After the latest performance that I helped with, I walked alone on an empty stage. But this was not any stage; this stage is where I found my home.
Anyway, when I walked on that stage I remembered the faces I know and revere and love wholeheartedly. They are always encouraging and smiling and from the very beginning they had the qualities of a wonderful family.
But as I, a mere techy, sit back and watch them perform, I see more than just people reciting lines and moving around. I see their talent shine, in the most brilliant and brightest ways. And they shine both on and off stage. They are my rocks and my family and without their encouragement and their love, I’d be lost.
I start to weave myself through the sets and I look down at the spike tape that covers the stage, and I remember the faith and determination put in by every person involved. Then I remember how every child and teen comes together before every show to sing to the one and only God. They sing, “I love you Lord/ and I lift my voice/to worship you/ oh my soul rejoice/ take joy my King/ in what you hear/ May it be a sweet, sweet sound/ in your ears.”
I cannot tell you how many times I have heard that song in my 16 yrs of age, but now I know the true meaning of it. Before that song didn’t mean much to me, it was just another hymn. But now when I sing it with these wonderful, amazing, and touching actors and directors; I finally know the meaning. When we do anything, whether it be acting, singing, dancing, directing, watching, or yes even moving sets to there correct marks, we hope to please the Lord and we hope that He will rejoice in what we do and in our character. And with every performance I know He does.
I have never been a part of an organization where everyone had the same motive- to please God. That feeling of absolute love for the Lord that I felt in each actor changed my outlook on life. For here I saw a group of children and teens who came together to put on a show while proclaiming their faith; which is an amazing experience in itself but that’s not what blew me away. What blew me away was that they chose to do this. It was a personal decision that they made for themselves; and that brought me to my knees for the first time in my life. I cannot explain exactly why that humbled me so completely, all I know is that for the first time in my life I feel called to be a part in an organization.
And I have never been as proud of anything in my life as I am of CYT. It has truly enriched my personal growth and social growth and most importantly my spiritual growth.
As I stand on this stage where I watched my friends from the side wings shine brightly before everyone that they love; I feel the Lord. I feel him in every light and set. And I know in my heart that this haven was meant for not just me to find and take comfort in but for all to enjoy and take comfort in. Though God did not give me the talent of acting or singing; he did give me a talent of writing. And if in my lifetime I write 4,000 books on how wonderful these people are and how they brought me closer to God than I could ever imagine; it will not be enough. For each actor/actress, director, and parent has changed my life for the better and I am so happy that they did.
CYT’s mission statement is, “Building character one stage at a time.” But my definition of this organization is “Building a family one stage at a time.”
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for opening up your family to a mere techy. I will never forget these memories in my life; the life that all of you have changed in the most wonderful way.
I Love You All!!!!!
By Betsy Morrow