Writing A Symphony

June 19, 2015 at 8 p.m. Tarrytown Music Hall. Our son bought tickets for a small group of us to see, ‘A Bronx Tale.’ As I watched Chazz Palminteri’s autobiographical one-man show, this thought went through my head, “I could do that” (that being tell a story of course). Sitting in the church pew the following Sunday as I looked down at the hymnbook, the music began to play and as if I were in a flashback scene, I could hear those words again, “I could do that.” All things considered, I looked toward heaven and prayed, “Lord, what would I write about?” In an instant I knew I had to tell the story of the three Marys; Mary, mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany. Nine days later what would be the first of three short autobiographical stage plays, concerning major biblical figures in a modern day setting, was written!

Upon completion of the writings, I wanted to affirm the manuscripts mission and purpose to-be interesting, engaging, thought provoking and inspiring. For this reason I sent one of the three scripts titled ‘In My Weakness, Your Love Never Failed’ to a friend in the film industry. The written text I sent him was set in a romantic time in American history. The early 20th century, a season in time that fueled intuition, imagination, invention and innovation accompanied by the Great Depression and all that followed. He expressed his thoughts, “Very powerful concept” and wanted to know more about the protagonist (the prodigal son). A few weeks passed from receiving his note and after being inside all day organizing a few things, my memory recalled something my grandma always said, “it’s important to spend time outside everyday.” So, before the sun went down on a perfect winter day, I stepped outside only to slip on clear ice. As my hand hit the ground my thoughts were many; “Ouch;” “Oh no, will I be able to work? (As a hairstylist, hands are a valuable tool…)” And, “Lord, what is Your plan?” Suddenly occurring in my mind were words from my friend, ‘I want to know more…’”

One broken wrist, one month out of work, gave one stage play the allotted time to journey into a feature-length dramatic screenplay. Thanks to my friends bullet list, of what more he wanted to know.

As we negotiate through all of life’s ups and downs, prayer is the essential key. As my broken wrist gave me a month off from work, with limited ability to do certain things, God was orchestrating something beautiful. Through the enforced time on my hands, I felt blessed through prayer to see some of the most important facts about the situation, for one, a written historical drama! From invention to innovation, antique to extinct, these are some of the things you learn when writing about past events. Times that help shape the course of the future.

Many years ago at a family gathering my Dad lovingly wrapped his arm around his mom (my grandma). Gently he placed his forehead on her temple as he proudly stated, “Woman, you’ve been from the horse and buggy to the calculator” (born in the early 20th century until that very moment) making a declaration too the changes she had seen in her life time. Change is constant. From memorable Pharisees such as, “They don’t make them like they used to,” as well as, “New and improved” …And likewise the Pony Express en route to the Internet, change is evident. When a need or circumstance is followed by a course of action it creates history!

From my observations, I have learned that time is a stepping stone for what is yet to come. The Bible in itself is not meant to be read as a history book. It is a love letter to all, a guide that assists us from past to present and into eternity! From major biblical figures, to those on the quieter side, you can see God writing a symphony through people whom love Him. A true reflection of God’s love and one of my many favorite Bible Heroes is found in the Book of Nehemiah. Accredited for his work in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days, Nehemiah was devoted to God. A man of prayer, faith, leadership and action, he sowed the seed with noble qualities as a personal cupbearer while serving the Persian king. The book of Nehemiah reflects the extraordinary impact one individual can have on a nation in the face of great odds with God’s assistance, provision, and direction. Nehemiah is a melody written, representing a time in history of renewal, stability, and what life looks like when our focus is on God… You and I were created, “For such a time as this.”… “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of love with those who love Him and keep is commandments, let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer Your servant is praying before you day and night for Your servants, the people of Israel…” [Nehemiah 1:5-6]

I heard a priest once say, “I fell asleep and had a dream that life was a joy. When I woke up, I saw the reality that life was a servanthood, and in serving, I realized that the joy of life was in serving others.”

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. [Colossians 3:17]

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. [Romans 15:13]

A teacher is not so much responsible for what our students know, but more so for the seeds we plant to help them grow.

Father in the Name of Jesus, by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, be with us, direct our path, fill us with the riches of Your grace, transform our mind with a healthy balance that is good for our body and soul. Guide us with Your gracious love, that we may press forward to being all that You created us to be. In Your Holy Name we pray… Amen

Sweet blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

Deannadanielle.com