For those of you who saw my posts from yesterday and are concerned about my emotional state, please dont worry because Im fine. (Smile). Sometimes it is necessary for a grown man to cry. I didnt understand why I was sobbing uncontrollably yesterday (Monday) while attempting to make a music video of a song I wrote 17 years ago until I understood why I was sobbing uncontrollably early last Friday morning as I prepared to speak and sing at the childrens acting camp in Weatherford, Texas. I was given the assignment by the camps director to tell my unique lifes story. As I tell my story to those who will listen, I know that I shouldnt dwell on the woulda, shoulda, coulda been phases of my lifes journey. But then of course, that is what makes the story. Based on my past decisions, you could crown me the turn-down king. From marriages to divorces, and from jobs to career choices, each individual decision or indecision drastically shaped the path and direction of my life. I first turned down a full track and field scholarship my sophomore year at West Texas State University because I felt compelled to go into full-time music ministry. Instead of getting my college degree, I travelled across the United States sharing my music with others. Then in 1977, I turned down a recording contract offered by one of the nations top contemporary Christian music record companies in Nashville. I turned it down because my one song was doing well which gave me bargaining power, and I had two other record label proposals to choose from. Consequently, I didnt play my cards well and lost out on all three offers. And in 1986, I turned down a job offer to move from Dallas to Nashville to work as a staff songwriter at Bobby Goldsboro Music. After packing everything I owned in a U-Haul truck and driving away from my apartment complex, I could see my three-year-olds son face who I was leaving behind - only to visit during holidays. That tugged at my heartstrings so much that I stepped on the brakes, turned the truck around, and moved everything back into the apartment. I wasnt able to leave the little fellow behind. In retrospect, the first turn-down that lead me into a full-time ministry meant that thousands of people were lead to Christ through my music. The second turn-down of my not signing with the record label means that TODAY, I own all the rights to the 1976 Shine Your Love LP, which has gained popularity over the years as a collectors item for vinyl enthusiasts worldwide. And lastly, not becoming a Nashville staff writer means that the copyrights and publishing rights to every song that Ive ever written is controlled by me...(except for one song, Shine Your Love). Believe me, I have no regrets because I accept Gods plan for my life. The irony is that instead of reaching just a few thousand listeners like it did back in the seventies, my music today is reaching so many more people worldwide, with a potential to reach an audience into the millions someday soon. Therefore, I allow myself to cry from time to time when I have thoughts of what could have happened years ago. And the reason I have no shame for crying is because Im truly optimistic, incredibly blessed, and forever grateful for STILL having a dream, a future, and the creativity...which makes me very confident that the chosen path for my life is Gods wonderful plan for me. :-)
Posted on: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 13:49:31 +0000
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