Fortifi@ Radio Character-Getting Musical without Sorrow part1

Character-Getting Musical without Sorrow  It's not so much that we're afraid of change, or so in love with old ways, but it's that place in between we fear ... it's like being in between trapezes. It's Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There's nothing to hold on to." Between trapezes. That's a good way to describe where we are at the moment, but we're not working without a net because underneath are the everlasting arms of God.

Great men experience depression. Great musicians grapple with depression. Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Jeremiah, and David. Great musicians experience melt downs, great mood swings, eccentric behavior, disturbing mood swings, melancholy, exhaustion, depression and exhaustion, crying, rages, and unpredictable mood swings, bipolar disorders. Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan are not the only people susceptible.   I am not a medical professional but I suspect that the choirs lofts, organ benches, praise team galleries are full of musicians struggling with depression.   Awesome worship and performance can pump adrenaline in the body. It's a rush. Its a "natural" high. All the applause , adoration and "glory" ...all the adrenaline in your system is suddenly redundant and the joy and triumph can threaten to overwhelm you. In addition, a musicians sense of audition rejection can be devastating and paralyzing. Finally, musicians face the same ups and downs of the regular public, financial disaster, divorce, broken promises.   Music is not a Goal   Music is not a Goal. Music is a means to a goal. Hope is not a goal. God's blessing made Abram rich without sorrow, Pr 10:22. Good character is the first blessing for obedience to the Lord. Their is a burden and responsibility in attaining a great music status. There is a burden of care in becoming famous...fear in staying famous, temptation in using other people,  guilt in abusing friends, sorrow in losing family and relationships, and a burden of account at last to be given up about them.   Music is not a Goal. Music is Not a Course of Action.  Getting famous is not a goal...being a musician with character is a objective. Your Course of Action is ...loving God and your fellow musicians, telling the truth, loving your family, paying your bills, and accepting reasonable music compensation.   Music is not a Goal. Music is a means to a goal. Musicians should minister on the overflow of music the  anointing. Don't give "it " all away. Avoid giving your soul, mind and body to the music. Healthy spiritual and mental and physical exercise makes for a balanced musician. Single focused, myopia driven musicians stirs the sediment (called mother of vinegar, also mother) of imbalance, unhappiness, blindness and instability.   Become a balanced human being. Consider incorporating the following issues in your life: life goals, regular sleep routines and exercise, healthy eating habits, vacations, music mentorship, sabbaticals and regular well rounded people. Further, most musicians need a non music hobbies and interest, friends and fellowship. Musicians tend to be a little codependent, making care giving an emotional hazard of our music profession. Finally, tithe your gift. Every "gig " is not for mercenary compensation. try to give without compensation and reward. Contract stadium gig so that the store front gigs can be "free" or benefit and charities. Select and appoint good accountability mentors, "wisdom and financial partners" and friends. You will need a great accountant, lawyer, and manager.   Music is a blessing from God. Music is not a Goal. Music is a means to a goal.  My dear music friends, it is possible to be musical without sorrow... Dependency, divorce, depression, selfishness, lonely hours of practice, rehearsals, idiosyncratic personality, bankruptcy, and travel are inherent hazards of living a successful musicians life. Some people would advise you to "get out the Kitchen" you know...If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Itis possible to serve a music meal without taking everybody to the "hot" Kitchen.   Please remember my comments are not intended to be a replacement for professional counseling whenever it is appropriate. If your depression continues, seek help from your pastor and/or other qualified Christian counselor.

 

Fortifi@ Radio Character-Getting Musical without Sorrow part2