Creative Warriors: Lessons from Charlie Kirk on Battle Preparation by IW Global Director, Katheen Cooke

Creative Warriors: Lessons from Charlie Kirk on Battle Preparation by IW Global Director, Katheen Cooke

Journal

With the recent tragic death of Charlie Kirk, many are realizing that we continue to be caught in a spiritual battle for our culture and a Biblical worldview. Those battles are often played out in the media and affect the careers of artists who want to maintain a Biblical foundation and worldview. Working as a believer of Christ in the media and entertainment industry is a constant battle on many levels. Audition, pitch your script or project, network, audition and pitch again, write some more, and then do it all over again and again. You just keep stabbing it out with seemingly no results. Life in the arts and creative field takes grit, and the battle never ends. And wanting to uphold a Biblical worldview as a Christian is even more challenging.

Yet, even if you have a trophy case of awards to show for your work, talent, and success, with each project or production ending, you start from scratch – ground zero, fighting for the “next.”  You train yourself to stay and think positively and trust someone is out there thinking and cheering for you, thinking about you for that next job, and will be in the trenches for you. But are they? The industry requires a life of humility and endurance. And as a Christian, it is imperative to have your feet firmly planted in scripture and an intimate engagement with God. It also takes others supporting you with their words of encouragement, prayers, and willingness to stand and keep cheering for you as you battle on. That’s why The Influence Lab and Influence Women were created. But it also means you have to be prepared for the kind of battle you are actually fighting. Is it a spiritual battle? Or is the battle a result of an “out of line” choice that has resulted in a struggle you created for yourself? 

“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” Proverbs 21:31

Whether a spiritual battle or one that you created due to your choices, what’s your responsibility and duty? God calls you to be ready, disciplined, and stay diligent. He instructs us to stick with His plan and not ours. And…compromising is not permitted in the wait. Elijah hid in a cave until the smoke cleared from his prophecy that put a price on his life from King Ahab. Joseph was thrown into a pit for a time, David had to run for his life twice, and Daniel was in a lion’s den. Was God teaching all of them lessons and giving them wisdom during these times? Did God provide? Yes. Was it challenging? Yes. But each of them trusted God, and they were victorious in the end. Victory is mine, says God – 1 Corinthians 15:57.

Faith is liberating, and uncompromised faith is rewarded.  (more…)

INNER VIEW with Kelsey Cooke

INNER VIEW with Kelsey Cooke

Inner Views

Kelsey Cooke grew up acting professionally in Hollywood, signing with her first agent at the age of 7. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts from Vanguard University and pursued a Broadway, TV, and Film career in New York upon graduating. Her work eventually brought her back to Hollywood, where she co-founded thisishardtoread productions and is an award-winning producer, writer, and actor in the award-winning feature comedy/mockumentary film RE-OPENING. Favorite career highlights include: LIFE PARTNERS (Tribeca & Sundance Film Festival), BLACK NOVEMBER (Vivica Fox), PAN AM (ABC), ROYAL PAINS (USA), BAD TEACHER (CBS), and THE VERONICA MARS MOVIE.

Kathleen Cooke: OK full disclosure – you are my oldest daughter and the new Influence Women Nashville Chapter Director. I could tell lots about you…but I’ll let you tell us a bit about yourself.

Kelsey Cooke: I am co-founder of thisishardtoread productions with my husband, Chris. We create comedies with heart. I’m a producer, writer, director, and actor – not necessarily all at the same time, hah! I began in the industry as an actor at 7 years old in Hollywood and came up through the industry working not only in LA but after college in New York, working on stage and Broadway musicals before moving back to LA in 2013 as an actress and producer.

Kathleen: How and why have you gotten involved with Influence Women as the new Nashville Chapter Coordinator?

Kelsey: I recently moved to the greater Nashville area for the main purpose of collaborating with like-minded industry professionals. I was tired of waiting for some “big break” that would never come, and after producing my own feature film during the pandemic, I realized the Hollywood industry is so much bigger than the box we put it in. Nashville was the place where I felt called to create a movement with people who feel the same way. I know the multiple challenges of a career in the media and entertainment and the importance of collaboration with the right people and having a community of people who support each other not only in their work but in their faith.

Kathleen: When is the Influence Women Nashville launch, and what’s happening?

Kelsey: We are going to start gathering women on November 9th who are excited to get involved with our mission – to bring women in the industry together who want to encourage, uplift, and empower each other and align their media career with their faith and values. Let’s get to know each other and think of others who would also like to have a local community of creators. Please reach out if you would like to be a part of this initial group.

If you want to connect with Kelsey and Influence Women Nashville, reach out to her at: nashville@influencewomen.org.

Follow Kelsey: 
Website: thisishardtoreadproductions.com
Instagram: @kelseycookeofficial