On Self-Promotion
What could make a better first blog post than a few thoughts about ’self-promotion’?
Anywhere you read about [artists, media, production, social networking, etc], virtually all of the “curriculum” involves SELF-PROMOTION. “Sell More”, “Be Heard”, “Make Fans”. “Increase hits”… Whether it’s because the music industry has changed, or because anyone with an internet connection can spread whatever they want to spread (case in point), it seems that there are two groups of people:
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1.) those who are producing great world-changing art, and
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2.) those who are obsessed with self-promotion.
“Over the past few years, I have heard many stories from those I would consider ‘accomplished’ in their field of expression and influence. And I am encouraged to find- time after time- their stories resonate a timeless biblical truth:
God promotes the faithful who care more about Him than themselves.
Read about Geron Davis’ song “Holy Ground” (credit given to author Dan Keen- full article here)
“…There is the example of composer Geron Davis whose song “Holy Ground” is a well-known staple in church music. Geron’s motive for writing the song in 1984 was to serve his Dad, a pastor who needed a song to christen a new church building. Davis wrote the song for his Dad and it served his church well. Over time it resonated with many, many churches becoming one of the most performed songs in the CCLI survey of churches.
Davis’ publisher, Meadowgreen Music, was very active is seeking recordings of the song but for unknown reasons no major Christian label artist happened to record the song. It still continued to increase in usefulness to the church body. One such usage occurred ten years later in 1994 at the funeral of then President, Bill Clinton’s mother in Arkansas. A local church singer sang, “Holy Ground” and in the audience of sympathizers was none other than Barbra Streisand. Streisand had an epiphany that day and went on to record a spiritual project. As the cornerstone of the project, she recorded – you guessed it! – “Holy Ground”. So, Davis’ song went from the status of having no major recordings into the repertoire of an American musical icon!”
At an Integrity Music Seminars4 Worship Conference, I was encouraged to hear worship artist Michael Neale share his personal story about desiring to see his songs to “be heard”. He said the Lord encouraged him with the following:
“You keep writing songs for the King, and when the time is right, He will bring them to the Kingdom to be heard” (paraphrased)
I could go on and on, but the takeaway is this:
There is profound opportunity- right where you are today- to be diligent at what you do for no more motivation than to honor God and honor those He’s called you to solve problems for. With this heart, God can trust and promote you to the next level of resources, influence and creativity.
