We talked and he apologized..... ever since I started the Radio Disney NBT Journey, I have experienced a change in my life in how people respond to me. People open up to me and tell me problems in their life. But, what most of them do not understand is that they are really no different then me.
People think I have it made and I have a perfect life. My life is not perfect, and I am not even a signed artist at this point. I have people asking me, "How does it feel to be famous?" I am not famous, I am just Zack.
If it is in God's plan and if I am lucky enough, and I work hard enough, then maybe I will have a recording contract. Right now it all boils down to me just being part of a singing competition, which I am entirely grateful for. The platform that I am on is fantastic. And I would not trade it for anything in the world.
But, my family has sacrificed so much for me. Emotionally and Financially..... I am not rich, I live in a modest single family home in a middle class neighborhood. I grew up with my sister and older brother in Tampa, FL.
In 2007, my mom & dad decided to come out to Los Angeles for a few months for me and my sister to pursue a dream. I used to sing and dance since I was little. But, I never had a vocal lesson... it was just me singing along to songs on The Disney Channel.
If it is in God's plan and if I am lucky enough, and I work hard enough, then maybe I will have a recording contract. Right now it all boils down to me just being part of a singing competition, which I am entirely grateful for. The platform that I am on is fantastic. And I would not trade it for anything in the world.
But, my family has sacrificed so much for me. Emotionally and Financially..... I am not rich, I live in a modest single family home in a middle class neighborhood. I grew up with my sister and older brother in Tampa, FL.
In 2007, my mom & dad decided to come out to Los Angeles for a few months for me and my sister to pursue a dream. I used to sing and dance since I was little. But, I never had a vocal lesson... it was just me singing along to songs on The Disney Channel.
It was very exciting, especially seeing the Hollywood sign for the first time. But, it was not easy. I can not even tell you how many coaching lessons me and my sister went to. How many auditions, one after another. Sometimes 2 a day.
It gets to a point where you just accept being rejected. Sometimes, that just becomes negative, because you just expect to be rejected and you never really think you are going to get anything. It becomes a thrill to get a call back.
My sister and I had limited success, we had done a few commercials and a music video. But, nothing earth shattering.
The first few months in Los Angeles we stayed in a one bedroom apartment above a garage. And the rent was as much money as a 6 bedroom house that we had in Tampa. It was not easy at all.
There were times when I cried, I saw my parents cry, my sister cry. There were times when I did not have hope.
In January of 2008, my family for the first time started to go to Church every week. My Dad was saved and life seemed to gradually get better. Little by little things started to happen in my life.
Now looking back, I see every disappointment as just something that is part of God's Plan. I look back at my Journey and I see how everything that happened to me has led me to where I am right now.
Which is why I have total trust in God, for his plan for me. I know he wants me to help be a role model for kids my age. If I can help people in some way, then that is my purpose. God is using the talents he gave me to help others through my music.
It gets to a point where you just accept being rejected. Sometimes, that just becomes negative, because you just expect to be rejected and you never really think you are going to get anything. It becomes a thrill to get a call back.
My sister and I had limited success, we had done a few commercials and a music video. But, nothing earth shattering.
The first few months in Los Angeles we stayed in a one bedroom apartment above a garage. And the rent was as much money as a 6 bedroom house that we had in Tampa. It was not easy at all.
There were times when I cried, I saw my parents cry, my sister cry. There were times when I did not have hope.
In January of 2008, my family for the first time started to go to Church every week. My Dad was saved and life seemed to gradually get better. Little by little things started to happen in my life.
Now looking back, I see every disappointment as just something that is part of God's Plan. I look back at my Journey and I see how everything that happened to me has led me to where I am right now.
Which is why I have total trust in God, for his plan for me. I know he wants me to help be a role model for kids my age. If I can help people in some way, then that is my purpose. God is using the talents he gave me to help others through my music.
But, I can promise you that. I am just like you. I have feelings like you do. Everyone of us all have a heart and we all have feelings. We are all made out of flesh. I am not better then anyone. Which is why I just love what I do so much.
I have some advice after thinking about this with my mom and dad. After talking and praying, I came up with some scriptures with my parents help. And I think if all of you, follow these scriptures, your life will start to make sense, your hope will be restored and you can start to believe in your dreams.
First, we all experience hard times in today's world. We all have difficulties.... none of us are exempt from them. Hard times come and go.... in James 1:2-4 it says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
God tells us that we will have difficulties in life. And that when we do have difficulties that we should be glad, because it is a testing of our faith and blessings are on the way. Even if we do not understand it now. We have to have faith that God's plan for us is perfect.
Which, is the Second Verse I want to share. Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
God works all things for good as long as we follow him and love him. Even if you don't know why, you should know he is working it for ultimate good in your life.
You have to understand that there are seasons in our life. There are times when we experience disappointments and hurt, but we also experience happiness, and victory.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 Says,
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:" Read the rest Ecclesiastes 3:2-8
Just because we are 13 or 14 years old. Doesn't mean we have to have the weight of the world on our shoulders. I know a lot of you see me in NBT and think that you life is horrible. That you will never be able to see your dreams come true." Well please realize, you have the rest of your life ahead of you. And maybe now is not your season, but one day it will be. That is why, you can never give up.
A lot of you feel like you are always fighting some sort of battle. It could be bully's or it could be problems at home. Or people telling you that you can not do something. But, you can.... Remember this.... In I Peter 5:8 it says, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." This is making you aware that there is evil in this world, who is out to destroy and rob you from your dreams and your happiness. When you recognize this, know that it is not the bully, it is not the person who has no time for you, it is not a teacher who may yell at you. OR a coach. It is the enemy trying to destroy your goodness. And that same enemy is trying to destroy the bully's goodness. Everyone is good, it is how we deal with the enemy who tries to destroy.
You can win by praying and recognizing where this comes from. Don't lose your faith or hope. Your life can be what you make it.
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
But, you have to believe it and you can do it. You have to ask God and you have to ask him with the right intentions. If it aligns with his will, those things will be granted to you. James 4:2a-3, "you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss."
I have some advice after thinking about this with my mom and dad. After talking and praying, I came up with some scriptures with my parents help. And I think if all of you, follow these scriptures, your life will start to make sense, your hope will be restored and you can start to believe in your dreams.
First, we all experience hard times in today's world. We all have difficulties.... none of us are exempt from them. Hard times come and go.... in James 1:2-4 it says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
God tells us that we will have difficulties in life. And that when we do have difficulties that we should be glad, because it is a testing of our faith and blessings are on the way. Even if we do not understand it now. We have to have faith that God's plan for us is perfect.
Which, is the Second Verse I want to share. Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
God works all things for good as long as we follow him and love him. Even if you don't know why, you should know he is working it for ultimate good in your life.
You have to understand that there are seasons in our life. There are times when we experience disappointments and hurt, but we also experience happiness, and victory.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 Says,
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:" Read the rest Ecclesiastes 3:2-8
Just because we are 13 or 14 years old. Doesn't mean we have to have the weight of the world on our shoulders. I know a lot of you see me in NBT and think that you life is horrible. That you will never be able to see your dreams come true." Well please realize, you have the rest of your life ahead of you. And maybe now is not your season, but one day it will be. That is why, you can never give up.
A lot of you feel like you are always fighting some sort of battle. It could be bully's or it could be problems at home. Or people telling you that you can not do something. But, you can.... Remember this.... In I Peter 5:8 it says, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." This is making you aware that there is evil in this world, who is out to destroy and rob you from your dreams and your happiness. When you recognize this, know that it is not the bully, it is not the person who has no time for you, it is not a teacher who may yell at you. OR a coach. It is the enemy trying to destroy your goodness. And that same enemy is trying to destroy the bully's goodness. Everyone is good, it is how we deal with the enemy who tries to destroy.
You can win by praying and recognizing where this comes from. Don't lose your faith or hope. Your life can be what you make it.
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
But, you have to believe it and you can do it. You have to ask God and you have to ask him with the right intentions. If it aligns with his will, those things will be granted to you. James 4:2a-3, "you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss."
I could go on and on. It is all right there for us to read. God turned my family's life around. When I do not feel great or had a bad day, I pray about it, but I also know that there is always an answer in God.
I am not judging anyone or trying to push religion on anyone. I am just trying to say what has worked for me and to give you some comfort. We are all teenagers and we all basically have the same issues. So, never give up hope or your faith. You will get through whatever hard time you think you are feeling.
I am not judging anyone or trying to push religion on anyone. I am just trying to say what has worked for me and to give you some comfort. We are all teenagers and we all basically have the same issues. So, never give up hope or your faith. You will get through whatever hard time you think you are feeling.
A little over 4 years ago, we moved to L.A. with a dream. My parents took us to The Chinese Theatre and we saw the Hollywood sign for the first time. Just a few short weeks ago, I was performing for Radio Disney, underneath a billboard with my photo on it. Dreams do come true. If I can do it so can you. Whether it is sports, music or if you want to be a Doctor, or even the next Steve Jobs. Always have hope and never give up. And never let anyone tell you that you can't!
Always your friend!
Zack
Always your friend!
Zack
