Curve Balls [ That's Life ! ]

So, I guess it is to be expected that the moment you decide to do something, obstacles will emerge to test your commitment.  Today is my second day on my cleanse and I have encountered just that.  I can handle the cravings and temptations of food; however, now life is beginning to throw some curve balls.  Last night, my car wouldn't start after work and took forever to turn on today.  I thought I would have to replace my battery, but it turns out it just needed to be screwed down tighter.  In addition to car trouble, I found out that my grandmother is in the hospital.  She should be released tomorrow, and for that I am thankful.  But it just feels like as soon as I decide to work on cleansing my mind, body, and soul, life has begun to test my dedication.  LMAO, I need a drink and a burger to cope.  But I shall refrain.

~Lorenz

Cleanse [ That's Life! ]

If it takes all this to cleanse one's body...

...imagine what it takes to cleanse one's mind and heart!

~Lorenz

No Time Like the Present [ That's Life! ]

At a certain point, we sometimes have to admit that we do not love ourselves as much as we pretend to.  We look for acceptance and affirmation from others because we do not value or appreciate ourselves as much as much as we should.  I have struggled with insecurity for as long as I can remember and truly understand how uncomfortable it can be living in ones own skin.  Very often, I allow myself to feel like I am not good enough.  Not good enough to be loved.  Not good enough for success.  Not good enough to manifest every dream I harbor in my heart.

As each New Year presents a great opportunity for change, I have spent a lot of time thinking about who I am and what I want my life to be.  I am determined to reach a point where I treat every day like New Year’s Day.  I want each day to represent the best of my efforts to build the future I truly want to walk into.  Each morning, I want to wake up with excitement for the day ahead.  Each night, I want to go to sleep knowing that if I didn’t wake up, I would be satisfied with how I spent my last day on Earth.

For every dream and crazy ambition, I am beginning to look at myself and say:  If not me, then who?  If not now, then when?  I am fearlessly and marvelously made, crafted by The Great I Am.  And since tomorrow is never promised, I will live each day in integrity and love, and I will enjoy each moment as a blessing from above.

~Lorenz

Moving Towards My Dreams

Today I finished reading Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist.  It’s amazing how God always finds a way to give you exactly what you need at exactly the right time.  Coelho’s fictional novel of a Shepard boy’s journey to fulfill his “Personal Legend” is an extraordinary story of truth, love, wisdom, and empowerment.  Just yesterday, I was asking God for direction, guidance for the choices I am making and the life I am building.  God is faithful and over the past few days he has truly been opening my eyes, mind, and heart to find inspiration and meaning in everything that I encounter.  I watched Beyonce’s The Year of 4 and her last quote of the film was this: 

“I’m learning how to drown out the constant noise that is such an inseparable part of my life.  I don’t have to prove anything to anyone.  I only have to follow my heart and concentrate on what I want to say to the world.  I run my world.”  

 I even had a random conversation with a stranger that seemed to echo and confirm the very things I’ve been tossing around in my spirit.  God is constantly developing my skills to be in tune with my heart and the world around me.  On of the greatest messages in The Alchemist is that when your heart makes a choice, the entire universe conspires to help you achieve your Personal Legend because when you succeed and become better the world succeeds and becomes better.  Each of us is intrinsically connected to God, each other, and the world around us.  When we truly begin to love ourselves and listen to our hearts we begin to see that God is working within us to help us manifest our greatest dreams.  In the end, it is He who receives the glory for our triumphs.

 ~Lorenz 

Gotta Have JoJo

I haven't really kept up with JoJo, but after hearing two songs that she has released this year (one single, one remix/cover) I will definitely be following her now.  It's amazing to see the growth in an artist.  Even when the subject matter is same (heartbreak and betrayal), you can still tell just how much she has matured.  Check out jojoonline.com and follow her via twitter @JoJoIsTheWay.

--2011--

--2006--

--2004--

Fighting in the Dark

I'm feeling really inspired this morning.  I know God has some amazing things in store for my life and I can't wait to see them come into fruition.  Sometimes I feel like I'm constantly on an emotional rollercoaster...but I'm learning to just live life and enjoy each moment for what it is.  I've been having a hard time sleeping the past few nights...my heart has been a little restless.  But last night was different.  I slept like a baby and woke up with a deep sense of peace.  I guess God heard my prayers and coddled me in his arms last night.  I'm so ready for anything and everything that God has planned for me.  Plus, I wrote a new song.  The lyrics are below, but you can hear the song on my Myspace page: myspace.com/lorenzbryant


My heartbeat inside tells me you are the one.

The feelings I have, no they can’t be ignored.

You’re telling me things and they’re coming out bad.

The look in your eyes, something’s holding you back.

You don’t wanna be here anymore.

So I don’t know if this is where our story ends.

Cause there’s no way that I could only be your friend.

I try to pull you closer but I’m fighting in the dark.

I should’ve seen it coming from the start.

There’s too many days and too many miles.

They keep us apart and my head’s spinning round.

I’d say it’s your fault but there’s no one to blame.

Our love was on fire yet we go down in flames.

It’s hard to tell the difference anymore.

So I don’t know if this is where our story ends.

Cause there’s no way that I could only be your friend.

I try to pull you closer but I’m fighting in the dark.

If you could only see what’s in my heart. 

Transition

With one month of classes under my belt, I'm feeling really confident about my choice to move to LA.  Our final project for the first month was a three minute film.  My group, Team Double Platinum, chose to create a film about the process of transition and the act of moving towards your future.  The dialogue uses my poem "The Call."  Hope you enjoy.

Take care,
Lorenz

* Film by ESS May 2011 Team Double Platinum
* Dialogue includes "The Call" by Lorenz Bryant
* Background music and song "Squalor Victoria" by The National

Last Day On Earth

All this hype about the world coming to an end…  Those that think we will ever be able to predict the day and time obviously haven’t been reading their Word.  When will they get it?  We have been living in the “Last Days” for more than two thousand years.  I am not here to dismiss what we have been taught, but rather to help bring clarity to the real point.  Christ came to deliver us through a powerful proclamation.  “A new command I give you:  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35 NIV-New International Version).  Coupled with the thought of Christ’s return, the message is clear:  LOVE URGENTLY!  There are no guarantees and tomorrow is never promised, so we should live each day as though it is our last.  But more importantly, we should love others each day as though it is our last.  What if the clock strikes and your time on Earth comes to an end?  Are you happy with your life and the path you have chosen?  Do those that matter to you know that you love them?  Is God’s love reflected in you and the life you live?  Days like these, where people want to focus on God’s judgment and swear that the world is coming to an end should never shake you.  If anything, we should take them as opportunities to check ourselves and reflect.  What if today really was my last?  My suggestion, take full advantage of the life you have been given and live it through love and integrity.

P.S.  I hear tomorrow holds a beautiful sunrise.  How about we all look forward to that!

~Lorenz 

*Artwork by Renzy Harris Bryant III

The Call

Transition.  Movement.  A life in motion pulled towards the unknown.  How does one prepare for greatness?  Is it innate…somehow woven into the fabric of our being?  Is it possible that our lives are not our own?  That perhaps some are destined to rise above the masses while others never really have a chance?  What causes a soul to become restless with the status quo…panicked at the thought of mediocrity? 

It is but a sound.  A faint tune that when heard takes root and refuses to let go.  The call is likened to the sweetest love song with promises of triumph and victory.  However, those blessed to hear it are often burdened to sing it alone. 

So how does one prepare for greatness?  Embrace change and welcome moments of transition.  Life is nothing more than a performance and the call is the rhythm to which we move.  Be guided by the melody.  Allow the sound to lead you to others that hear the song as well.

~Lorenz 

Who I Am

Deep inside, I have hidden my greatest dreams and aspirations.  Not for fear of failure, but for fear of rejection.  Prior to moving to LA, I had created a world that was safe.  I was an assistant manager at a retail store, I made a decent amount of money, and I was able to live pretty comfortably.  But I felt lost, trapped within myself.  For as long as I could remember, I had played it safe, and I was beginning to see just how unhappy I was going to be for the rest of my life.  I am not afraid of failure.  Exploring new things and taking chances excite me.  However, I am afraid of rejection.  What will people think if they really know me?  Will they laugh if they know the person that I want to be?  I have never really felt special.  I do consider myself talented…but I have always felt my skills were mediocre at best.  The world is full of talented people.  What makes me different?  My family is full of creative people.  Some who are better singers, better writers, better artists, better at business, and better at commanding a room.  I have allowed myself to hang out in the shadows.  I have allowed myself to take a backseat to those I see around me.  I am twenty-four and I have lived a great life.  I achieved honors in high school, went on to obtain my bachelors degree from a prestigious university, and began “making it” in the “real world.”  Yet none of that compares to the life that I see in my dreams.  I have taken the first step in changing my world by moving to Los Angeles; however, I have even played it safe in this move.  I have cloaked my true desires under the disguise of wanting to pursue higher education.  The cover story has been that I am getting my associates degree in recording arts and will then go on to get my masters in fine arts once I have residency in the state of California.  Although this is true, it is really secondary to the desires that truly burn within.  I want to be an icon in the worlds of entertainment, art, and literature.  Every since I was younger, I have been in love with music.  I love the way it makes me feel and the way that a single song can trigger an entire walk down memory lane.  I want to create music that touches people and will forever change their lives the way that music has changed mine.  I want to tour the world and visit new places.  I want to paint, draw, and release every emotion that I harbor within.  I want to write and create stories that help others to envision a world of endless possibilities.  I want to leave a legacy of love and integrity.  And I fully understand that none of my wants will become reality unless I am wiling to open up and share the gifts that God has given me.  I am the greatest story that has yet to be told.  I am a living, breathing, walking legend in the making.  I am more than capable of bringing all of my dreams to fruition.  I am intrinsically connected to THE GREAT I AM which means that I am all this and more. 

I am Lorenz.

Dreams, Fantasies, and Things Left In-Between

It's odd to think that I've only been in LA for a week.  It feels like so much longer.  It's a strange feeling to enter a place that instantly feels like home, yet still feels so foreign.  Hollywood is an entirely different beast than anything I've ever encountered.  Although everyone here has their own history and background, it seems that most share common dreams of fame, stardom, celebrity, or power.  The talent in this city is undeniable; yet it begs the question: "What does it really take to make it?"  It is obvious that talent alone cannot be the deciding factor.  It seems that drive and tenacity play a larger part.  It can be both inspiring and daunting to find so many talented people in one location.  Everyone wants to be an actor, model, singer, musician, writer, producer, etc.  However, it is clear that not all will see their dreams come to fruition.  For some, the fantasy of what they want their lives to be will never become reality.  So how do you cope when the passions that seemingly give you life cannot sustain the life you want to live?  I cannot speak for anyone else; but as for me, failure is not an option.  Failure is the acceptance of defeat.  But life is not a game of win or lose.  We are the architects of our own future.  With Gods grace, mercy, and favor...my empire awaits my arrival.  Stay tuned...the best is yet to come.

~Lorenz

Trading...Paradise?

It is very true that sometimes you just have to make do with what you have.  So, with little money and few options, you sometimes have to make do with situations that are less than desireable.  I moved to Hollywood, CA on a wing and a prayer so I knew it would be rough starting out.  But it's Hollywood.  You'd think it's all glitz, glamor, sun, and palm trees...right?  Wrong!  I learned quickly that sometimes you have to settle for two out of the four.

I got the sun and the palm trees, but there was definitely no glitz or glamor at the Banana Bungalow.

But for twenty-two dollars a night, it was to be expected.  They did have a free barbecue which made things a little better.  The hostel caters to out of country travelers and out of state visitors that have proof of recent travel.  Nonetheless, you do what you have to do.

Today I moved into my new place.  It's not much, and I still have to share the space, but at least it's only one other person.  Plus, the apartment complex only assigns other students as your roommate.  Gone are the days of having my own condo...the dorm days are here again!

~Lorenz

The Morning After

...The Morning After is usually the time in which the reality of the previous day's actions finally sink in.  Whether it be guilt or shame for poorly made decisions or pride and joy for victorious conquests.  Regardless of what the emotion is...the morning after usually hits you like a ton of bricks.  I actually woke up with the feeling that I had overslept for work...only to realize I'm not in Virginia anymore.  It's really hard to describe how I feel right now...just trying to take it all in.

~Lorenz

A New Life Begins

Gazing out across the sky, with a view so far above it all, it becomes easier to comprehend the magnitude of God’s creation.  The greatness of God’s power is unmistakable.  From the ground, it is easy to forget that we live in a world with BILLIONS of other people.  It is easy to miss just how massive God’s scope and reach truly is.  To design and set all this in motion while still guiding and looking after each of us individually…  We have truly made God too small, and in doing so, we have sold ourselves short of the immense inheritance that God offers us.  The visions we hold for our lives become narrow and limited by the status quo that we cling to from day-to-day.  We forget how powerful we truly are as children of God.  I love that I am moving to LA on this Resurrection Sunday.  At this very moment, I am sitting on a plane, being taken across the country to where my new life will begin.  Over the past few weeks I have been a ball of mixed emotions.  Happy, sad, excited, overwhelmed…calm.  All I know is that I will be studying Recording Arts at the Los Angeles Film School.  EVERY other detail is still in motion.  However, as each piece begins to fall into place, I know that God has a plan for my life.  God’s hand in my life becomes that much more tangible.  I truly believe that each day we get to choose the person that we want to be and the life we want to live.  Today I begin a new life.  I begin a life with unlimited potential, a life that knows no boundaries to God’s love, a life that knows no boundaries to the power of God in me.  I have been reborn…resurrected.

~Lorenz