Giants In The Land

And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain . . . And they returned from searching of the land after forty days . . .And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it . . . Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. Numbers 13

Aubrey shadowed me tight as we began our descent to the ballroom. The moment of reckoning had come. There was no plausible way we as a family could separate. She would have to enter the callback room with us.

The refrain continued. "Aubrey, it's not over until it's over. Give God the glory. Let's see what He might do. Even if we walk away, and your hands are empty, we know we can add skills. Try again. If your really want this, the journey is not over."

Her ability to recover from the emotional disaster was proving to be the hardest battle she'd ever fought this side of losing her Dad. Wasn't it enough that she had 'lost'? Why did she have to go in there . . .and face them?

Face them she must. Her brother had been summoned by the 'big guys' in the industry.

Entering the room, we sought to acclimate ourselves. Already, lines had formed at various tables, and our original plan to go to each agent in alphabetical order would not pan out. We found one gentleman, who was just finishing with a participant.

This man was distinguished. And older gent, with greying hair, modernized fifties-style glasses and a gentle demeanor. He discussed how his particular agency operated, then listed for us the next step requirements for Israel's journey. Would we be willing to take a family vacation to LA, wherein Israel could be placed in front of a larger group of associates; the opportunity to attend a few auditions?

This request, while a known factor previously, was suddenly in our court. Our heads began to swim. Yes. We'd come.

More instructions.
Notes.
More notes.

"Thank you for your time."

We stood up, and once again surveyed the room, the agency lines. The Acme Agency was open.

Aubrey shadowed me again, but after the initial connection, she ever so slightly began to be a part of the conversational process. This time, to her benefit.

As we spoke with the woman before us, she gave her instructions to Israel, and her agency facts and desires. She took our presence as a family in. She noted Aubrey's participant number. "You are siblings?" she queried. "Yes" replied Aubrey. "I had not made that connection." the agent said.

Aubrey quickly found herself the subject of a number of personal questions. "What were you hoping to accomplish this weekend? Acting? Super. I want you to do this for me . . ." and the list began.

Aubrey was dumbfounded.

"But I didn't receive a callback" she stated in protest.

The woman looked at her and smiled. "I'm giving you a callback. Right now."

We looked at each other with squeals in our eyes! The Lord had descended upon the scene and performed a MIRACLE! Aubrey had faced the giants . . .the giants of decision in the department of 'how to respond to disappointment.'

First giant: down.

Now to continue our trek.

Agent after agent met with us. Israel presented himself to each one fresh. Instructions were given. Notes were taken.

Aubrey faded in and out as we did so. One moment elated, the next disappointment sought to take over again. With only one agent left to see, she dismissed herself to the ladies room.

Israel sat before the man and began the now familiar discussion. "Israel, tell me why you are here."

"Well," Israel began. "I originally came because of my sister. Acting is her passion. . ."

The agent interrupted. "You have a sister here? Just a minute. What is her number? Ah ~ yes . . .I had made a few notes. Where is she now?" as his eyes travelled our family unit.

Aubrey had not yet returned. Israel's interaction with the man continued.

Almost finished, Aubrey walked into the room.

"Hello, Aubrey. I'm Mr. Smith. I'd like you to prepare a three minute monologue and put it on DVD for me . . ."