Angie, the Builder: Thoughts from observation
Are you a builder or a breaker?
As a Love Advocate, I am often brought into spaces to help others navigate through conflict. In recent years, I have been invited into the realm of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. When having discussions surrounding togetherness, most times, I am challenged with someone’s attempt to justify their intentions versus acknowledging the offenses that were present. Sadly, this pattern of behavior typically results in a widening divide. Then, there are some, no matter how challenging, who are committed to becoming better and are truly invested in the collective we.
I have been fortunate to witness this example of humanitarianism through Angie Staheli. In 2017, Angie experienced astronomical success with the original Finding Patience. She, like many of us, was not prepared for the journey it would take us. Honestly, most of us were just signing up for local community theater, not knowing that we would experience 11 sold-out shows and permanently become a part of the town of Holly Springs. Like with anything new, there were a lot of things that could have been better. Those needs still didn’t take away from the impact of the original production.
However, for me, it was what Angie did after the show that impressed me the most. Angie could have easily rode the coattail of success of the original, but she decided to spend nearly 4 years improving personally and professionally to bring even more substance, accuracy, and creative flair to the production. Angie enlisted the help of several historians, spent time in various communities, and even got involved in personal development trainings as an attempt to remove any unintentional preference in nature, story, or presentation. Angie sought out creative ways to find funding to compensate her team and cast for their commitment.
Just when I thought I was impressed by Angie’s character, she found another way to inspire me about people and living. Even with all of the work that she has done to right any wrong, some people choose to only focus on what was wrong. Yes, some people struggle to forgive or extend grace within error; whereas, Angie didn’t struggle to love them. Angie embodied a level of love to pursue kindness despite the treatment she received. She understands that her work will speak for her and her character.
She understands that your purpose doesn’t change because of human dynamics. She understands that good should be seen and stories of the unheard should be told. Finding Patience has never been about a play or even the history of one town. It has always been a bridge to bring people together, a movement to inspire belonging, and a voice for the voiceless. None of this would be possible if the playwright lacked the moral compass of compassion for humanity. Supporting this play is supporting more than the arts, it’s supporting the social consciousness of humaneness.
As the song lyrics of the Be A Builder pinned by Angie Staheli, she also embodies them …
“No matter what life hands you, stand for right and stand up tall!”
About Finding Patience the Musical
Finding Patience is making its way back to the mainstage in June of 2022, but this time, as a musical! Finding Patience – The Musical captures all of the elements that we loved so much about the original production, but adds the layers of music, singing, and dance. Adapted into a musical by Playwright and Lyricist Angie Ottosen-Staheli (Local Legacy Productions) and remarkably talented Composer Jeremy Phillips (Solace Theatre), Finding Patience – The Musical features moving music, stirring songs, expressive dancing, and more than enough heart to bring Holly Springs history back to life.
Love Is A Parable- an initiative and movement that later became an organization within itself. Love is A Parable is a DBA and subsidiary of Altar and Dwelling Place, Inc. We are a charitable and an educational 501c3 organization, who provide character, social, and leadership development to those who have an aspiration toward unity, love, and kindness through a reflective thinking approach and sacred-box theory.
J. Dwayne Garnett, BSRT, MHA, QP
Chief Executive Officer
Love Is A Parable
Available for Empowerment Speaking Engagements, Consultations, Uncovering Sessions, and Instruction.
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