Vision...

"...waiting...waiting outside the lines..."

The year was 1990...I was 16 years old. I wrote one of my very first formal pieces called "America". A song whose melody mimicked "America, The Beautiful". Except that instead of extolling America for her greatness...this song rebuked her for her lack of care for the homeless. Inspired by a nighttime train ride in the bowels of New York City..."the real" New York City. At this time, I rarely showed anyone my pieces but someone I showed it to inspired me to copyright it and a few others I had written. I was really fuzzy on that. I mean damn...what the hell does a 16 yr old know about such things? So anyway...

I sent them in, paid my fees and before I knew it my cousins' club band wanted to sing one I wrote entitled "Do You Know". I started down that road but the Pentecostal in me at the time backed me away. Especially since it was a sensual song that may have induced "evil", "wicked" & "lustful" feelings into the listener. I didn't know any better. My Christian maturity hadn't reached the level to understand my humanity yet but that is another story I've since rehearsed all too well. At the time, I was not conflicted about my backing away but something else took me by surprise. The song "America" had reached the eyes of a publisher. They wanted to publish it in one of their volumes of conscientious writers and I was excited. Finally...something I could do! My conscience felt no pull either direction but as was my way...I consulted my Pastor. He was a good and honorable man of God but what he told me disappointed my young unvarnished soul.

"If it doesn't glorify God...it's not of Him"

I was crushed...but I heeded his council. It would not have made me famous nor would it have hurt anyone. It may have even brought some small attention to the homeless problem but..."it was not of God". Some might say he was right but today...I know they'd be wrong. Some might say "it's just because the times have changed" but still I would say they are in error. Maturity lead me to understand by reading and living God's Word in totality, that it would have glorified God in that writing such a song was in the service of "the least of these"...in whom Christ equates Himself. Yet...a religious young man could not see past his Pastor's direction and the Pastor could not see past his general church guidelines. I had a vision that was overtaken by religious duty and I will tell you the truth: I harbor no regret because such an experience has enriched me with a bit of wisdom on the matter that I can now pass on.

Folks, not everyone will see what you see. Not everyone will understand your vision and some that do will do their very best to co-opt your vision for their own purpose. I've seen this way too many times to count. I have been both a victim and a victimizer to my shame. A shame I have long since rectified. One partner may want to go to school but the other is against it to the point of discouragement. You want to improve to a place that may surpass your friends, yet they mock you to derision. Others are given an opportunity that will require them to move beyond the very places that house them when they come to find those places are an anchor to their goals. These my friends...are moments of truth. Rare moments where you, God and conscience must decide what will happen irrespective of the advice given you. It's in these moments...kings and queens are made. It's in these moments where you find out what your vision is truly worth to you. 

In my adult life, I've been blessed to write all sorts of pieces and three poetry books. Writing that includes all true manner of grit, grime and glory placed beautifully under the umbrella of passion with none but my heart to guide me. I can truly say that I've learned to give no weight to anyone's opinion but my own...a key to leaving behind a meaningful mark in this world. A truth that crosses the spectrum of character and creativity. Take some time and listen to all the timeless greats and they will tell you "nobody thought I'd make it doin it this way". They all proved their naysayers wrong. You can be just fine doin everything "cookie cutter" style. You'll be good but in the mix of songs, verses and niche...you'll only get as far as skin. You want to reach someone deeper? Dig deeper into yourself. Only problem is...nobody can help you do that. That's all you my people. Lead from the heart. Anyone gets in the way? Push them aside, assure them or not...and keep walkin...I'm out

~Moses