I found myself with more time than usual to evaluate 2015 after breaking my ankle two days before the Dove Awards in October. Needless to say this brought my 2015 year-end to a screeching halt and forced me to slow down in ways I had to embrace. I was riddled with pain and major humility.
During this time, I was reminded that I was not defined by this ill-fated mishap nor could I wallow in self-pity or doubt the future.
I’ve chosen instead to assess the past year as it pertains to my own personal and professional True North as I recalibrate for the upcoming year. True North is a navigation term based on direction to the North Pole. It’s used as a phrase speaking to a direct route; a straight path to a goal or truthful guide.
Our True North is not predicated on good or bad circumstances–it’s based on God’s purpose, His promises and calling on our lives. My situation was not fatal; I am just broken and experiencing the miracle of healing which also requires faith and patience.
I urge you not to allow discouragement to hinder your 2016. Are you questioning your God given gifts and calling due to a temporary setback? Like me, maybe your flesh or your ego is bruised. But could this refining fire be only meant to strengthen us? Or an opportunity to revise our perspective and start a new year with renewed purpose?
1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Unless we are willing to be guided by our own True North, we will never cover new ground and become innovators. I’ve seen my fair share of misguided people and companies put effort into being something other than who they are or try to tap into someone else’s formula for success. This is death to creativity, authenticity and fulfillment.
True North for the Gospel Music Association is distilled in our mission statement: to expose, promote and celebrate the gospel through music. Instead of adding more events in 2016, we are committed to refine each one with excellence and deeper meaning.
- GMA Honors will be a leaner and more time-efficient event!
- Immerse will move to Lipscomb and we will record the classes for year-round online training.
- The Dove Awards will take the Better Together concept toward a focus on the family and celebrate before an even larger TV audience.
- We will be consistent with our ministry to Band Wives, looking for more ways to support our families and continue networking events for our young professionals, managers and agents.
- We will carry on our advocacy role by representing your voice in Washington, D.C. as it pertains to music and expand our industry overview in order to bring awareness regarding the impact of the business of our music.
If you have determined what True North is for you, take the time to reevaluate and see if you’re still moving in the right direction. If you’ve veered off your path, make the necessary adjustments to live 2016 with a sense of direction and purpose.
If you don’t know what your True North is, press in and find it. Prayerfully ask yourself a few questions:
- What are your greatest assets and heartfelt dreams?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What do you want to accomplish by the end of the year?
- And most importantly, what is God calling you to do with the gifts and talents He’s given you?
1 Thess 5:24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
2016 holds great promise for us all at home and on the job, creatively and physically, if we dare to be intentional, chart our course and follow our True North.
Jackie Patillo
President
Gospel Music Association
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