It’s Never Too Late: Make The Next Act Of Your Life The Best Act Of Your LifeSample

 It’s Never Too Late to Never Give Up 

When I left Oral Roberts University in 1975 to move to Los Angeles, I decided to give myself one year to make it in a business that I had already been warned was brutal. I found a tiny, cheap rental apartment and got a C-list agent to begin making the rounds. Even with years of performance experience behind me, I was woefully ill-prepared for the critical beating you receive when you audition for commercials, film, television, or even industrial shows.

After six months, discouragement set in, which negatively affected my auditions. Despite my attempts to stay optimistic, I cried myself to sleep many a night, pleading with the Lord to break through for me. Finally, I had to get a real job, so I began working as a hostess at the El Torito Mexican restaurant on Ventura Boulevard in a neighborhood outside of Los Angeles. Honest work, of course, but depressing.

I was one week away from my self-imposed deadline of one year to “make it” when I auditioned for six new commercials. To my utter astonishment I was chosen for five of the six commercials, but due to scheduling conflicts, I could only book three of them. I cried into the phone when I called my parents to tell them that I was actually, finally, on my way to a real career. It was a start, but I needed to break into a series of some sort where I could gain stability in this crazy, completely unpredictable industry.

My agent called me about a new game show at Ralph Edwards Productions. When I arrived I was the only one waiting to audition. I launched into the songs I had prepared and when I had barely finished the legendary producer Ralph Edwards walked over to me to shake my hand. “Welcome to Name That Tune” he graciously said. I was stunned. In an instant, my entire life changed. The trajectory of my career went through the roof and nothing would ever be the same. That’s showbiz. 

As I walked through the gate at the NBC Studios in Burbank for the first time with my agent and parents, past the security guard who greeted me warmly, I whispered this prayer: “Dear Jesus, I know my life is about to change. Thank You, Lord, for this amazing new chapter in my life. Please help me to treat every single person I meet exactly the same—from the executive producers to the guard at the gate. And I will give You all the praise.”

A few weeks later we wrapped the season, and I headed to the car in the parking lot feeling elated. It had gone well. I hadn’t made one mistake in two hundred songs. I was on my way. My daddy came up after me, and the same security guard stopped him. “Mr. Epstein,” he said, “I just want you to know that every time your daughter came through the gate, love came with her.” “Thank you, kindly,” my daddy answered with tears in his eyes.

Thank You, Jesus, for the reminder that it’s never too late to never give up. 

Respond

What dreams has God given you for your life? 

How can you honor God while working toward goals you believe He has given you?

Who can encourage you and give you wise counsel as you seek God’s purpose for your life?