Above The Line Article:
"Will you be ready
when your dream calls you?"
By Erik Carlson
I flew in to Bob Hope Airport in Burbank the morning of
the event, where I was asked to open with 15 minutes of
Comedy Magic for a 600-person Celebrity Gala fundraiser.
This was for an amazing non-profit organization and clinic
called ‘Pregnancy Counseling Center,’ where
they serve women; talking them out of having an abortion
and pouring into these beautiful women’s lives.
 My
good friend, Jim Caviezel, picked up Renee and myself from
the airport. You may recognize Jim’s name… Yes,
he is the actor who played Jesus in Mel Gibson’s ‘Passion
of the Christ.’ Jim was best man in our wedding. By
the way, he is starring in a Television series called “The
Prisoner,” and you can see the trailer here: http://blogs.amctv.com/the-prisoner/sneak-peeks-and/
So, Jim asks me “Did my wife talk to you?”
And I said “Yes, last night.” He said “uh
oh…Our M.C. has come down with laryngitis, so we would
like you to M.C. the ENTIRE EVENT!” So I said “Of
course… I thrive in these situations!”
 With
six hours notice, I hit it hard, preparing transitions,
introductions for Laura Ingraham, an amazing conservative
political speaker; a man named Jimmy Weldon, who is the
last living voice from the Yogi Bear show. He’s in
his 80’s but had more energy than anyone I know; and
others.
This newsletter title implies that my dream called me that
night. It’s true. I knew I had it in me, but hadn’t
had the chance to be Master of Ceremonies for such a prestigious
event. When my number was called, my past four years of
hard preparation allowed me the confidence to deliver a
home run. Taking any and every non-paying gig for all ages,
to sharpen my skills and gain experience. I don’t
say this to brag. I say it out of extreme humility that
I was blessed enough to have that opportunity.
For an entertainer, it’s always a kick in the pants
to see celebrities like Gary Sinise in the second row gut
laughing at my material. But, if I’m being honest,
when that fat mortgage is calling, business is slow, doubts
and fears creep in on my dreams, it has been tempting to
‘put it on the shelf,’ and focus on less ‘eternal’
things. It may be hard for some of you to see the eternal
perspective in making people laugh, but it’s my calling.
Your calling has ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE!!! When you passionately
fight for your dreams, not only are you are making a great
impact for generations to come, you are also experiencing
a slice of heaven. People near you witness that and get
inspired. KEEP UP THE FIGHT! Be ready when your dream taps
you on the shoulder and says “Here I am… Let’s
do this…”
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