This Is All About Being Brave
Hello Friend! Last week I shared some details about how it’s been going lately with my big dream to do pop music in Europe. You can catch up here if you missed it!
I don’t want to focus too much on how the sausage is being made, but at the same time, I love bringing you into the details of what’s going on these days! And I trust that you will read if you want, or skip if it’s not up your alley.
I sang at a funeral last week. It was such an honor to be asked. I got to know Gary and his wife Eileen because they are great friends with my parents, and they were at any concert I put on within 200 miles, with Gary usually down front. He was such an encourager to me, and a great ambassador of my music, as he would share my CDs with so many of his friends.
I sang a few songs for the service, including “How Great Thou Art” and my own “Precious Memories” which I wrote about what I would say if I could have one more day with my Grandma Bob. It’s an awesome feeling to be of service, and hopefully bring some joy, to Gary’s family during such a difficult time.
QUICK NOTE: I’m having a MASSIVE MERCH BLOWOUT in my store — as I’m wanting to empty out my closet as I embark on my new journey. All books & tees are $5 and all CDs are only $2! See if there might be something for you or a friend right here! (more details below)
Something I usually say to a friend after I get to sing is, “It was really nice to be reminded that I’m actually a singer.” Does that sound strange? I can get so focused on all the business aspects of doing music, that the actual music can take a back seat. I remember when I was doing a lot of touring, I would have to be on top of all the details regarding travel, housing, volunteers, merchandise, sound and lighting equipment, video projection elements, car care…oof! Honestly, I had to remember to practice sometimes!
Here are a couple of things I’m needing to remind myself of while I’m on this new journey.
What I think about myself is way more important than what anybody else thinks about me. I need to continually surrender the desire to evaluate whether I think (or I think other people think) I’m qualified for these big steps. I already decided that I am. My job now is just to take the next step in front of me. (This is also how I view life: I may not be able to see the next 20 steps in front of me, but I usually can see the next one, and that’s where my efforts go.)
What other people think about me is really none of my business. Even still, I am striving to be viewed as excellent in all aspects of what I’m working on. Right now it entails getting new logos and graphics made, new photographs created, songs organized and properly planned for releasing… all in line with this new persona… and his new image. (How does one even create a new image? Well… turns out you can make slight stylistic changes that communicate more clearly more what kind of artist someone is! I’m experimenting with all this right now.)
One of the main drivers behind this new direction has been “What would I do if I lived completely free of fear? What would courage and bravery allow me to do?” Along the way I’ve been able to find areas where there has been fear (mostly surrounding #1 & #2 above!), and then choose to not let it determine how my life goes any longer.
For me, love is the greatest antidote to fear. I wrote about this in my song “Brave” — “Fear has no place in me, your love has set me free.”
When I know how loved I am, I’m free to be authentically me. I’m free to be all that I was made to be, no longer needing to hide behind pretense. I can release my desire to constantly try to control situations and people, and can actually let others be who they are choosing to be, as well.
I am feeling deeply loved these days, and I’m so grateful for that. The freedom it offers allows me to walk through each day with open hands and a curious heart, excited to see what’s next, without a need to control anything or anyone. And believe it or not, I’m actually free to be ok if nothing happens at all.
This is peace rooted in being loved. This is hope fueled by faith and vision.
This is me.
Yes, I want to have fun. And travel and sing. And shine a really bright light of love and life wherever I go. Even if it’s just down the street.
MASSIVE MERCH BLOWOUT!
For my new venture I’m needing to clean out my closet and I’d love your help! All books & tees are $5 and all CDs are only $2 (plus S&H). Please see if there’s anything you or a friend might like RIGHT HERE! Perhaps The Messenger book & CD combo? Or the beautiful gift book of the hardcover Live Hope Minute 365-day devotional? It’s all gotta go somewhere! ALSO! If you know someplace that would appreciate any donations of these sorts, please let me know!