Musical mentor: Motivation is key to surviving the ‘middle’ ground

What is your motivation to be a singer?
This is a very important question you need to ask yourself before stepping into the music industry — especially the worship/Christian music industry.
When we first start out and have those stars in our eyes so to speak, we feel like we can conquer the world and are going to make it all the way to the top. The dream is fresh, everyone around us is encouraging us and we get constant positive feedback. So how could anything possibly go wrong? How could we not “make it?”
Then the middle happens — that place of absolute silence. That place of constantly stepping out and reaching out only to come up short. Your phone is no longer ringing off the hook, people have moved on to the next big thing and you are left with questions, a broken heart and sometimes even bitterness.
I’ve got to be honest and say that I have definitely experienced all of these feelings and emotions. I’ve been in the middle, in that silent place questioning my dreams, my value, my talents and is this really what God wants me to do? This place is where you come to terms with what is truly motivating you to do what you believe you are called to do. I’m human and yes there are many times I wanted to just give up and throw in the towel. I really truly thought that maybe I just had it wrong — maybe the dream really wasn’t from God — maybe it was more my desire.
It was about that time that I decided to stop stressing and straining. I decided to stop trying to make things happen and relinquish all control. If this truly and sincerely was something that God wanted me to do, He would show me and restore my faith. During the time of silence, I really had to ask myself some tough questions.
Even if this doesn’t work out the way I had hoped or dreamed it would, would I keep singing? Would I really be OK and not be bitter if God has other plans?
I think a lot of people enter the worship/Christian music industry with the right motives and then being upfront, being on the stage and being in the limelight becomes more important than Who they are really up there for. Making money becomes more important than seeing hearts and lives changed for Christ.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting to make a living doing what you love and what you’re passionate about. We just need to make sure that we keep ourselves in check and remember why we are up there doing what we do. The spotlight should never be on us more than it is on Him. One of my favorite Toby Mac songs is the song “steal my show.” That is my prayer each and every time I step on any stage at any venue. It’s all about Him. I am just the vessel.
If you’re reading this right now and you find yourself in “the middle,” I encourage you to not give up — not just yet. It’s during these times of silence and unknowing that we really figure out who we are as artists and even people. Often times when I was ready to quit and give up, I always had the nagging question, “what if I give up, throw in the towel and I wasn’t supposed to.” As the old saying goes, you never know until you try — don’t stop dreaming and pursuing something you’re passionate about just because it may not be happening the way you want it to, on your timetable or in the way you have imagined.
If you are truly passionate about something, if it lights a fire under you, if you find joy and contentment in it, I truly believe there is something to that. No matter what level you make it to, I always believe that if you are doing what you are truly passionate about, what truly makes you happy, then you will find fulfillment and contentment.

Like this post? Check out Danelle’s other Musical mentor column:

Musical mentor: When singing becomes more than a hobby
Danelle Cressinger is a Christian singer from the Valley. Contact her at danelle@danellecressingermusic.com