YOUR CURTAIN CALL
by Shauna Brown
Scene 1: Enter stage left • Rick and Shauna. Ralph sitting by bed reading to Miriam.
As we entered the room Ralph was sitting close by the side of the bed a reading stories from“Chicken Soup for the Soul,” to my sister.
Yesterday Rick and I spent several hours at the hospital with my sister Miriam who is 83 years young. Between the heart attack, broken arm from falling on the ice, horrible bronchitis, rendered her curled up on the bed. Life looked a bit bleak and depressing.
Miriam has played an important role in my life. One might say I grew up in her shadow, off stage a bit with twenty years between us. A talented woman who has accomplished much in her lifetime. She has used her talents to bless the lives of her children, and serving the Lord. Many of you may have seen her, and her husband Carl acting the parts of Adam and Eve in the Salt Lake Temple. Through thick and thin Miriam has strives to be positive. She has faced many challenges that I know have tested her courage, strength, purpose and trust in God. One only has to review some of paths of her life to realize she had to learn to have faith in God. Cancer came knocking, divorce, finishing college while raising six children and teaching piano to maintain the financial needs of the family. Too many ups and downs to count, too many boulders to push aside, but through it all she smiled and prayed for better days.
Scene II: Enter stage right • Brother Alfred.
While there my older brother Alfred arrived at the hospital. Alfred is going through his own challenges of life and yet he came to cheer, love and give courage, and instill an extra measure of worth to his sister, Miriam.
I stood by and watched as three men place their hands upon Miriam's head, annointing her with oil. I listened as Alfred was voice in the prayer and extended words of comfort. What a blessing it is to feel of God’s touch is in our lives.
Scene IV: Shauna & Rick : Exit stage left, and time to play my part else where.
For years now my life has been seasoned with the writing of scripts, monologues, plays and stories. It has been a blessing to give breathe to characters and see them come alive. The leading roles, the supporting parts, the extras give texture to the story, which in the writing is a rewarding adventure.
I remember being a young girl and hearing Pres. David O. McKay relate over the pulpit of the event that changed his life and way of living. While he and his companion were serving their missions in Scotland they happened upon a broken down dwelling with a stone positioned over the doorway. The stone has words inscribed upon it. David told his companion that he was going to see what it said. While he was walking up the gravel walkway the words came into view. On the stone was the following saying:
“Whate’er Thou Are Art, Act Well Thy Part.”
These few words became a motto to David. Interesting they became of great value in my life as well. It was revealed at an early age that I loved to act, or be the center of attention.
Studying Shakespeare -I loved the line by Jaques in Act II Scene VII from the stage play, As You Like It.
“All the world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances.”
Yes, stage right, stage left.... you and I are part of a great cast. The world is our stage and all of us are actors. Some have leading roles, while others, no less, play the supporting parts. Entrances, exits, are all timed and blocked according to the masterful direction of God.
On stage when speaking lines are forgotten the actors have a ‘prompter’ who whispers their pick-up lines. In real life we don’t have that blessing. Once we say our lines of life, it is forever held.
“Memories are like binders in which we collect the feelings
of our hearts. “ ~ Shauna Brown
Perhaps it was the lessons taught by my parents, or the words shared by a teacher who stressed that it is impossible to erase some of lifes experiences, the harsh words or hurts. We understand we can forgive and be forgiven, but seldom is anything forgotten.
Mother Teresa shared: “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
Academy and golden awards are bestowed to those who are have won the critics choice, who are believed to be the most deserving. Actors and artists who have demonstrated their excellence of performance. Best supporting actors are equally recognized.
Seldom does one see the retakes,the wasted film, the hours of rehearsals, the numerous times the scene was taken over and over again. We see the finished product, the best that’s possible. Trust me, seldom it is a one time take.
In our daily scripts of life I have found it most difficult to return, rehearse or reblock the scenes. Rewinding, backing up, reliving is impossible. Our actions, the sound of our voice, the words shared-- truly do define us. Acting well our parts is recorded for all time... but mostly within the silent chambers of our heart.
“Words once spoken can never be recalled.” –Wentworth Dillan
So, whatever scene or act you find yourself in this day. Choose to live it deliberately with purpose and kindness. We will all come to the understanding that God, our maker is very aware of our entrances and exits. All of us need to be the best of supporting actors who cheer on one another, give standing ovations, and additional applause as needed.
There are meant to be those moments when we are upstaged or called to wait patiently in the wings. There is a time and place for all.
You see, in the end, the concluding act of life, when the curtain calls-- there is one who stands ready to offer the best of lines:
“Well, done thou good and faithful.” Enter in Stage Right
Enjoy the sabbath this day . . . with a cherry on top!
Love to all
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