THURSDAY THOUGHTS: THE GOSPEL, ART, AND THE ARTIST

A Facebook friend, who has demonstrated more heart and concern for the Gospel Music Industry than anyone I've ever met, wrote in a recent post, "The Gospel music industry has a number of great conferences. Do we need a conference specifically to help Gospel artists better their spiritual lives?"

I shook my head, and thought, "Who doesn't need to better their spiritual lives-- no matter what their vocation is? 

Why single out artists? They're visible, but not the only people we see. 

Why not care about the spiritual lives of accountants, plumbers, gas station attendants and electricians, too? 

I knew what she was getting at, though. 

People connected to, employed by, or engaged in anything associated with the term "gospel", go around with an albatross around their necks, that targets and monitors them when they're on and off the clock. 

Wait. 

They're never off the clock, and when they snap, it's news.

What is this demand that one person, or group of people be more spiritually fit than everyone else? 

Is it because of what they profess to be, and do? 

Attach that word "gospel" onto a thing, and the game changes dramatically. 

Don't dare trip, fall, or make a mistake. 

Don't be weak, and definitely don't say anything that can be characterized as controversial. 

The public refuses to allow the art to be separated from the artist. When the artist falls, the art loses credibility and value.

 
Now...just how serious am I about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, if I allow the actions of a singer or musician (who, perhaps without their consent, has been drafted as a spokesperson, mentor, or representative) to make me doubt, or dismiss it?

Maybe those letter G's in my friend's post should be lower case. Not Gospel, but gospel. Not a noun, but an adjective. 

Maybe the anxiety and non-fictive kinship wouldn't be so great when favorite performers wile out, fall short, or quit. 

Maybe we'd still be able to listen to the music without feeling sorry for, or being disappointed by the people who make it.

Perhaps basics, home training, and the like, need a revival, so we can stop expecting spirituality from, and imposing rules upon industries that never claimed to be particularly, or primarily spiritual. 

The local church ought to be the example, and foundation. 

Instead, many are busy trying to replicate the spectacles, explosions, celebrations, fashion shows, and extravaganzas seen on TV. 

Good grief. 

If you don't listen to the radio, you might not be able to sing along at some churches these days.

Praise teams are all the rage. 

Choirs comprised of tone-deaf, non-singers--but who are faithful and have heart, seem to be acceptable in some places. 

Music is so abysmal, mediocre, laughable, dismissed, and devalued in some sanctuaries, you wonder if church-goers have been instructed to tear the entire book of Psalms from their Bibles and burn it. 

Churches need vibrant, strong music ministries led by competent people. 

One cannot calculate the value of a church-based music education. 

What is being taught today? 

That music doesn't matter? 

That no effort or passion is needed? 

That mastering an instrument is not a marketable skill, worthy of compensation? 

That singing is a hobby?

 

What is the local church instilling in future artists? 

That mastering a piano is a lesser skill than inserting a disc into a disc drive?

A budding young singer who hears excellent singing at every weekly, local convocation, won't be so eager to look elsewhere for instruction, inspiration, guidance, encouragement, and excellence. 

What they hear won't be an anomaly. 

While they are being exposed to the music, they are also in place to hear the Word of God that inspired the music, and will enrich their lives. That Word provides a foundation that covers, grounds and directs that person so that they are able to move into ANY arena and maintain their integrity, enthusiasm, and faith.

We want, and like conferences, but we don't need another one. 

Are we learning anything, or just helping some ministry pay their enormous electric bill, or burn their mortgage? 
We are all FAT; just bursting at the seams with information from conferences! What are we doing with the resources we already have?

Maybe we should just sit down and re-read all the books and notes, and listen to all the cassettes, CD's, and watch the DVD's currently cluttering our desks and bookshelves. Perhaps we should just have a big swap meet, or lock in! 

I wonder what would happen if conference planners made it a requirement that those who perform have to stick around for the whole thing--particularly the parts where prayer, teaching, or preaching are taking place? What if performers just dust off those Bibles? 

Its applications cover EVERYTHING! 

Conferences??? Uh uh. 

We should all have PhD's in Theology by now, based on what we've gleaned from conferences! They are money-generating ventures, no matter what the urgent topic. 

People flock to them and go home financially depleted, and with more paper to add to the paper they've already accumulated, but with how much more real insight? 

God, of course, can use anything to fulfill his purposes, so I won't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Maybe all industries should have an employee development division. Everyone could use a mentor. 

Everyone needs someone to whom they can be accountable. 

Everyone needs wise counsel when pursuing ANY endeavor. 

One has to want that, though. 

Industries that truly care, know that without the people, there is no product. What you care about, you nurture and invest in.

Whether you're a Christian or not, if you want to be a participant in ANY industry, learn the business--the good and the bad of it. You can still lift up the name of Jesus, and be smart, savvy, and professionally successful. 

There are perfectly LEGAL activities going on, in every industry, that won't seem nice OR right, that leave people confused, misused, discouraged. and often penniless. 

It bears repeating: Forget the players, learn the BUSINESS before you jump in to ANY industry. 

We make the mistake of thinking the Gospel Music Industry is bound by our collective Bibles. It is not. 

I think it's the less than godly business practices people experience that disillusion, discourage, blindside, and leave them distressed. 

It's got "gospel" in the name, so the extremely naive assumption is that it's supposed to be lovely, fair, just, righteous, unblemished, compassionate, upstanding, and void of devious, shady, opportunistic, greedy, lying, cheating, competitive, envious, and otherwise ruthless individuals. 

People break their necks to get inside and hobnob, but get their feelings and sensibilities hurt when they've been shortchanged, snubbed, or deceived by people who never, EVER promised to be Christlike.

Those who continue to play in any industry, do so because they have mastered the game. They know it is not always sweetness and light, but they've learned how to navigate. They know who's who. They know there IS a risk in playing. They know that no one is indispensable no matter how great they think they are. 

LEARN THE GAME, but a good mantra to repeat when one senses one's guard is down, and is feeling particularly vulnerable, is THIS INDUSTRY IS NOT YOUR CHURCH HOME. 

It would be prudent to stop expecting what you thought a thing was "supposed" to be, and learn what it IS. 

If it is business, it is something that is done regularly and for profit. 

If it has been profitable, it is probably not suffering a deficit of willing participants. 

 

Some people just want to sing or play an instrument, and do it well, and earn a living at it. Period. They don't want to be confined. 

We construct, and force ourselves and others, into ridiculous boxes and categories, and then wonder why our unreasonable expectations are dashed! 

Who said if you are a church goer you can only participate or utilize your talent in the gospel music industry? 

Who made that rule? 

Is that why some people are so conflicted, and bound by some unwritten mandate? 

They think their salvation will be in question if they sing R&B or Jazz or Country? 

Is that the source of the strife and trouble? 

Content? Is it all about content?

Do people want to be stars and high rollers, but their childhood narrative says you can't play, sing, or make a living at anything else? 

If it involves revenue, it's business. 

The Gospel Music Industry is a business. 

Of course it could be under-girded and characterized by New Testament-based bylaws and practices if it wanted to be. 

If that was the aim, a lot of what we see would not exist, but it is under no obligation to adopt Christian principles as a business plan. 

It's about how to make money. 

How to fill seats. 

How to boost ratings. 

How to make a profit off of the talents of churched human beings, by directing a product to the churched masses, based on their churchy interests! 

It's about how to make a legitimate living doing what you like--something that many churches won't pay for, because sharing your skill set is supposed to be your reasonable service! 

Many believe singers and musicians ought to give it away! But how many churches need to send a check to the artists whose copyrighted music they've decided to play and broadcast during service every week? Why don’t they think the LIVING, BREATHING musicians they actually know, should be compensated fairly? 

Why then, should an industry that has NEVER boasted to be founded upon the Word of God, be any better at caring for its Levites than the local church is? 

There's nothing wrong with business or money, but we have GOT to stop looking to profit-driven businesses as spiritual examples, and flawed human beings as role models! 

We have to stop assuming that everything stamped with the word "gospel" represents THE gospel. 

It's called the Gospel Music Industry--the emphasis is THE MUSIC, not the people who make it, because when the people are dead and gone, the music still generates revenue. 

People are getting rich off of the efforts of others. 

The people are dispensable. 

The MUSIC matters. 

Even of some people are never seen or heard from again in a public forum, the work they have done has already insured the present and future financial security of someone else who probably can't play a lick, or carry a tune in a bucket.

 

You can always tell just how dispensable artists are by what is considered relevant, and who and what we honor, and what we determine as excellent and noteworthy. 

The biggest hellion or the most staunch Atheist can master music and perform it! 

Where would a Christian, who wants to be a singing superstar turn, where no one in their church will question their salvation or choice of vocation? THE GOSPEL MUSIC INDUSTRY, of course! That's where filthy rags and the unrighteous can be comfortable looking, moving and rubbing shoulders like their worldly counterparts, while boasting "I only sing sacred music". 

Why is the industry that would seem to be the best fit, NO different in its business practices than any other? 

Why is it not overseen by wise, scrupulous, spiritual leaders who will make sure to cover and protect the singing/playing sheep? 

Why is there no distinguishable trait, no glaring integrity, no attention to the tenets of the Gospel, and no obvious care? 

Why is it not distinct and separate?

 

Just because people SAY they sing or produce gospel music doesn't mean they live it! 

Should that even be a prerequisite? Or do we just want performance excellence, and not care what happens in the lives of people once they leave the stage? 

Just because an industry produces Christian-themed products and extracts its agents from church choir lofts, doesn't mean they have the promotion of the Gospel, or interests of the performers at heart. 

They may simply appreciate the artistic value of it all. 

WHEN has the gospel music industry itself EVER officially identified itself as a body of believers, or a Christian-based, Christ-centered, Bible-believing organization? Where is that written? 

The subject of the products it produces CLEARLY has no influence on it's practices. The name of Jesus is used to make men and women great and prosperous, but how many are truly giving that name all of the glory it is due?

We really have to stop elevating people to dizzying heights at which they cannot function, or sustain themselves. 

We praise people one day, and then go all pompous and sanctimonious on them when they stumble. 

To achieve the utopia of a body of performers who all lead sterling, God-centered lives, and serve as excellent representatives of contemporary Levitical work, someone would have to plan one mighty ol' conference---spearheaded by Jesus himself.

CAREGIVER DIARIES: FORWARD MARCH

I just got a bit of good, motivating, affirming news today. 

Forward march...

Yesterday, Facebook took me back to July 8, 2015. 

I had been back at my Dad's house to care for him just shy of a month. It was the fourth time in 10 years, and I did have some anxiety whether I'd be able to do it again. Once again, a caring medical professional uttered the words, "He shouldn't live alone". 
I remember my Dad looking at me and saying, "I want to go home! You can do it. You can go to the house. You did it before!" 

Yes, I had done it before. 

I thought about everything that "before" had thrown at me. Then I wondered what lesson or skill God wanted me to master, because he consistently presented me with the same test. 
I balled up my anxiety, honored my Dad's wishes, and went to "the house".

 
I became a Maryland resident again. It's been three years. 

Visiting a friend yesterday, made me keenly aware of how little I knew about recent occurrences and trends in popular culture and technology. 

I realized how much time has actually passed, and how much has changed. 

Caregiving is an isolating, even incubating experience. The tunnel vision, and exhaustion is real, but that’s your parent or loved one. They cared for you, so it seems only right, reasonable, and fair to care for them.

My friend was right. "It's time to get back to life". I have to admit, I’m not sure how.

It's been so fascinating learning about my parents as I've sorted through papers, photos, letters, notes, receipts, and handled their possessions. 

There's been cleaning, packing, packaging, saving, shredding, and purging since Dad passed away in February. 

I feel like I've been in custodian mode; the keeper of an inheritance. I’m also the recipient of a respite I sorely needed. 

The quiet around here has been wonderful. 

I'm grateful to have had the time to sort of commune with this place; to reminisce; to be grateful for having the opportunity to sacrifice, and give to someone who sacrificed and gave so much to me. 

It's been refreshing just being alone in my parent's space--a space they pooled their resources to acquire, and worked so hard to have and maintain; a space they graciously shared with countless others. Soon, another family will make a home here. 

I certainly hope and pray they will be happy, secure, and kind to one another.

It occurred to me that everything I've been through has been fuel for whatever the next chapter of my life will bring. 

I came across words I'd written three years ago, and smiled. 

I don't know how much I've laughed in the last three years. I'm sure I did from time to time, but peaceful and content is the only way I can describe how I feel today.

I'm hoping that other caregivers can find the laughter, too...sooner than later. 

I'm on the other side of caregiving now, but I think the experience will never go away; nor will the lessons. There's a freedom I cannot describe. 

I'll always have a heart for those who care for their loved ones. No one understands like they do, and no one needs support and encouragement like they do.

The message via Facebook read, "Vanessa, we care about you and the memories you share here. We thought you'd like to look back on this post from 3 years ago." 
I actually did like looking back at my own words:

"Being a caregiver is one of the most amazing tasks one will ever assume. Having the will and capacity to assist someone else, is a blessing. You see and hear what others don't. Routines are established--so is trust.

I wish I had a dollar for every time someone soberly said, "Please, take care of yourself", or "Don't take anything personally". 

At first, the advice seemed a little odd. "What do I need to take care of myself for? I'm not sick." 

What I have learned, however, is that the stress you don’t anticipate, can and will cause great damage. In the past, it came from the most unlikely sources. In the present, some of those sources seem to be gearing up again. 

Often, it's not the illness, nor the condition, and all of the not-so-pretty stuff that comes with it, that presents the greatest challenges. It's people. 

Someone actually phoned yesterday and asked my Dad if he regretting having help. Before the obvious insult could take hold (and make me want to snatch the phone and ask what kind of new, idiot spawn of Satan was on the line), I heard my Dad say, "I told her this morning I thanked God for her. I really appreciate what she's doing. I tell her every day."

Did I need to hear that? No. At my age, I have the liberty do what I choose to do. Besides, he's my Dad. Duh!…and what do I care about what busybodies think?

Was being appreciated nice to hear? Of course! Who doesn't want to be acknowledged, or have someone to come to their defense?

People who instigate, sow seeds of discord, mistrust, and suspicion; sabotage nutritional plans, interrupt sleep times, make and leave mess, lie, micromanage, make demands, undermine progress, or take nosiness to dizzying heights, used to annoy me to the point of distraction. 

I was on pins and needles all the time, and it took its toll every time. I realized, however, that it was my fault for not speaking up.

This time, the answer to my prayers concerning difficult people, has been, "Laugh about it". 

I thought that was odd, too. 

I've found that the enemy of your soul and peace of mind, really does run out of ways to annoy you, so he revisits the tests you've previously failed, or decided to leave incomplete. 

Laughing, as opposed to being annoyed, defensive, or frustrated, really is a stress reliever.

 

Have you ever seen a little kid playing Hide-and-Seek, who hides out in the open, but thinks you can't see him or her? Now, THAT'S funny. 

That's how the enemy is. He does really ridiculous, annoying stuff right out in the open, and acts perfectly innocent, but thinks you can't see (or hear) him.

Consider your situation. Whatever it is, take your power back, today. 

How you respond to what others do and say, is up to you. 

Be very slow to take offense. 

Don't let that angst live in your belly. 

Let some stuff just roll off of your back, and boldly confront other stuff when necessary. 

If you need a break, take one.

Know who you are, and remember why you are where you are. 

Pray for those who are trying to be their instigating, antagonistic best. 

Look closely. Consider what is, or is not happening in their own lives that causes them to be so preoccupied with yours. Often times, they know not what they do---or maybe they DO, but laugh at it all anyway. 

They'll learn. 

Sowing and reaping isn't just a financial principle.

 
Breathe.

Stay focused on the principal thing. 
You can do this.
Yes, you can."

MONDAY THOUGHTS: POETRY PROMPT---WRITE IT DOWN

Write it down

The details of the days that close

With you wearing a smile on your face

Have you noticed there are more of them-

More than there have ever been?

Hold them close

Those times when you hear laughter

And nothing’s going wrong;

Nothing’s clashing with your song

Have you listened to the melody, and

Wished they’d always play it so perfectly?

Refresh your memory as often as you need

On happy yesterdays, your soul will embrace, and feed

Sometimes your mind won’t help

(You’re growing older yourself)

And in those times, concede

How glad you are, 

That you had the mind to

Write it down

VRWc2018

THURSDAY THOUGHTS: LESSONS FROM THE NEWS

Never underestimate anyone. The help you need might be right under your nose. 

No one gets away with anything. 

We just may not have a front row seat to their suffering. 

Consequences of wrong choices, actions, and words manifest in a myriad of ways, and over time. 

Mercy and grace are always at work.

Before flippantly concluding that someone "won't mind" maybe you should ask first. 

Not everyone can speak for you...nor should they.

Good intentions aren't always strong enough. 

If a situation is wicked, and desires to remain so, good people are dispensable. 

People with integrity can't fake ruthlessness, and don't make good liars for, or cohorts with evil. They'll always crack. 

"Ain't it funny that the way you feel shows on your face?"

You don't ever have to love or like anyone, but don't ever think you don't have to respect them. 

Don't ever think another person doesn't matter, and commence to disregard them as if they're invisible. That's a good way to get your feelings hurt--and even miss out on opportunities. 

Some people may never display an aggressive bone in their bodies, until they see a child being mistreated. Then there's hell to pay.

Note the loyalty, intent, and consistency of those around you. You know when others are operating with two faces. The funny thing is they think they've mastered deception and don't think you can see it. Stay woke. 

If they'll talk about you to them, they'll talk about them to you. 

You'll stay out from under buses if you keep your eyes and ears open. 

Some people are deliberate in their attempts to annoy or move you. They'll see just how far they can go, and how many snide remarks they can make. 

That's their own insecurity screaming. 

How you respond--or don't respond, can shut all of that down. 

When people examine their own behavior they'll, hopefully, understand why you'd rather not be bothered. Unfortunately, some people are only fixated on what's wrong with everyone else. 

Some things are deliberate distractions. Cover every base. 

People will expect you to put up with what they never would. Point that out to them the next time they want to know why you won't participate, go, stay, agree, concede, or support. 

Perhaps they'll get mad. So what? Your nerves will be intact, your time won't be wasted, your senses won't be damaged, and your resources won't be depleted. 

No one has the right to impose their bad habits, nasty ways, and nonsense on you, and then wonder what's your problem. 

Stop trying to convince hard-hearted people to do the right thing. When they reach that state, the best you can do is pray. Trouble is near.

Be firm in your belief when it is just and true. Those who try to discourage you will have no power. 

Get your power back. You matter. Generosity and benevolence is fine, but giving everything away leaves you at a deficit. 

Call a spade a spade. If it's a pyramid scheme, call it that, and stop feeding other people's flocks while yours suffer. 

Practice self-care. It is not selfish. 

Don't sleep on your intuition. Trust your instincts. That gut feeling didn't just show up for nothing. 

Do what is right. Don't slack off. Don't give anyone ammunition, especially when there are those who have no trouble making stuff up when they can't find any to use against you. 

Let competitive people run their own imaginary races against you. They'll soon realize you're not even on the track, but chilling in the bleachers. 

Pay attention to what others do and what they say. That will inform you in valuable ways; help you decide how to proceed--or not.

Don't ever think you have permission to mistreat, dislike, reject, or confront someone based on what someone else has said or thinks. That's another good way to get your feelings hurt. 

Human beings have a tendency to be biased, to lie, and be insecure. 

Get to know people for yourself. Too many relationships are forfeited because you were a mindless follower. Get the whole story. If you're too much of a coward to do so, reserve your opinion, gossip and judgment. 

Document when necessary. Embrace that smartphone. Its stored media can shut down many an argument or accusation. 

The mercy you show is the mercy you will receive. People will call a bluff. Don't think you're that important or indispensable. People will, and actually prefer to cope just fine without constant drama or messiness. 

Peace is priceless. Don't allow anyone to disturb yours. Those who thrive on confusion also thrive on your aggravated response to it. Don't bite. Respect the boundaries you set. You put them there for a reason. 

Never lower your standards--your expectations perhaps, but NEVER your standards. 

You don't get brownie points for correcting the problem you caused.

Shame is always effective.

Speak up. It may shock the self-absorbed, insensitive, and misinformed into rethinking their actions or position. 

Remember that rights come with responsibilities. No one is obligated to clean up the mess you made--or suffer the stench while waiting for you to do it. 

Be careful who you pick on. Pleasant, quiet people are not punks or pushovers. They do have another side you may not wish to see.