing forward producing the best show i can - try not to dwell too hard on the mistakes and just enjoy the whole process along the way

Q. Do you remember the first time you started out with production and building a team of people who would later on help you create what this show has become today?

A. Yea certainly. For the first few years I primarily did the work load for CMS on my own all the way down to the editing. For the first year, I had a freelance producer Jim who did camera work and on road shoots, and a camera guy named John in the early years who has since passed away. About 2012-13 I realized at least with festivals I needed freelance crew and also studio crew for the studio shows we started to do. So, between my church connections, family, and television station personnel-built crews that helped me out in different scenarios. There was a crew that primarily assisted in studio, and a crew that primarily assisted with roadshows. My prerequisite for anyone that joined the team was simple - have a heart for the Lord and of service, strive for excellence while having a ton of fun along the way, be teachable and adaptable to production techniques and changes and all move forward keeping the core mission of CMSTV at the center of what we do - plain and simple. In 2013, Bob, Dan, Gwen, Rachell, Regan, Tim, Tom were just some of the studio folks that helped us out. Regan, Chris, Jim, DJ, Madesyn, Rachell, Regan were some of our freelance road crew along with other media friends/outlets that assisted along the way like Rich, Thomas, Lizzy, Sam, and Lydia come to mind along with festival staff like Angee, Phil, Victor, Maria, and others who make this what it is building the foundation over the years. (Not to mention the network personnel who keep us on the air). In addition to all of these folks over the years, countless Spotlighters like you in the community have been huge help and ambassadors contributing gifts and talents making this thing go forward. I lead and carry the mantle yes - but there have been a lot of people along the way who have had a hand in its history or continue to have in this ministry pushing and propelling it forward. I am very blessed to work with a tremendous freelance crew over the years - and while I’ve gone back to producing a lot of it myself remotely during the pandemic like old school again - hopefully when things open up there will be a need for more production crews again someday soon!

Q. Has there been a time from when you first did the Night Of Hope Specials that you thought there was going to be more or did you think there was going to be no more after the first special aired on the show?

A. When the pandemic first hit when festivals were cancelling and not many people were doing regular livestream music shows year, the Lord gave me the idea upon prayer for this show, and the name came rather quickly - what do I want this night to embody during this strange time - Night of Hope was conceived. I reached out to 10-12 different artists about submitting a song to air on the show. I was producing this night going all out with-it having fun thinking at the time that this was going to be the only one - even on show night I thought this was a one night special - the Night of Hope show logo wasn't created yet until Night 2 because I didn't see a need with a one off special.. lol. I remember saying at the end of the first broadcast "Let me know if you wish to see more of these" - not knowing the morning after we aired the first night that a half a dozen artists flooded my inbox saying they wanted in on the next one. I greenlit production on the second one for Memorial Day with a show logo. I didn't think even then what the Lord was about to do with this series. It wasn't until Night of Hope 3 in the summer that some of our consultants said we needed to go big with this night like a summer festival and I wanted a tagline for the show developed by our viewers and that's where "Sharing Hope Through Worship" was born. One of our viewers said "50 artists" to which at first, I got excited but thought was half crazy thinking we wouldn't reach that. Well.. we booked 50 artists and aired 46. It was then that I realized and made a decision that Night of Hope was here to stay and it became a monthly series from that point forward. I am continually awestruck and humbled how God is using this Night of Hope vehicle and taking it to new heights way more than ever thought possible. If you would have told me a year ago that the show at this point would feature over 85 artists, aired nearly 250 songs over 10 editions, I would've thought someone was crazy. It's just a testament of how God can take a little dream/vision He births inside of you, and in his timing when its ready to take off, can take that dream and turn it into a gigantic reality better than anything you thought possible. I'm grateful every day for this series and it's as much of our foundation as anything we do here at CMSTV and just proud of how people have reacted to the show and support and supported it and the artists and viewers we've been able to uplift and encourage along the way and the artists who have trusted this platform to showcase their gifts and talents.

Q. Do you have a memorable moment from someone you interviewed when the show first started or when you went to travel to interview artists that first started making music and releasing it?

A. There was a number of memorable names the first year the show was on the air, we had Matt Maher, Sonic flood, and Jars of Clay via phone interviews during the first year that were pretty cool. Matt Maher's phone interview was pretty fun and poignant one to do in the early going. Interviewing Duncan Phillips and Peter Furler from Newsboys a number of years ago via phone was an absolute joy as well! Those early conversations that first year really helped me develop the flow of the show, the tone of the show, and how stylistically I wanted to do interviews - it was a fun learning experience the first year on the air. As far as musicians starting out.- one I vividly remember is interviewing Ryan Stevenson who was playing the small stages and was just starting to branch out musically. We interviewed him 2 years in a row when he was a indie artist. I look back fondly at that as one example of playing a small role in helping artists achieve their dreams - because now Ryan is as much of a household name in the male artist realm with TobyMac's label and all - as anyone with his radio hits right now.

Q. If you could go back to traveling and doing interviews, where would you want to travel and who would you like to be the first person that you interview if given the chance to go back out on the road?

A. I had the pleasure of doing an interview episode with April Kane, Kat Stewart and Matthew Jones in October for the first time the show was on the road in about a year and a half and I had so much fun with that show that I realized how much I missed it - the energy of the in person shows. I am making preliminary plans to look at different festivals, like Soul fest in the N.E., Nehemiah Fest in the Midwest, and others to partner with to determine where to travel for roadshows this summer and how many I want to do. Would love to do more roadshows in the Northeast, but would love to do shows from places we haven't been yet that have great viewers, like a few places in the Midwest like Kansas or Ohio, places like that - would love to do more roadshows if we feasibly can - scheduling/production logistics and financial requirement aside. As far as a who - there are a few names that I haven't interviewed yet that would love to (list is getting smaller by the year) - but I just love chatting with people - from big household names down to chatting with indie musicians just getting their start - I love fellowshipping and chatting and having great conversations with a variety of artists

Q. Any advice that you would give to those who have felt lost in their faith walk with God, if so what would it be and why would you give it?

A. I would say to never give up as hard as circumstances may seem and keep pressing forward. Another piece of advice is not to sweat the small stuff and enjoy the journey. In this life you will have trouble, hard things will happen - being a Christian doesn't stop that. Our faith is there to help us get through those hard times - find someone - a good friend perhaps to talk to in those times of trouble so you don't get stuck in isolation - which is what the enemy wants. I would also say be excellent in where you are, don't worry so much about pleasing people but please God, and allow God to work through your imperfections. I spent a lot of time being a fixer and pleasing people and ready to receive criticism that I didn't know how to receive a compliment when it came. I had to realize it's not about perfection - and that if I focus on the things that please the Lord - ultimately the people who are moving with a like heart will be blessed and glean from that. By allowing God to work through that - God never wants to remove the best parts of you - he always wants to refine them and make you an even better version of you. I still have a heart to love and serve people, but I allowed God to make me a stronger person that is less trapped up by fear and setting unrealistic goals - where I can be free to enjoy each day as a gift the best i can. I've learned through good times and in tribulation over the last year that my last piece of advice I would give is this - be present in your relationships, and in life for what's in front of you. God wants to use you right now - and we can't if we are always looking so far back or so far forward, we are ineffective and stuck for today. God has a plan for all of us - we just all need to pay attention to what He is doing around us today. If we take it, one day at a time - hopefully we can weather the storms a little better when they come our way.

Q. Going back to a memory of either when the show was just beginning, or when it was continuing to grow, how would you say it has helped you in your own faith walk with God growing up, and how has it blessed you, from when you first started, to continuing to do it now?

A. Doing this show in a lot of ways keeps me just as encouraged and uplifted through music and conversation/testimonies as hopefully it does for a lot of you. There are songs that play that I receive for the show, or a piece of advice I will hear a guest say that has an impact on my faith walk immensely at a time when I may need to hear it That coupled with stories of how this program helps people through their situation or their day in a way helps motivate me in my own faith walk to keep trucking forward. In the last number of years despite all the things that have changed and things that have stayed a constant in my life, this show and ministry has been a joyful respite and a labor of love networking and fellowshipping with so many people and providing so many good memories. I'm thankful for many things in my life, good health, a good steady day job, good family, and this show is one of those things I thank God every day for the chance I get to produce this show - and I will keep doing it as long as the Lord wants me to and as long as it's leaving the desired impact it's supposed to leave.

Q. Is there a time in your life where you thought the show was going to just be a few episodes, and not as big as it has become now?

A. Sure. I think when it first was a segment inside of a show, I didn't think then it was going to become a series and was content with it being a recurring thing - until I realized God had bigger plans for it than that. At various growing pains of its life, I sometimes wonder if it's reached the pinnacle or if it's going to grow any farther. I just was asking God at the beginning of 2020 when roadshows were cancelling if I should end CMSTV or keep going and just have it be a slow autopilot type of year and the Lord clearly told me then - no - I have bigger plans for this - even though I certainly didn't see it yet. The heights that the show is reaching now is something that I certainly was actively pushing towards years ago but realized it wasn't God's timing for it to take off yet - He was still building the foundation and strengthening me at that point. Now - where I sit, I have watched CMSTV mature in front of my very own eyes into the creation that I knew it could be - and God has done even more with it than I ever could've thought possible. God's timing is everything and I am humbled and blessed that God has provided for, blessed and grown exponentially a platform such as this for a time such as this. This past year just has me more excited with a renewed purpose for CMSTV and its promising future.

Q. Finally, did you ever think that you would be celebrating the one-year anniversary of the show and did you ever think it was going to leave an impact on so many people's lives?

A. The one-year anniversary of Night of Hope - no certainly not at the beginning. I am constantly humbled by the feedback that the Night of Hope series has brought from viewers that were impacted by certain songs that we have played at a time they needed it, and artists as well who are grateful that when other outlets were saying no - we came along and said yes - and were able to feature their talent and give them a place to showcase it. I never thought that when it was first conceived a year ago that it would reach the heights it continues to reach and hear stories of how this music series (and by extension the hangout shows, or Christian Media Spotlight main show) has impacted people's lives - I love hearing those stories and don't take those stories lightly. The whole reason for Night of Hope to exist is to give viewers and artists a time of hope, encouragement, worship, and a positive nurturing place where they feel welcomed and valued. As long as Night of Hope is doing that - than I think that it's doing its job and we will keep doing those as long as there is a need to feasibly fill with those. To feature over 85 different artists and nearly 250 songs over 10 shows in this last year is mind boggling to me and quite humbling and proud in the greatest sort of ways.

A Girl's Journey To Julliard Part Eight

We arrived home and I talk with my mom about all that has happened since we visited everyone. She tells me that no matter what happens next that God is in control. Later on, we went to bed because we were tired. The next morning, we went to see my dad and our neighbor. The doctors told us that our neighbor and my dad were able to come home today. We were so happy and thrilled. The doctors told us how dad was going to have to take things easy for awhile, along with our neighbor. I call our friend we haven't seen in awhile and tell him the good news. When he answers the phone, I hear sobbing. I try to ask what is wrong but I continue to hear sobbing. I try to ask if things are okay but I hear sobbing and sobbing that I have to wonder if something happened with his parents or another relative that we don't too much about. He finally composes himself and tells me that he is crying happy tears because his parents are home now. I congratulate him and tell him I'll talk with him later. He says, I hope that you will enjoy going to Julliard in the fall. I tell him thank you and we hang up. I feel bad that I didn't invite him to see dad since dad and our neighbor were home. Although, I suppose everyone has had a very long day. I will see if there is anything that my dad needs for now. I'll talk with all of you later. My mom receives a phone call. It's from Mr. Carson. I don't understand. I just remain silent and dad is asleep in their room, so he won't hear this. My mom has this serious look and then it turns happy and then back to serious and then happy again. I'm so confused and I don't know what to do or what to say, or even what to think. I hope Mrs. Carson is alright. She finally says goodbye to Mr. Carson on the phone and mom doesn't say a word. She then calls Ally which is Mr. and Mrs. Carson's daughter and talks in some code about how Ally's mom is doing. I can't understand but why should I, mom probably doesn't want me to hear the news yet if it's bad. I just want to know that Mrs. Carson is healthy and okay. Dad wakes up and I help him to the couch. Mom, hangs up the phone and sees dad on the couch. I go outside, not because I want to go outside but mom has me go outside, so that she can tell the news. I really want to know Mrs. Carson is okay but I'm sure mom would tell me if anything is wrong. I really hope that things are okay before I leave for the fall to attend Julliard. My mom sends me a text. I come back inside and she tells me that Mrs. Carson is very well but that she has a long recovery and is unable to see her daughter Ally and would love to see her but can't right now. So that's why her husband had me call their daughter to come here. I sigh with relief and am happy that Mrs. Carson will be happy. The next day Ally Carson arrives and rings her parent's doorbell. Mr. Carson answers the door and gives his daughter a hug. He closes the door. The phone rings shortly after. This time on the phone it is Mrs. Carson. She is telling mom how happy she is to have her daughter that was named after her, home. She said, I can't talk long but I'm so thankful for family and for yours and have a great day. She hangs up the phone and dad and I are crying tears of happiness. A few weeks later, dad is able to do a lot of the things he was not able to when he came back home from the hospital. Mrs. Carson was fully recovered too and her and her husband even came over to celebrate. Their daughter left back home, as she had to go to work at the hospital my dad was transferred to when Mrs. Carson watched me. A few moments later and months later it was time for me to pack and head off to Julliard. I said goodbye to my friend I talked with on the phone, and to Mr. and Mrs. Carson. My parents and I traveled and they helped me unpack when I arrived. I got myself checked in and I said goodbye to my parents and told them that I loved them and thanked them for helping in my journey. They said goodbye and love you. I met my roommate and she is very nice and my age. She tells me she grew up in Kentucky. I asked her what that was like. She told me her story and how it has been an honor to have gotten a scholarship. Her parents couldn't afford, let alone pay for Julliard. She told me it was like a blessing in disguise that she was able to come here and learn. She told me she's wanted to be a dancer all her life and now that she's here, it's like she is in a dream and doesn't want to wake up. She told me how she wants to be on Broadway and then hopefully open up her own dance studio and teach students with disabilities. She hopes that we can remain friends throughout the four years we have together. I tell her that we will. She asks me, if she wants to explore campus and meet others that are here to learn just like them. I politely decline and tell her I'm a little tired from the trip here. She nods and closes the door behind her. I take a nap and then my roommate comes back in and wakes me up. She says you should go and meet others. I tell her, I'll have plenty of time to make friends. She says if I don't then our dorm advisor might be mad. I get up and she starts practicing dancing and I close the door behind me and go to meet others. I meet this one girl who has brunette hair, and blue eyes. She told me she is from Milwaukee and I ask her what that is like. She tells me her story and then tells me that I'll be rooming with her next month. I was shocked to hear that. I asked her what she meant by that. She tells me that next month everyone is put in with a different roommate. I didn't believe her but then our dorm advisors came by and said it was true. They told us every semester they just want others to get to know as many people as possible. I guess I understand that. I ask if I can make a phone call to my parents back home. They say yes. I call them and they're happy to hear my voice. I tell them what has gone on, since I have gotten here. They are proud. I tell them goodbye and they say that you're going to have a great first year. I really hope they're correct. My first year at Julliard has gone very well so far and then we went to orientation. We learned what is expected of us and what we need to do and not do. We went to our very first classes. Next we did workshops and we learned different things. We have supper and then we have time to reflect and do what we need. Sooner or later it was light's out and because tomorrow was a new day. I wake up, my roommate is not there. There is a note however, and I read it. She was letting me she got up early to go to the breakfast hall, to get a start to rehearse for her dance audition today. I can't believe they're having auditions. I didn't think that would happen the first year. She explains it's not a huge audition but a small one that could determine where she goes from there. I wonder if I would have a dance or acting audition today. I didn't, I just had some more workshops. A few months later we were in our second year, and my first year roommate well she roomed with another girl in the same dormitory as me. The girl from Milwaukee was my second year roommate and we grew close as our second year was beginning. I was thinking how hard it will be when our graduation comes. Although we had time. A little while later in the passing months again, my second year roommate from Milwaukee roomed with another girl in a different dormitory and not the same as my first year roommate. As for me I got another roommate who was shy and didn't say much but she seemed nice. When she finally talked, she decided to tell me where she was from and how she got a scholarship and how blessed she was.  I was happy and couldn't have been more proud to know what it's been like to meet these amazing people. I've learned so much in the three years and now that it's almost time for the fourth year to come, I just hope I get the audition this year by the time the fourth year rolls around the corner. I don't ever want to feel like my dream for being year was a mistake of some sort but I know it wasn't. I know it takes time. I finally get the audition I've been waiting for and who knows maybe this will lead me to Broadway. I've always wanted to do shows, and movies so maybe this is my chance to make a big impact. I go into my audition and they ask me to improv. I do and then they ask me to dance. So I dance to the music from the musical Wicked. Then they ask me to sing, so I sing a song my mother sang to me when I was a child. Finally they tell me I have potential to become a star and if I keep working in my fourth year I should get a job somewhere. I thank them for their time and go back to my dorm room and study. Around my fourth year of being here, most of everyone I've roomed with, have gone on to moving in other dorms with others or into housing. I however, have roomed by myself in my fourth year because well there wasn't anyone else to room with, except a first year student who just got here today. Her name is Sidney and she is wanting to study ballet and be a ballerina. She lives in Austin Texas but just like most of the people I've met and made friendships with, she too got a scholarship. We are in our last year and next month we graduate at the end of August. I can't believe it but I'm going to miss this place. I make a phone call to my parents and my parents are proud of me and they say they wouldn't miss it. By August, it came time for me to graduate from a very great preforming arts school. I see our neighbors, my friend who was at the hospital with his parents, and my parents getting ready to cheer. Once graduation was over I introduced everyone to all my friends I've met since I've been here and they're all pleased to have met my friends I've made. My friends give me their numbers and I thank them. My friend who I talked with at the hospital asks the courage to ask me out. I say yes. I also say now, I have to find a place to live and find a job and I show why I said that. My dorm advisor says, you've graduated and go have fun and don't worry about finding a job right away. I say thank you. My parents and everyone take me out to celebrate the next chapter of my life. I couldn't believe it my dream of acting was going to take off sooner or later and I had a whole bunch of people who love me. A few years later, my parents and our neighbors and the boy who was my boyfriend decided to move to New York. A few more years later the boy that was my boyfriend married me and I still got an acting job. I was an actress on Broadway, preforming every night and day. I was living my dream and so was my newly wed husband because he got a job as a stage manager at the theater I was doing shows at. We were together every night and day. My parents and Mr. and Mrs. Carson were so proud of who I've become and what once was a a girl's journey, my journey to Julliard had turned into a dream come true. Sequel: Eventually we all moved out of New York and moved back to where I grew up, so I could open up my own preforming arts center with my husband and live out a new dream of helping others.

A Girl's Journey To Julliard Part Seven

He comes towards me and when he gets to where I'm waiting for my mom, he introduces himself. He tells me his name, he tells me where he goes to school. He tells me his age, and tells me he's visiting his father and was about to visit his mother. He tells me his dad was in kidney trouble but someone donated their kidney and now he has a chance at life. He tells me his mother is on the fifth floor and just had open heart surgery. He tells me who his parents are and I recognize the name for some reason. I wonder if we are related somehow but I can never be too sure. My mom comes out of the room, and says hello to the boy who I just met and says the strangest thing that surprises me, and then it clicks. Our neighbor is his aunt, and that's how we knew each other. I feel ashamed but he tells me not to worry, he asks my mom if it's okay if he takes me to see his mother and and my mom said yes that would be fine, she'll stay here and wait for me to return. We go to the fifth floor and we talk and laugh, and then we walk into his mother's room. His mom sees him right away and then she notices me. She tells us both to come in and sit with her. She asks how my dad and her sister are doing. I tell her that Mrs. Carson, and my dad are fine. She then gives a sigh of relief and then asks her son how dad was doing. He told her he was doing fine and that no matter what, when everyone is able to come home, he's going to make sure that he does well in school, and that he is going to go to a good college. His mother starts to cry but they're happy tears and she tells him that she is proud of him. She then asks me what my hopes and dreams are. I tell her and then she remains silent. I figured I said something wrong. She asks me to go out of the room a minute, and I do. I think in my head and I start talking to myself quietly, so she can't hear and would think I was crazy. I try to block out the noises around me and when I do, I don't hear anything around me but my own voice in my head telling me to not give up the dream that I am wanting. I hear it tell me that even when people don't understand the dream of going to Julliard would be wonderful for me, I know that it should make me want that dream fulfilled even more. It should make me want to work harder and harder towards my goals. I go back in the room, and I hear him apologize for his mother's behavior and his mother says sorry to me. She tells me it was wrong to not congratulate me on the things that mattered to me and she started sobbing, and asking me for forgiveness. I told her that it was okay and that I forgive her for what she didn't mean to say or didn't even say. I hope that she knows, that I love her and that she's forgiven by not only her family, me, but by God who loves her the most of all because He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins, and when she heard that she cried happy tears and she knew that she was loved and forgiven by all that loved her. I prayed with her that day, and then I left and said goodbye. They both said goodbye, and I went back to where my mom was waiting for me. We finally had gone home, after visiting my dad, our neighbor, and those we haven't seen in a very long time.

A Girl's Journey To Julliard Part Six

My mom answers the phone and I make sure that I'm quiet as a mouse because I don't want to say anything if it's bad news. I hear the doctor ask if this was the Carson residence and my mom says no. She gives them our last name, and then the doctor ask if she knew how to get a hold of Mr. Carson because it was important. She then proceeds to give the doctor the number for their household but then my mom asks how dad is. The doctors tell her fine and that he can come home tomorrow. The doctor hangs up with mom and we cry tears of joy. Although we didn't know what the doctors were going to say for Mrs. Carson. We prayed that everything was going to be alright. The doctors that day called Mr. Carson and as he answered he asked many questions and the first question was why did they not know that she needed a treatment for low sugar, and his other question was how come they were just now using an iv treatment to get insulin into her body? His questions were answered but the doctors had told him that because the insulin had to be given through an iv treatment, they were going to keep her over night for observation and if all goes well, she should be home by tomorrow morning. We knew Mr. Carson was relieved when he learned his wife was going to be okay and that she had a team of doctors taking care of her. He was happy for us too, because he wanted my dad to come home. My mom and I decided that we would go to the store and get some groceries but also we thought we would go and get a small non expensive gift to welcome dad home. When we arrived home, we put things away and then we decided to wrap the small gift in a box and then put on the living room table that was a small oak table that was hand carved and made by my dad. My mom and I then decide to go to the hospital and visit my dad and Mrs. Carson. To our surprise we see Mr. Carson and he lets us know that we was going to be spending the night here because he wanted to be able to bring his wife home, and he tells us how dad has told him that there is a program for people who go and meet with those who have gone through the surgery procedure that him and Mr. Carson's wife have gone through, and when they meet, they share their own testimonies and share how the experience has transformed their lives from their time in the hospital to when they have arrived home. Mr. Carson tells his wife, he is going to the hospital cafeteria to eat and he'll be back soon. We visit with dad and we tell him the good news that happened with me and my dad couldn't be prouder of me. I tell him that I'm somewhat nervous attending, but he tells me that I don't need to be. He tells me why I don't need to be nervous and I smile and give him a hug. We tell him we will see him tomorrow. He tells me goodbye and I wait in the hall, while mom and dad are still talking to each other. While, I'm waiting a boy that is the same age as me, comes towards me and starts to introduce himself. Although, while he's doing that I can't help but think that he seems very familiar to me. He seems so familiar, that you would think I would know where I saw him before or how I knew him, but my mind keeps drawing a blank of how I would have met him or where I saw and knew him from. I mean, I know it is crazy to say all of that, but it's just something about him, that I can't place.

A Girl's Journey To Julliard Part Five

I read the letter and it says: To whom it may concern, we're happy to announce the acceptance of Miss Jillian Smith, who will be attending our school this fall. We look forward to meeting you and hoping that as we get a chance to meet you that you will feel welcome throughout the year. If you have any questions, please never hesitate to ask as we look forward to being helpful to all of our students who attend Julliard. Some of the rules we require all students to follow, are being polite, listening to all instructors, not starting any fights, making sure that when it is the right time for lights out in our dorms or housing that the students have the lights out, otherwise it will result in one warning and if it happens more than once after the warning is given then it is a detention or trip to one of our offices that will then decide whether the person who broke any of our rules, which you will read more of in your handbook that we sent in the packet, is able to stay at our school or not. We want all students to be respectful and make sure that everyone has a good time. In order for any student to graduate from Julliard they must complete a 4 year study with us and then, they must find a place to live and find a decent job after graduation. Our students who have gone from here, they have found great jobs and then they followed the career they have been wanting ever since they came here. Some of our students have even made it to Broadway. The first week all students will meet in the auditorium to meet with an alumni that has been here before and each new student will get the opportunity to ask questions and the alumni will be in different parts of campus from the morning every new student arrives, till at least lunch because then they need to leave to get back to the dreams they have successfully made for themselves and the jobs they got on their own. We ask that you bring what you need with you and if you have forgotten anything from home, then we will provide it for you. We ask that all cell phones be turned off when it's lights out, so that each student can get the rest they need and if it is a emergency that you need to use a phone, we ask that you let us know before all lights in the dorm or housing are out because we need time to prepare with making sure our phones work, and didn't go out because of a storm. We ask that all new students are kind and helpful to others if they don't understand something. We look forward to having you this fall, and hope your experience here at Julliard is wonderful. Sincerely, Julliard President Jordan Johnson. P.S. If you need to reach the school before you come in the fall, please call 419-892-4569 and we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. I was so happy that I could scream. I didn't though, but I was just so very happy that it felt like a weight has just been lifted off of my shoulders and that it was one less thing I had to worry about. I see mom walk into the kitchen and she wonders what I'm smiling about, and I hand her the letter. She reads it silently for a moment and then gives me a hug. I know she is proud of me and she tells me congratulations. The phone rings and it is the hospital.

A Girl's Journey To Julliard Part Four

Today was Saturday, so I got the mail. I came back with get well cards for Mrs. Carson, dad, bills for mom, and an envelope for me that was about to decide my future of where I was going to be after high school. I was a little nervous because I didn't know what I was going to do. I mean what if I don't accepted into Julliard? What if I fail high school, and then I don't get into a good college? I mean things like this can happen in life and what if my parents are not proud of me, if it happens? I am so nervous in opening, that I throw up. I didn't think my nerves would get the best of me, over what could be an acceptance letter or a rejection letter. I'm so nervous that I start crying and believing the things I've asked and then I pace back and forth like I'm making a decision and I can't do anything. I am so nervous that after I stop pacing back and forth, I drink water and eat a snack. Once I stop doing that, mom comes home. She knows something is wrong, otherwise she wouldn't have found a way for me to calm down. She knows that every time I get this way about anything, that I need to take a breather and remind myself that I can accomplish great things in life. I open the envelope and what I find as I open it, is a letter from Julliard. I didn't know what to do. I mean this letter was just about to decide where my future is going to take me in the next year after I finish high school. I mean I've waited for this day to come, so many times and now that it is finally here, I'm nervous because I'm not sure what the letter will say. My mom tries to tell me that no matter what happens that her and dad will always be proud of me, and that even if I don't get accepted it is not the end of the world, because God's plan for my life will continue to work out because God is always there for us, no matter what we go through. I know that what she is saying is the truth and that I shouldn't worry so much, but this is just been my dream for awhile now, and I don't want to feel like my work has gone unnoticed, to any school. I want any school to know that I'm a hard worker, and that I have potential to be on Broadway someday, because that's another dream of mine. I want to make it on Broadway and preform for others, so that they can be happy. Now, in order for me to do that, I need to find out what the letter reads. So I finally take the letter out of the envelope, to read it.

A Girl's Journey To Julliard Part Three

My dad arrived back at the hospital where we live, and in 2015 I knew things were going to be good. I mean that is what I thought, but in 2016 dad got sick again, and even though test results didn't show that the cancer had come back, new results showed that he had pneumonia but they were able to treat it here, so I would be able to see him more. I was happy about that and I prayed that dad would get better. Mrs. Carson, told me that year that my dad was a fighter and he will be back in this house in no time. I wanted to believe her but I had some hope and some of that hope seem to drift a little ways away from me, because in 2017 dad got better and was healed of the pneumonia. I know what you're probably thinking, why is that bad news? It's not, the bad news however was we found out that my dad's right kidney was failing, and he needed a transplant. I wanted to have the hospital test me to see if I were a match for him, but mom wouldn't let me without her consent. I did talk to her, and she told me she didn't know because if I wasn't then she would feel poorly about not knowing who would be a match for dad. I understood that, but she was going to let me anyway. Mrs. Carson that day, drove me to the hospital and the doctors tested me, and my mom. We were not a match. They then tested Mrs. Carson, and she was a match. So that day they got Mrs. Carson and my dad ready for surgery and my mom and I waited for the doctor to bring us back to a hospital room so we could see dad, once the surgery was over. A few hours later, a nurse came to us and told us that the surgery was well for both of them and that we can see them now. I was relieved to know that and I couldn't believe how much stress and anxiety left my body, because of how worried I was. My dad told me that once he gets out of the hospital, he promises me that no matter what happens with my future of getting accepted into Julliard or not, that he will always be proud of me and that if I do get accepted, he is going to be with mom, and Mrs. Carson watching a performance of mine. I cried a little tear of happiness that day. My dad hugged me, and I did back. Mrs. Carson, however told me to not give up on following my dreams. She told me this because she was wanting me to know that no matter what happens in my life that God is in control and as long as I'm trusting in Him, His plan for my life will continue to unfold.