Christian Songwriter's Network

so - i had posted this in response to something here on the forum, and i thought i would copy it and fill you in on my adventure:

I was recently asked to speak and sing on a Christian cruise on a cruise ship. It did not turn out at all like I expected. The time slot I had for speaking and singing was at the end of a long day and most of the audience had left. I got to speak and sing but the room had less than a dozen people. My second time slot was in competition with the Captains directions for disembarkation. Talk about timing! But I had a tremendous prompting to sing a song after one of the other speakers because the lyrics I had were such a confirmation to her talk that the Holy Ghost Boldness would not be silenced. and Then, I was told I would sing with the final Singing Night finale, but the other singers were seasoned "Professional " radio played performers and even though I was supposed to sing and they had my tracks set up, they just never called me up to sing. I was very saddened and disappointed.....BUT there was a plan happening.
You see, I did my songs on the ship in a BIGGER ROOM with a BIGGER audience. I did my songs at the Karaoke Bar! and other people on the ship, not the "Christian saved people" on the ship, but the OTHER people, asked me if I was the one who sang at karaoke and I gave them my card....

and now I have moved to Florida where the churches are full of musicians and I wondered why God would send me here. I am NOT needed at church.
BUT they have Karaoke in every other bar down here.
as a former night club bar singer i think it is rather HYSTERICAL that He would have prepared me so many years ago - to sing His praises in a bar. Who needs to hear more? Who needs THE PHYSICIAN more?

so I am now praying for confirmation and guidance on this. If I want to play at a church I would have to write letters, seek an invitation, lug equipment, .... now I can just walk in any club, pop in my CD tracks and sing = to the audience that needs to hear!
and, He has allowed me to write songs perfect for the occasion.

So, if you want to tell others about HIM, He will open doors. This is not about music. Its not about you, or me, or any one.
Its about telling others about His mercy, His Love, HIS SALVATION. Music is a tool. Pray about it. Ask Him to use you. Be it with music or by doing something else. we should be ready and willing to do whatever He asks. Just pray and be obedient. We are all called to make disciples. That's the goal. If He chooses to use me to sing or write that's great, but if I never write or sing another night does my ministry stop? am I a singer? a writer? First and foremost I am a believer and therefore I am/should be a witness. I don't need music for that/ Did Paul or Peter sing? Did any of the apostles sing? I mean did they say where is my next gig?

I guess...... i am just doing a reality check on myself

Lord, examine my motives
Keep my mind stayed on You

great blog Angela. I am sorry you had to go through disappointment. I have as well and it is hard and so frusterating, BUT God might be revealing something new and exciting just for you to do to serve Him. I would have never thought one could be a witness like you can at a Karaoke bar. How cool is that! I'm excited to go along with you and stay updated on what God opens up for you next.

Take care friend. Thanks for catching us up.

Lara~