Today is the big day!!

How do I feel? Nervous! Excited and nervous. Sometimes people think that I’m kidding when I say that I get nervous when it’s time to sing. But, I really do. For me, it’s reassuring that I still get nervous. I don’t want to ever get to the point that I am so self-confident that I don’t get nervous. My nervousness tells me that I still realize that my sufficiency is not in me. It tells me that I need to rely on someone greater then myself to do what I am about to do. It tells me that I have not taken on the position of being a star. I am only a moon. I don’t shine a light of my own. I reflect the light of Christ. And if He doesn’t shine at this moment, I won’t shine at all. So I need God. The nervousness reminds me to pray and seek God for direction. So, I’m glad that I’m nervous.

It’s been an interesting few weeks. My wife and I are hosting our family reunion in Virginia Beach beginning this Friday but I am in Charlotte today for the INSP Christian Artist Talent Search. So, I’ve had to split my attention between preparing for the reunion and preparing for the competition.

I don’t like music competitions anyway! They can bring out the best and the worst in Christians. Often they cause artists to leave the ministry in music and move completely into the performance of it. It’s important to me to remain focused on ministering the music. If there is any way in which I stand out in the industry I would say it is my passion for leading people into worship through effectively ministering the music. So, pray for me that I won’t minimize my role to singing or competing but that I will be the worship leader that I’ve been designed to be. Pray that I will effectively minister to the people that will be in the studio audience as well as the thousands that will be watching on TV.

The taping of the competition takes place over a 4-day period. I started yesterday. If you make it through a round, you get to stay in Charlotte another day for the next round. However, we cannot divulge the results of the show until the show is aired. And the show won’t be aired until probably November. So I can’t tell you whether I win a round or not. But, I can tell you which city I’m in. So, as long as I’m in Charlotte, you know the deal!

Speaking of Charlotte… this is our first time visiting the new home of my niece and nephew. It’s beautiful! Way to go, Paul & Jinel! They are wonderful Christians with a heart for ministry. And Paul is a real sports buff… my kind of guy!

Okay… I’m going to get ready to leave for the studio now. If I’m still in Charlotte tomorrow… you’ll know why.