Well, the votes are continuing for the Kingdom Bound talent search. I have to say, of the 27 “talents” that are competing, some are quite good. I especially like Laura McGreevey, and I hope she does well. There are some, I must admit, that are not my cup of tea, music-style-wise. But hey, it is for some. I like the fact that our submission is pretty unique. Most all of the others are submitting stuff that could never be used in a Sunday worship service. (at least, you could try, but I imagine it would be much more a concert than a worship service, between which is a big big difference). I have no idea how the voting is going. I have had people I hardly know come up to me and say, “Hey, I voted for you.” My reply outwardly is, “Thanks so much.” And inside, I say, “Did you listen to the song, or just vote because someone asked you to?”. It’s funny. Obviously getting to the finals at the very least would be a great accomplishment. But there is a blatant reality that in trying to break into the music arena of the professionals, it is much more about who you know, and much less about how good your music is. Even in this vote, it seems, the ones with the biggest email contact list prevails. Now I know that isn’t necessarily the way it will go, and I’m confident a lot of votes are cast for people who actually have good songs. But the opportunities that come are weighed heavily on connections. I discovered this a number of years ago when I wrote a novel. (yes, I did write one of those). I quickly realized that writing it was the easy part. Getting it published; now that was an adventure. I have basically given up. Is the novel any good? I gave it to several people to read, especially the “target” audience, which was pre-teens;young teens. It was well liked. But, publishing companies, now they are a different animal. The basic question they all ask is, “What else have you done?” In other words, show me proof that you have had success, and we will look at what you have now. So, how do you get that first one. The first book. The first song. Connections. There are exceptions. I think of Mark Schultz. It didn’t take connections for him to break in. It took an amazing song (He’s my son). It was so good, so strong, it could not be ignored. And Mark went on to prove himself a fabulous songwriter, with stuff like You are a child of mine, Remember me, and Walkin’ her home. So do we have a lesson in all of this. A few, that can also be applied to anything we are trying to reach for. Take advantage of the opportunities that come. Do the best you can. Be who you are. Make connections where you can. And then, after you have done everything you can, you say to God, “Well, my life is Yours. My talent is given by You. Any inspiration. Any perseverance. Any wise choices. They all come from You. So, as the song so eloquently says, Have Thine own way.” And if His way happens to be an open door to bust the music out, well then, I’m up for it. And if the tree bears no fruit this time, well then, I remain who I am. A willing vessel. God knows where I am. He’s got my number. If He has work for me somewhere, I’ll hear from Him.
