"Life Out of Tune"

Success is great, but success is also hard earned.  That is true for those who are entrepreneurs as well as those who are just trying to be better in life.  It might seem like the church has poor judgment when it comes to who we use, but I am grateful for training ground…

I always think of the church as being very loving and forgiving, I think that because that is what my church has been to me.  When I started teaching years ago, I started in the Children's ministry.  That gave me a good audience that challenged me with their questions and their lack of interest. When I started teaching adults,  many would tell me how good I taught, even when I felt horrible.  There were legitimate times that I KNEW my deliver was messed up and no one should have said anything kind to me, just prayed.  You would not have known it by the response of the saints.  The encouragement though undeserved, was a balm that helped me to continue honing my skills.  I am much better today, but still have days that I am glad for a group that is truthful, but so thankful for those who are just well… nice.

LIVE CRITICS 

This is not always the case in life…  I recently watched as a well-known pop artist made a comeback on national TV.  She has survived suicidal thoughts and difficulties in her life and was finally coming back after two years of trying to pull herself together.   After a panic attack before performing, she went on stage and began to sing.  It was difficult but she made it through, but not without a slew of insensitive and nasty attacks on her performance.  My heart and prayers went out to her as she had to endure such hatefulness and live through such scrutiny.  Sometimes people are cruel because they don't know what people have gone through, but it is so much worse when they do.

HONESTY 

We may think that it is our job to be honest and scrutinize folks all the time, but think back to when you were beginning your journey, did you do everything right?  There has to be a time to learn how to do what you do better, or how do we learn.  I do believe that not every lesson has to be in front of the entire congregation, but there has to be a place and a setting that allows those who are called to teach, minister,  sing or speak, to do so with constructive criticism, and a heart to see them fulfill their purpose.  The most difficult things are when someone has chosen something that is obviously NOT their niche.  But even in that scenario, love can help to point them in the right direction. 

PRAY FOR EACH OTHER 

I pray for this young lady as she goes through this very public scrutiny, I pray that she finds hope in God and understands that we may miss it in life, but we  can get back on track and ignore those who mean us harm.   I encourage you today, if you are in the midst of testing the waters in your niche, surround yourself with good people who are honest, but love you.  The bible tells us to restore people with a spirit of meekness, not judgment or harsh words.   We are here for each other, we help each other do better and honor God while blessing people.  It pays to have people around you who love you enough to tell the truth in LOVE.  Be one of those people.