Grammy Awards

Last Sunday the Grammy Awards were handed out.  I caught a few minutes of the show hoping to hear them present the "Gospel" awards but quickly learned that those were handed out on the pre-show.  Every year there seems to be something controversial on the show that has everyone talking the next day.  But this year, it felt as though almost everything was controversial, at least from my perspective.  The choice of clothes, lyrical content, and individual performances really started to bug me.

The next day I learned that Natalie Grant (nominated for two Grammy Awards that night), walked out of the show for the same reason.  She didn't throw any stones, but made it clear she didn't approve of at least some of what she saw.  This was her facebook status:

 “We left the Grammy’s early. I’ve many thoughts about the show tonight, most of which are probably better left inside my head.  But I'll say this: I've never been more honored to sing about Jesus and for Jesus. And I've never been more sure of the path I've chosen.” 

Of course, Natalie's status drew comments from Christians everywhere.  Some were pleased with what she did.  Some frustrated because they think Christian artists like Natalie need to be a light in a dark place.  By walking out, she lost that opportunity.   Others thought she should have been more specific and list everything she didn't like to expose everything wrong with the show.

I didn't get to speak with Natalie, but I might know where she is coming from.  Rather than pick apart everything that we didn't like, maybe we should just put even more energy into presenting what we believe.  

When I read about Jesus walking the earth, he did not spend his days talking about everything everyone was doing wrong.  Instead, he spent most of his time spreading a message of healing, hope, and forgiveness.

After spending a few days thinking about what I saw on the Grammy telecast, I agree with Natalie and would say something similar:

"I've never been more honored to be a part of a Christian radio station that plays songs about Jesus and for Jesus. And I've never been more sure of the path I've chosen."