The Enemy Takes a Shot....
Wow.
I just received a really negative email from a listener who visited my web site. In my ten years online, this is the first email of this sort I've ever received from someone...
Here's a snippet, edited for content...
"I just now heard some of your music on 'Music Choice - Soundscapes'; I had never heard of you before, but I liked what I heard so I did a search on you and found your web site. I was totally turned off by your godism. Personally, I find godism to be offensive. If we all went around spouting our beliefs about such matters, we would surely "turn off" many people. (half?) If you are in the 'business' of selling your records, I would advise you to keep your beliefs private, but it seems to me that you are a preacher who happens to be able to play the piano. It's too bad that you cannot see that it is a talent you just happen to have, not a gift from your imaginary friend in the sky. I won't be buying."
Whoa.
I think the "enemy" just took a shot at me.
When I think of the motivation that must have caused this gentleman to write me, I have to wonder if he's under some conviction about his faith (or should I say, lack of faith). Otherwise, why would he feel the need to lash out?
It's one of those "methinks you protest too much" kind of things.
The first thing I did was delete his email, but then I kept wondering if I should respond to him. I was a bit afraid to, to be honest. I mean, you never know what people will do. If I respond, and respond honestly, am I just fueling a fire that could have a REALLY negative reaction?
But then I decided that "fear" should not be my motivation for not responding. To quote the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy, "God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
So, for the record, here was my response...
"Thank you very much for writing. You know, in the ten years I've offered my music online, yours is the first negative email or comment I've ever received about the expression of my faith in my music or on the web site. On the contrary, I've received hundreds of emails encouraging me to keep doing what I'm doing. I am continually amazed at how God uses my music, as well as the words I've written, to touch the lives of people I've never met. It's a humbling thing.
Here are a few examples of the kinds of email I usually receive... http://www.davidnevue.com/testimonials.htm
Music is how I express my faith, and I wouldn't want it any other way. God made me and I am His. If I do anything - anything at all -it should glorify Him. If it doesn't, then ultimately it's a waste of time and energy.
To answer your question, no, I'm not a preacher. I'm just a piano player and composer who loves Jesus.
As to offending people with that fact, well, no matter what you do in life, you are bound to offend someone. Those who are meant to hear and receive my music and the message that comes with it, will. And if someone doesn't, well, I guess they don't. I mean, there's a lot more offensive stuff out there than this little ol' piano player. I'm hardly worth being offended over.
I do thank you for your email, though. I actually found it be encouraging. I sometimes wonder if I am perhaps too quiet in expressing my faith, that I am not bold enough. I guess your email implies otherwise, though I think what I've written on my web site is a far cry from being "preachy." The words I've written there just express who I am, what I believe, and why I do what I do.
God is merciful, forgiving, and loves you. That's not something to be offended by. It's good news and a message of love. I truly hope that someday you'll find that message to be not offensive, but instead a source of joy, peace, and hope."
So there you have it. I wonder what his response will be, if any. I'm bracing myself. Maybe I'll post a follow up in this message later. So if you're interested, check back.
I guess it's part of putting yourself out there. If you stand up, there's always someone who wants to knock you down. Spiritually or otherwise.
David
I just received a really negative email from a listener who visited my web site. In my ten years online, this is the first email of this sort I've ever received from someone...
Here's a snippet, edited for content...
"I just now heard some of your music on 'Music Choice - Soundscapes'; I had never heard of you before, but I liked what I heard so I did a search on you and found your web site. I was totally turned off by your godism. Personally, I find godism to be offensive. If we all went around spouting our beliefs about such matters, we would surely "turn off" many people. (half?) If you are in the 'business' of selling your records, I would advise you to keep your beliefs private, but it seems to me that you are a preacher who happens to be able to play the piano. It's too bad that you cannot see that it is a talent you just happen to have, not a gift from your imaginary friend in the sky. I won't be buying."
Whoa.
I think the "enemy" just took a shot at me.
When I think of the motivation that must have caused this gentleman to write me, I have to wonder if he's under some conviction about his faith (or should I say, lack of faith). Otherwise, why would he feel the need to lash out?
It's one of those "methinks you protest too much" kind of things.
The first thing I did was delete his email, but then I kept wondering if I should respond to him. I was a bit afraid to, to be honest. I mean, you never know what people will do. If I respond, and respond honestly, am I just fueling a fire that could have a REALLY negative reaction?
But then I decided that "fear" should not be my motivation for not responding. To quote the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy, "God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
So, for the record, here was my response...
"Thank you very much for writing. You know, in the ten years I've offered my music online, yours is the first negative email or comment I've ever received about the expression of my faith in my music or on the web site. On the contrary, I've received hundreds of emails encouraging me to keep doing what I'm doing. I am continually amazed at how God uses my music, as well as the words I've written, to touch the lives of people I've never met. It's a humbling thing.
Here are a few examples of the kinds of email I usually receive... http://www.davidnevue.com/testimonials.htm
Music is how I express my faith, and I wouldn't want it any other way. God made me and I am His. If I do anything - anything at all -it should glorify Him. If it doesn't, then ultimately it's a waste of time and energy.
To answer your question, no, I'm not a preacher. I'm just a piano player and composer who loves Jesus.
As to offending people with that fact, well, no matter what you do in life, you are bound to offend someone. Those who are meant to hear and receive my music and the message that comes with it, will. And if someone doesn't, well, I guess they don't. I mean, there's a lot more offensive stuff out there than this little ol' piano player. I'm hardly worth being offended over.
I do thank you for your email, though. I actually found it be encouraging. I sometimes wonder if I am perhaps too quiet in expressing my faith, that I am not bold enough. I guess your email implies otherwise, though I think what I've written on my web site is a far cry from being "preachy." The words I've written there just express who I am, what I believe, and why I do what I do.
God is merciful, forgiving, and loves you. That's not something to be offended by. It's good news and a message of love. I truly hope that someday you'll find that message to be not offensive, but instead a source of joy, peace, and hope."
So there you have it. I wonder what his response will be, if any. I'm bracing myself. Maybe I'll post a follow up in this message later. So if you're interested, check back.
I guess it's part of putting yourself out there. If you stand up, there's always someone who wants to knock you down. Spiritually or otherwise.
David
posted by David Nevue at 12:25 AM
8 comments
