… not to be bitter, spiteful, and all that.
It’s not working very well.
You see, I poured my guts into the book. It was more than a personal act of returning to my first love. It was a statement about the artists. Their music matters. Their ministry matters. But above all else, they matter.
I knew throughout it’d be a tough one to sell. No money for advertising or promotional campaigns. I would have to rely on social media and word of mouth, working them hard. I also knew I would have to do my utmost to try and make the rounds of radio and television talking about the book.
I’ve done so.
And in the course of doing so rediscovered something I should have known, but stupid little naive me deluded himself into believing wouldn’t happen this time.
The polite version is how Paul put it in Philippians: “For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”
The not-so polite version is that with very, very few exceptions (God bless you Mike Rimmer and Rich Buhler) the powers that be in any channel of media — print, radio, television, online — who freely claim allegiance to Christ as part of their persona fundamentally don’t give a shit about anyone or anything that doesn’t line their pocketbook while furthering their agenda.
Which is how much can they be in the limelight.
And how many tongue baths they can get from their followers.
Oh, they talk a great game. “Look at me! I’m the champion of the little guy!”
They’re especially fond of the “look at me” part while mouthing how they champion the little guy.
Well, I’m the little guy.
Who wants to bring attention to followers of Jesus who spent years putting the whole of their heart and soul into obeying His command to them by making music and ministering… with the reward of being repeatedly kicked in the teeth by the very ones who should have been completely supporting them.
Guess what?
They’re still kicking them in the teeth.
And I don’t like it.
These people are fat ass flaming hypocrites. They claim to be doing the Lord’s work while in fact they serve nothing but their own self-interests and no one but themselves.
Champion the little guy? Oh hell no. They can’t be bothered.
Hey, ignore me all you want. I’m used to it. Don’t like it, but I deal with it. I know I’m not welcome in your circles because I don’t play the mutual admiration society game. No sense in me complaining about it. Better to do the right thing and be shunned for it than any possible alternative.
But read the book and be humbled by the presence of true servants of Jesus.
And if you can spare ten seconds from pushing your latest piece of piffle, mind mentioning my book so people can be genuinely blessed?
Silly question. Of course you mind. It’s not about you. It’s about Jesus.
Which, if you think about it, is the truth.
It’s not about you.
It’s about Jesus.
Okay, I’m done ranting now.
Nobody said standing up for Jesus was easy. We appreciate all you have done. And more importantly Jesus does. It never mattered to most of us what “THEY” thought because we knew we could never please them. It was always about what Jesus would thought. He’s proud of you Jerry/
messagge to
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Yes to what Sean said… Jerry – and I’m proud of you too… thanks for everything you have done and believe in – it will pay off – I PROMISE!! I’m working on things that will help… because gosh darn it – I can’t stand by a watch the things you speak of here either… so enough already!
80s Christian alternative isn’t in their “demo,” and they can’t sell the albums because they’re out of print. So it doesn’t matter that these guys poured blood, sweat, tears & prayer into making things easier for today’s artists (oh, yeah, & winning the lost for Christ)… they don’t make money. …What was that about serving God & mammon? Hm-m-m…
(I’m guessing this doesn’t help reduce your bitterness…)
Well said, Jerry. Bless you.
I finished the book last night. I bought it when it came out–I had been waiting for it–but I had to keep setting it aside. It was emotionally painful to read. I felt badly for the artists who meant so much to me during my high school and college years. And though it is selfish to consider it, I also could sense my own bitterness and disappointment at failing to attain to what I believed was my calling in music. My own ignorance and naivete conspired with the indifference and unreliability of others. Though it will take quite a bit of time and prayer for me to deal with it, thank you and the artists who bared their pain to you for showing me the wound I didn’t even know I was carrying. I’m sorry the experience has been frustrating to you, especially as it has been such a blessing to me. Grace and peace, Jimmy.