Just Ask Kenny Rogers

Tate Publishing is the company I selected to publish my first book, Bleedership, Biblical First-Aid for Leaders. They are a group of some really neat people who do a great job.

I remember speaking with Richard Tate, the company's founder when I was trying to choose a publisher. He told me something that really stuck with me. He said, "Jim, don't think that by having this book published that you are all of a sudden going to get rich. This is just the beginning. You will need to work to help market it." I didn't fully understand this until after my book was released and I attended the Christian Booksellers Convention in Denver. There I found out that I really was a tiny minnow in an enormous ocean. Richard was right, it was going to take a lot of effort. And this is true in anything we do.

Tate sends out a regular newsletter to their authors and in the past issue were these words on this very topic from Richard:

The sad issue today is that many new authors and artists think that because they have a good book or great music that it should just “happen” for them and that it is the total responsibility of the publisher or label to do all the work. It takes work, persistence, and lots of effort by the author or artist alongside their publisher and label. Trust me, it is all worth it, and Rita and I have a million good memories as a result of those years and made a fine living on the road. You can as well if that is your dream – and if you are willing to work with your team.

Last fall I was outside our house standing in the driveway talking with my son Ryan, who is the effective President and CEO of our companies, when my cell phone rang. The voice on the other end was our good friend and country music legend Kenny Rogers. He was calling about his upcoming trip to our location and wanted to go over a few things with me and Ryan. Here is the “kicker” to the conversation.

I said, “Kenny, you sound a bit tired, my friend!”

He replied, “Just a bit, Richard. We have the Fiftieth Anniversary tour coming up in January with Dolly Parton, and I have been working ten hours a day on the phone and on the computer calling venues, newspapers, radio and TV stations, and promoters working to get the crowds out. I have been doing this for half a century and it is still a lot of work.”

Kirt Webster, who works with us out of Nashville and manages Dolly Parton, told me at our dinner there recently, “Richard, I have never seen anyone work harder than Dolly. She is after it hours and hours every day to stay successful.”

Lee Greenwood, who is a new part of our music and publishing family and the author of “God Bless the USA,” told us in the conference room at his last visit that he worked for years and years in every kind of venue that would book him, large or small, before his career took off and he became the legend he is today.

Two-time country music entertainer of the year Neal McCoy is doing several projects with us. He was Entertainer of the Year TWICE and said to me from his bus one night after a packed out show, “It took me thirteen years, Richard, before I had a hit. Thirteen years of any and every kind of gig until things took off. I work harder today than ever to keep us on the road doing what I love.”

We love our relationship with the Oak Ridge Boys and their long time manager Jim Halsey. I was visiting with Joe Bonsall when the “Boys” were here recently (they still do over 100 shows a year), and I asked him what he would tell some of our new and aspiring authors and artists. He did not even hesitate. “They have to be willing to work. They have to be willing to sing or speak to 5 just like they would to 5,000. Most people think they should get their break because of the record label. Not so. It takes the label and the artist working hard every day. You don’t deserve that booking, you have to work for it and it HAS to be about your music or the message of your book first of all.”

Our marketing and publicists work hard to make each artist and each author as successful as possible. But the biggest mistake I see authors and artists make is to think they deserve it, and it should just “happen.” It takes hard work even after you have become a legend in the industry.

Just ask Kenny Rogers.

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

Hebrews 10:36

Overcoming Adversity

My family has become a fan of American Idol since its second season on the air. It's one of the few shows that most of us watch with regularity.

This past week there were two contestants who really touched me. The first was 18 year-old Shelby Dressel who was born with a nerve issue which does not allow her to smile on the right side of her face. In the interview shown above, she admitted she is very self-conscious about this. However, as you will see, she does quite well in her audition.

Below, is the audition of Dave Pittman, a guy who was diagnosed at the age of nine with Tourette syndrome. He also knocks it out of the park. Watch it below.

I love it when people overcome adversity!

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3

Perseverance

In 1992, Derek Redmond, Britain's star sprinter was looking to get into the finals of the 400 meter event at the Olympic Games in Barcelona.

His career was filled with injuries and this day would be no different as he tore his hamstring. Check out the short video above for a great picture of what perseverance is all about. It's about pressing on through our pain and adversity, knowing that our Heavenly Father is going to help us along the way.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1

Pains Purpose II

On Monday night I had a deep tissue massage. It had been quite a few years since I had this done. I had always remembered it to be a very relaxing, enjoyable experience. Monday's was anything but enjoyable. In fact, it was quite painful.

The therapist said the I am a massage therapist's dream because there is so much work to be done on me. She didn't even leave my shoulders and neck area for the hour-long session. It seems like there were about 50 marbles in that region of my body that she tried to work out, hence the pain.

On my drive home I did feel a bit more relaxed in my shoulders. Then yesterday morning brought with it more pain. It had felt like I had lost a back-alley fight. I am still sore even this morning.

In spite of this pain, I am going back again on Monday because I know I need to get this worked out to help me with some issues I am having in my arms. So, this is a time when I can truly be thankful for the pain, because I know it will lead to good.

In relation to life I suppose there are a few parallels:
1. If we have pain in our life, it will lead to good if we love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)
2. To get where we need to go, we oftentimes will need to fight through unpleasantness and persevere (Hebrews 10:36)
3. Like I posted about yesterday, our pain could be God preparing us to minister to others who will go through similar pain (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Storms

Last night, Connie (my wife) and I were driving to a meeting about a half hour away from our house. When we left our house the weather looked a little ominous but it was still clear. About half way there, we drove through a fierce storm with thunder and lightning and heavy rain. We couldn't see more than 20 feet in front of us.

In about three or four minutes we broke free of the storm and were in the clear. Connie said, "Isn't that amazing? A few minutes ago there was no end to the storm we were in and now we are in the clear!"

I mentioned to her that that was a great point and that it was a great illustration of life. When we are in the middle of our "storms," it can seem like there is no end in sight. However, if we just keep "driving," the "clearing" will be straight ahead.

While we were driving through this rain storm, we could have chosen to pull over to the side of the road. Had we done that, it would have been a lot easier; however, we would have remained in the storm for a longer period of time. In the same way, when we are caught in our storms, we need to keep pressing on, even though it will seem easier to remain still and do nothing (or pout). God will then give us victory!

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12

Perseverance

The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.
-- Chinese Proverb

If you have 12 minutes or so, it would be worth your while to check out this video. It tells the story of DJ Gregory, a 30 year-old Georgia native who was born with Cerebral Palsy. He fell in love with the game of golf and dreamt of walking every hole of every golf tournament played on the PGA tour.

In 2008, that dream became a reality. During the season, he garnered the admiration of many throughout the world, but especially that of the players he followed. They saw his determination and persistence and their respect of him grew.

During the season, he fell only 15 times...but each time he got up and pressed on. DJ had this to say to each of us, "If you have a dream, go after it! Don't let anybody say you can't do something." Great advice!

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Hebrews 10:36

Dedication

So I'm sitting on the beach last week and I see a guy walking across the sand toward the ocean. He looks just like a guy I went to high school with. So I yell out his name. And wouldn't you know it...it is him. He know lives in Chicago and I haven't seen him or spoken to him (other than at a reunion) since 1981. And to prove that our God is a God of grace, that is a picture of the two of us, him wearing a Michigan shirt and me in an Ohio State shirt...and we're both smiling!

We talked briefly throughout the week but were not able to spend any significant time together (we are scheduled to get together the next time he comes into town). Mostly this was because Steve had his three young sons with him and he was enjoying time with them. However, a couple of times when I called, Steve was actually working out...on vacation!

That is dedication and perseverance. I work out when I am at home but I find it extremely difficult to do when I am on vacation. In fact, I don't even plan on it, other than walking on the beach (maybe that is why it is so difficult!). Anyway, I'm sure this was not easy for Steve either, yet he did it anyway.

Isn't this just like life? We are instructed in the book of Philippians to "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Playing To An Audience Of One

I have a real problem with people criticizing others when they have never been in the same situation. That is probably why I was rooting so hard for Greg Norman to keep himself together and win the British Open yesterday.

He didn't get it done but he really had an incredible week. Had he won, at age 53, he would have been the oldest champion of a major golf tournament in history.

His career disappointments are well documented, from Larry Mize chipping in at Augusta to snatch a green jacket from him in a playoff at The Masters to Bob Tway's hole out from a bunker at Inverness to win the PGA. Most notably is his collapse at The Masters where he lost a 6 shot lead in the final round to Nick Faldo.

Many have called him one of golf's greatest "chokers." This is the stuff that gets me upset. The people who have called him this have never been in the same position to know what it feels like.

I can only imagine the pressure he felt to win yesterday. It could have taken away many of the negative thoughts that others have of him and changed his legacy in golf. That is a lot to think about and may have contributed to his less than stellar performance on Sunday.

Two things I take from this. One, I applaud Norman's perseverance. He was in there fighting away. He took a chance and I think still came out victorious as this article states. Second, I think about how often we fight to improve our image, the way others view us. This is sad. We should all be playing for an audience of One.

Perseverance

Perseverance - per·se·ver·ance [pur-suh-veer-uhns] - noun

steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

On ESPN this morning they showed this picture of this amazing kid--the epitome of perseverance.

Catcher Adam Bender, 8, lost his left leg to cancer when he was a year old. He tried a prosthesis but didn't like it and refuses to use a wheelchair. If he reaches base, he uses crutches. He also played YMCA flag football this past fall.

Incredible!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1