Stepping Out of your Comfort Zone . . . AKA Trusting The Lord Concluded!
As I mentioned my musical experience was limited when I began song writing and my musical training was almost non-existent. My total scholastic education was limited to singing songs, learning to draw the treble clef in Grade 5 and learning how to play the ukulele in a required course at Teacher’s College. I had always wanted to learn to play the piano and read music but had never had the opportunity as a young person. A few years ago, I decided to commit the time and effort to teach myself what I could about reading music and playing the piano. It was frustrating and uncomfortable at times—mostly for my husband—but I can now play piano and read music on a basic level. I feel learning this has helped make me a better song writer. I am still continuing my musical “education.”
I continue to challenge myself beyond my comfort zone, trusting the Lord for the results. I think it has become a way of life with me! Although I write Southern gospel songs, I sometimes step out of that genre to write a country gospel, bluegrass gospel, contemporary gospel song or a Communion hymn, or (my latest leap of faith) a Southern Gospel Christmas cantata. I’m sure you will hear more about that in the coming months!
Writing these articles for The Power Line Magazine has been a huge step out of my comfort zone. When Rev. Crigger called and asked me to write articles, my first thoughts were, why on earth is he calling me! There are many, many more knowledgeable writers out there who could write articles for him and do a much better job! As I listened to him, I realized the Lord was opening this door for a reason and that He had something He wanted me to accomplish through this. I had to be obedient.
One of my hopes is that these articles in some way encouraging those beginning their journeys as gospel song writers to stay true to their call and to the One by Whom they are called. I began by saying I never had the benefit of a mentor when I started out, so I feel it is important to help those you can along the way. If the Lord has called you to be a gospel song writer, don’t be afraid to trust in Him and step out of your comfort zone for the betterment of that to which the Lord has called you.
