NEVER GIVE UP!

NEVER GIVE UP!

In any arena of life, perseverance is paramount.  Consider the life experiences of Sylvester Stallone.  Although he did not win his recent Oscar bid for the movie, “Creed,” his story is fascinating and inspiring.  Of course, there were stumbles along the way, as is the case with all of us.

Stallone shot to fame in the movie “Rocky,” which produced a series of sequels that were box office bonanzas.  Although most people consider Sly Stallone’s semi-slurred speech and snarling look to be an acting affect, both were the result of a facial nerve that was severed during his birth.  Stallone grew up in New York’s gritty Hell’s Kitchen and spent his early years bouncing between foster families.  He was an outcast at school due to his facial deformities, and was sent to a high school for troubled kids.  There he was voted “most likely to end up in the electric chair.”

Stallone attended college, but eventually turned his attention to acting.  He didn’t meet with much success, so he worked at a local deli throughout most of his twenties.  Before “Rocky” made him a star, he was so poor that he sold his wife’s jewelry and his beloved dog for $25.  He wound up living in a bus shelter.

Stallone’s break came after he went to a boxing match in which an unknown underdog, Chuck Wepner, managed to get through 15 rounds with the world champion, Muhammed Ali.  Stallone was so excited about it that, within three days, he wrote the first draft of “Rocky.”  When he tried selling it to various studios, there was no immediate interest.  But one studio saw the script as a great vehicle for a big star, like Robert Redford or Burt Reynolds, and offered to buy it.  Stallone refused to sell, unless he was given the title role.  That studio kept offering more, on the condition that Stallone would not act in the movie.  Each time Stallone refused, even when $325,000 was on the table, the highest amount that had ever been offered for a movie script.  

Despite having just $106 in the bank, Stallone refused to give up or give in.  “I knew that if I took the money I’d regret it for the rest of my life,” said Stallone.  “And the story was all about taking that golden shot when you finally get it.”

The studio eventually gave in and bought the script for just $35,000, with Stallone working as a screen writer (without a fee) and cast in the lead role for very low wages.  Although the movie had been reduced to low budget production, “Rocky” became a massive silver screen hit and won the Oscar for best picture.  Stallone became a perennial movie star and the rest is history.

My friend, it’s always too soon to give up – because it’s never too late to fulfill your dream.  Encourage yourself. (I Samuel 30:6)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!