Gearing Up for CMAFest!

In exactly two weeks, one of the biggest weeks of the year AND of the summer for all country music fans everywhere will be taking place in Nashville, Tennessee. Whether you're someone involved in the country music industry or just a HUGE country music fan, you know what this is about: the CMA Music Festival.

This year Platform to Change, like the rest of you who have planned this WAY in advance, will have a presence in Nashville during CMAFest week. This will be our first year out and about during CMAFest and we are quite literally geared up. Take a look:

There have been lots of changes in the past few months, not the least of which is the continuing growth of this ministry and the avid preparations for CMAFest week. What you see above is our new logo; be on the lookout for us in Nashville in two weeks!

While many of you will be spending most of your time at LP Field for the festival, we will be out and about in Nashville at some of the smaller venues. As we are following a bunch of you on our Twitter (thanks to those of you who follow us back!), we plan on trying to catch some of you as you are playing shows throughout the week at The Stage, 3rd  & Lindsley, and other hot spots down on Broadway or in and around Nashville.

Another big part of CMAFest week, as any good country music fan knows, are the fan club parties! Two definite fan club parties at which we will be in attendance this year are the Lady Antebellum Fan Club Party on Thursday, June 6th and the Mark Wills Friends Party on Friday, June 7th. We may or may not necessarily be decked out in our gear at those two events but we will DEFINITELY be promoting!

As of yet we haven't done many reader polls, but for this particular entry we would love to hear from some of you, whether you are an industry professional or fellow country music fan.

• What is your favorite part of CMAFest?
• What fan club parties are you attending?
• What would you like to see at CMAFest next year?
• And more specifically, WHO would you like to see performing at CMAFest next year?

If you are able to and haven't made plans already, we hope you will join the rest of us who are going during CMAFest week in Nashville this year! It promises to be one of the biggest weeks of the summer for the country music industry. Won't you join us? Hope to see you there!

A New Year...With New Opportunities!

Wow! What a year it has been! As I sit here thinking back on 2012, I can't believe how far we've come. What originally started out as a prayer, then an idea, then a blog, has grown into a full-fledged ministry. That is all in part to you, our readers and followers.

Just to give you an idea, here are some basic statistics:

• Since our first post in October 2011, our blog has been viewed 732 times with 86 of those views being in the last month.
• Our total posts on Twitter are 1,639 with 37 of those being re-tweeted.
• We have grown to a total of 135 followers.

None of the above would have been possible without you, our followers and country music industry professionals. So let me send a HUGE shout out to all of you: THANK YOU for all of the ways you have prayed for and supported this ministry in 2012! It really matters, not just to me but to those in the country music industry who rely on those prayers, support, and encouragement.

As I look back on the past, I'm also VERY excited for what the future holds for us. Here are some things to look forward to:

• Moving: We are working hard towards & hoping to transition from Kentucky to be based in Tennessee very soon. Please continue praying for my efforts to make this transition as it depends primarily on my being able to get a job in the middle Tennessee area.
• CMAFest: Anyone involved in the country music industry knows what happens in the first week of June: CMAFest! I will be heading to Nashville for this fun week of concerts, fan parties, and other opportunities. Look for at least one or two of us to be out and about in Nashville that week - we would love to connect with you one-on-one while we're there!
• CMA Awards: As summer moves into fall we will be making plans to attend the CMA Awards with some of the best and brightest in the country music industry this year!

Finally, as we close out 2012 and move into 2013, we would love to hear from you. What has been your highlight from this past year? What are you MOST looking forward to in 2013? More specifically, I would love to hear how Platform to Change has already made a difference in your life. Thanks for your continued support and prayers for this ministry! We wish you a very happy and healthy 2013! God bless!

The CMAs, Competition, and a Campaign

This blog entry has been building in me since last Thursday night, but it also feels duly appropriate that I'm writing this on the eve of what might very well be one of the biggest and most important presidential elections so far.

First, the CMAs. Let me offer my own personal congratulations to all of the winners of the night. If you weren't able to watch the 46th Annual CMA Awards last week, these were the big winners for each category:

Music Video of the Year: Red Solo Cup by Toby Keith
Musical Event of the Year: Feel Like a Rockstar - Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw
Song of the Year: Over You by Miranda Lambert & Blake Shelton
Album of the Year: Chief by Eric Church
Single of the Year: Pontoon by Little Big Town
Vocal Duo of the Year: Thompson Square
Vocal Group of the Year: Little Big Town
New Artist of the Year: Hunter Hayes
Male Vocalist of the Year: Blake Shelton
Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert
Entertainer of the Year: Blake Shelton

The second thing I want to talk about is competition. Here I will bring up a new little known show called "Nashville" that I must say, as far as shows go, so far I REALLY like what I've seen. However, there is one thing that concerns me. I've heard it said before that art imitates life. In this particular instance I desperately hope that isn't true. Let me explain: one aspect that seems to be portrayed by "Nashville" about the country music industry is that it is cutthroat, competitive, and that you can fall from success about as quickly as you can rise to it. While that may be true it deeply saddens me. Especially for artists whose music is their very lives, the songs they write tell stories based on where they came from and convey very REAL things. Not only that but it is my true belief that whether they are simply fun songs or songs with a deeper meaning, every single one matters in the ways it shapes and affects the lives of those people listening to them. Even though I myself am not in the industry, I would imagine that as a songwriter or musician you are all in the same boat - you are trying to make it, trying to succeed the best way you know how, doing what you love! What can be more important than that? However, I know the reality of the situation: anyone watching the CMAs can see that. It IS a competitive business and in order for one person to succeed, especially at awards shows like the CMAs, it means a whole bunch of others aren't going to win. But here is the point I'm trying to get across: regardless of who wins and who loses, we should all be encouraging each other to succeed, not trying to bring each other down. The only way I know how to properly bring this point across completely is with the following: "Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose." Phillippians 2:1-2

While the verse above was being addressed to Christian believers, I believe it can also be applied to real life. I understand how competitive the nature of the country music industry can be. But when another artist, not you, succeeds you CAN have the grace and ability to cheer them on and celebrate their success - all the while hoping for your own similar success one day. Let's cheer each other on, not cut each other down.

Next, I want to address the end of this presidential campaign and the beginning of a new 4-year era. I meant what I said earlier when I said this may very well be one of the biggest and most important presidential elections so far. This portion of this blog is not going to be about telling you who to vote for - that's everybody's own personal decision. What it IS going to be about is this: regardless of who you vote for tomorrow (or who you have already voted for if you participated in early voting) I sincerely hope that you have/will do the following: (1) listen to your heart (2) make sure that who you are voting for matches up with your personal beliefs (3) let your decision be one that you and you alone make (4) Know that your vote DOES matter - everyone of voting age should exercise their right to help choose the officials for the most important roles in the country.

A final word on that: if you haven't yet voted and want to make an informed decision, a great sight that is totally impartial and simply tells you where each of the candidates stand on the issues is http://www.ontheissues.org It will help you align your own personal beliefs with the right person for whom YOU need to cast your vote.

My prayer is that the country music industry would be united and that after this election we as a country would be united. Whoever wins, each persons' success matters. YOU matter. Keep pursuing your dreams and encouraging others to do the same!

Men of Integrity...Stand up!

In response to the latest indiscretions of several male country artists hitting the news, let this be a desperate and urgent plea for the men of our generation to return to and maintain lives of integrity. What does it mean to be a man of integrity, a man of honor? A man living a life of integrity and honor is a man of sound moral character, honesty, high respect, and great worth.

Let me ask you several key questions. I'm mostly addressing this to the men right now, but this can be applied to all of us: are you someone people can trust? Is your word as "good as gold?" Or does your morality change and your beliefs shift with whichever way the wind blows?

Whether you are in the country music industry, the entertainment industry, politics, or another profession where you are constantly in the public eye, you are called to be an example to others. Even if you don't FEEL called to be an example, you ARE being one with every decision and every action you take, whether you realize it or not. Are you going to be a positive example or a negative one?

Many people, men especially, may be under the impression that maintaining a life of moral integrity means taking all of the fun out of life. Far from it! You can live an extraordinary life and still be a man of integrity and honor. Integrity is not about the ordinary or mundane. It IS, however, about self-control. Let me speak to two aspects of this, both in the negative and the positive.

I'm fully aware that there is a trend of comments about or actual indiscretions via the Twitter social network in the form of "drunken tweets." This may be a "hot" topic for some. Don't get me wrong, I myself enjoy a glass of wine now and then. But our society, and the country music industry especially, is full of examples of what happens when drinking gets out of control. There IS power in moderation. You CAN have fun and still maintain your integrity. Living a life of integrity comes from making choices that will never put you in a compromising situation or cause you to do something that you may later regret.

There is also another trend that has hit our generation. Rather, it has become more prevalent with the coming generation but I DO believe it at least began with or before mine. It's no secret to anyone watching awards shows, television, movies, or even just going to the mall to shop that "skin is in" and that the world encourages us to bare everything we have to those around us. At this point, I'm going to directly address the women reading this blog. When it comes to supporting and encouraging the men around us to be men of integrity, we NEED to maintain a certain level of modesty when it comes to our clothes. You can still dress in an attractive manner (and look absolutely gorgeous, I might add) without providing an eyeful to the men around you that might cause them to stumble and lose their footing. The absolute BEST way we can encourage the men in our lives to stay on solid ground is with the way we dress and the situations we engage in. Also, to the single women: your consideration of not allowing yourself to be alone and in a vulnerable situation with the married men in your lives can speak VOLUMES of respect to the women to whom those men are married.

A final word: please know that this particular entry is not meant as a judgment of anyone. This is simply a call and encouragement to the men of our generation to stand up and become men of integrity! The most fulfilling and rewarding life is one that is lived without regrets and WITH honor, trust, honesty, and faithfulness. Know that I am praying for you as you maintain a stand. And if you don't currently have a relationship with the one who lived the ultimate life of integrity and honor, Jesus, please ask me. I would love to share that with you. Stand strong, remain firm, and live without regret!

We Will Not Go Quietly

First off let my start this entry by saying that I make no apologies for the fact that today's blog will have a vastly more urgent message of faith than some of my entries in the past. That being said: whether you agree with the following view or not, I truly believe that there are unseen spiritual forces at work in this world. I have watched over the past months as one country music artist after another after another has been forced to take a temporary vocal rest. What is happening??? My response to this is two-fold.

First, to those who have been on vocal rest and to those who are currently on vocal rest, know that I have prayed and AM currently praying for your quick healing so you can get back to doing what you love. Secondly, in reference to what I feel is truly a spiritual attack against people whether they are Christians or not, and especially the most recent attack since it IS against an artist who is very public about her faith, I say this: we will NOT go quietly into the night. Our music and message will continue to carry across the internet, the airwaves, through interviews, etc. so that it can be heard by those who most need to hear it. We WILL continue to make a difference in this world with our words.

To those who have endured and are continuing to endure such "persecution" here is my encouragement to you: "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the Heavenly places." Ephesians 6:10-12

Be strong and courageous! Know that I am praying for you. Keep pursuing your dreams by sharing your music and your message. What you are doing really DOES matter or else the unseen evil forces of this world would not be trying so diligently to keep you from doing it! Each day is a new opportunity for us to make a difference. So let's band together and determine as a group to not go quietly from this world and to make our best effort to see lives changed. God bless!

A New Vision and Purpose

As I am writing this, I realize that this is the first blog entry since the @Platform2Change Twitter feed officially went live on July 11, 2012. As a result of that decision, through much prayer, thought, and reading back through some of the older blog entries Platform to Change (specifically this blog) is about to shift to the original purpose for which it was intended.

Yesterday someone very close to me and dear to my heart asked a key question about the name of my ministry: "Why [call it] Platform to Change?" There are two distinct reasons behind the name, the first being my mission and the second being my vision for this ministry:

(1) With the number of people that listen to music in this generation, I believe those in the music industry, especially those in the country music industry, have a unique "Platform to Change" the world - with the words, style, and tone of their music.

(2) By praying for, encouraging, and partnering with those in the country music industry, this is my unique "Platform to Change" the world. If I can make a difference in the life of just ONE country music artist, I will have begun to fully live out my vision and purpose for ministry.

With that being said, the context of this blog is about to change. From this point forward the purpose of this blog, in connection with this ministry's mission and vision, will be solely to: (a) encourage those in the country music industry, (2) share prayer needs for those in the industry (only as allowed & shared publicly via Twitter or other venues, out of respect for the privacy of those concerned) (3) allow those who would partner with me in this ministry to pray & share their own encouragements to those in the industry.

Whether you are a country music industry professional or someone who simply shares my vision & mission for this ministry, welcome! It is my belief that God has great things in store for Platform to Change! I can't wait to begin the new chapter of this journey with you! Which is why, without further ado, I am sharing two of the most recent prayer needs that have come to my attention today. Thanks for praying!

(1) Toby Keith recently had gall bladder surgery this week. Please pray for his continued recovery. Feel free to offer him an encouraging word at his Twitter account @TobyKeithMusic

(2) Leann Rimes has emergency dental surgery yesterday (July 30th). Please pray for her recovery. Her Twitter is @LeannRimes.

Celebrating Consistency...and Embracing the New

Hello, country music lovers! When I started this blog I knew that my entries would be sporadic. But it is now officially summer and the season of country music concert festivals is in full swing! I had the opportunity to go to Red, White, & Boom in Lexington on Saturday. Despite the fact that it was enormously HOT, it was a great day of country music and fun - and I have to say that for the most-part good times were had by all. Highlighted below are some of my favorites.

I had the opportunity to catch the above-pictured artist, Kristen Kelly, for the first time at the Country Music is Love benefit in Nashville back in February. She is definitely one of my favorites and always performs a great concert! Look to expect great things from her as she continues on her country music career.

I am sorry to say that I didn't discover Jana Kramer's music until her appearance on the popular show "One Tree Hill", but from what I've seen and heard so far I like what I see. First off, I offer my kudos to Jana who showed her true devotion to her fans (especially her Lexington fans) by continuing to perform on Saturday in spite of difficult circumstances. For those of you who have been following along with me Jana's Twitter and Facebook (her Twitter is @kramergirl for you to follow if you aren't already), you know that she has been sick recently and was concerned about being able to perform. To Jana, I say this: I have been praying and will continue to pray for your continued healing. With regards to Saturday, you did great! Thanks for saving up your energy so you could give us your best.

Jana came out with a new self-titled album a month ago with such great songs as the well-known "Whiskey" and her current single "Why Ya Wanna". In addition to those two songs, Jana also borrowed a fan's cap to sport UK True Blue colors Saturday while performing her song "One of the Boys". Interspersed among those were also three of my favorites: "Good Time Comin' On", "I Hope It Rains" and "What I Love About Your Love". From the upbeat to the slow, if you love country music this is definitely an album that you're going to want to get if you haven't already.

I also had the opportunity to catch Love and Theft for the first time at the City of Hope Benefit in February and am looking forward to their current project, a new album that comes out in stores on July 24th. This group as well always performs a great concert! They, of course, performed their current single "Angel Eyes" along with a number of other songs. This I have to say about Love and Theft: as much as I love the guys (and I do love these guys), they have an AMAZING backup from the gal with the long dark curly hair sporting shades and playing the red guitar (kinda makes me want to learn how to play!) to their extremely talented drummer, this band altogether as a whole is one you're going to want to catch in concert! My apologies to the aforementioned members of the band, I'm not great with remembering names. Great concert, guys! Can't wait to see you again! To those fellow country music fans, you're going to want to put Love and Theft's new album at the top of your list to get.

Make way for an awesome ending to a great day! I have followed Josh Turner's musical career for years and am continually pleased by what I see. He may change and grow emotionally, spiritually, and in maturity as a person and a musical artist, but there is a consistency of faith and love that runs throughout his music. Being one of the TOP Christian artists in country music that I support, I have not only enjoyed listening to his music but enjoyed watching him grow as a person to become more and more the man that Jesus wants him to be.

Josh just came out with a new album, Punching Bag, and at the concert Saturday he performed such great songs from it as the song sporting the same name as the album as well as "Good Problem" and "Time is Love". He also rewarded the new fans and the long-time loyal ones with a few of the older ones we love like "Long Black Train", "Firecracker", and "Me and God." My apologies, Josh, as I say that I have yet to buy the new album but you'd better believe I definitely will. If you haven't already, join me in going out and purchasing Punching Bag to hear more awesome music from this artist.

I hope you've enjoyed my review of some favorites old and new. Red, White, & Boom is definitely one of my favorite venues and if you are anywhere near the Lexington area or willing to drive, this is a great setup from the music to the fireworks - and is relatively inexpensive ($7 a ticket with a 7-artist lineup, making it out to be only $1 per artist). It's also a great way to prepare you for what you can expect at CMAFest and other summer country festivals if you've never been to one. Lastly, let me offer my thanks to Officer Don & Deann and 98.1 The Bull (WBUL) for putting this on! Can't wait to see what Red, White, & Boom brings to us next year!