Leadership

Striking Out

That means as long as he gets a hit 3 out of the 10 times he steps up to the plate, he’s doing a pretty good job. He could literally strike out and fall flat on his face the other 7 times and he’s still got a solid average. There aren’t many careers out there that celebrate a 30% success rate and that got me thinking of all the strike outs in my career. You see, I work in an industry where rejection is the norm. Most of us would be happy to be batting .100 in this league.

“You’re too pretty. You’re not pretty enough. You seem so sweet. Could you be less snarky? Don’t tell people your age. You talk too fast. Pick up the pacing. You should really lose your accent. You’re great, I just don’t think you’re right for this role.”

Each of those statements preceded a swing and a miss in the audition room. More often than not, the answer is “No.” It’s enough to send any batter into a spiraling slump of shame. The film industry can be superficial, mean, and unfair. (Hey, so can life for that matter). All the expectations and labels we shackle ourselves to are nothing more than numbers we plug into a formula. Statistics, just like a batting average. But here’s the thing, great hitters are more than just a batting average. Yogi Berra, for example, had a career average of just .285 but had over 1,400 RBIs. Then there’s David Ortiz, arguably the best clutch hitter of all time, who’s had seasons with averages .200 or below but just had his 20th walk-off hit.

Acting is a lot like baseball. You’re going to get thrown some curves, you’re gonna get some hits, you’re gonna strike out from time to time, and (let’s be honest) sometimes there are gonna be bad calls. It’s all part of the game, you shake it off, open the good book and remind yourself who you truly are. Your worth is so much greater than your next big hit (or miss).

When you build your identity in Christ you can face those slumps with purpose and perspective.

3 Scriptures to Remember During Your Next Strikeout:

1. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

Blue just called strike 3 and the pitch was clearly a foot outside the plate. You know it, the catcher knows it, and the guy in the bleachers in right field knows it. It was a bad call but you know the strike zone. Every now and then people’s words are going to beat you up. Your faith will grow stronger when you focus on your identity in Christ. Forget any image of yourself that is not from God, stop believing what others have to say about you, how they label or define you, and start believing what God has to say about you.

2. “So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:5

Ever seen a rookie so eager to swing for the fence that he anxiously misses a slow knuckle ball right in the sweet spot? Pride comes before a fall. Humbly submit your gifts to the work of His hand that you may serve the good of many.

3. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

If the Yankees hadn’t lost the ALCS in 2004, the Red Sox would have never broken the curse of the Bambino. I’m just saying. Seriously though, in the midst of disappointment, rejections, and despair, we have God’s unchanging promise. Trust His divine providence and know that He is working for your good.

My Strikeout Prayer:
Lord, you know how easily I can be distracted by the way the world sees me. I pray that you protect my heart, guard me from the deception of my emotions. Help me to clearly see myself the way that you do. When it feels like I’ve struck out, please give me peace and clarity. Let your standards for me be the only ones I strive to reach. I submit my gifts to work for your goodness and trust in your plan for my life. In Jesus name, Amen.

ASHLEY BRATCHER
Actress / Writer / Producer
Wilmington, NC
ashleybratcher.com