March 28, 2011 in My Blog by rsfrye0330

NACMAI Awards

Because I won awards at the state level (GCGMA), I had the opportunity to compete in Pigeon Forge for Nationals. It was truly a lot of fun, except for the 8 minutes my legs shook on stage… LOL… I crack myself up- I didn’t think I was that nervous until I took a step to walk a little…When I stepped out, my knees literally felt like jello- so I made the quick decision to stand still! ha… So, I’ve also made a decision- NO MORE CUTE BOOTS ON STAGE no matter how cute- skinny heels can’t support jello knees! But….I did receive some awards:

“Most Promising Album of the Year”This is my very first album of ALL ORIGINAL music produced by Sound Resources- producers certainly not limited to Southern Gospel or Gospel music. So- I’m taking this award as a reflection of excellence in recording quality, production and I’m feeling somewhat validated or accepted as a new songwriter. (not that I had to have that, God’s approval is enough!) I actually had an industry person to try to convince me that simply because my album wasn’t produced by “Southern Gospel producers” and because it was all originals it wouldn’t be taken seriously.. well.. actually I think the exact words were- would be tossed in the trash.. ha.. So, yeah, I sort of like this award!

“Most Promising Song-writer of the year” I received this for “Come to Me” from my album “Second Chances.” Actually, one of my favorites from the album. I’m thinkin’ this will be my next single…

“Horizon Female Vocalist of the Year, Traditional Gospel”WHAT? haha.. That’s what I said, I didn’t check that category, for sure, so I don’t know how I was judged in Traditional Gospel, but.. ok…ha!

With all that said, I am thankful- but somewhat struggling with the whole “award concept” in general. Not just this award show, but all of them in a general sense. I guess I just don’t ever want to get caught up in awards being something I seek, lose sleep over, get jealous of, strive for or spend my time trying to get instead of actually ministering… I actually have a hard time asking anyone to vote for me as if I’m the best one delivering God’s message in song??? I’m not sayin’ that’s wrong, but very awkward for me. Maybe at some point I will think all that through, but as a new artist, I struggle with it, just sayin’ what I’m feeling…This is my first experience with awards of any kind and I’m just processing the concept. Honestly, I’ve seen some pretty CRAZY things out of people… Awards- in my mind- they are what they are… Man made, man given… something that certainly I can’t take to heaven with me…And God help me, if they serve as a distraction from my effort of taking people to heaven with me. As it is, I am grateful for what I’ve received, but I want to make sure that I never get to the place of being disapointed, jealous, upset or even compare myself to others if I don’t get any. The truth is, there are many gospel artist out there serving faithfully- singing their hearts out, sacrificing for the Kingdom of God. The REAL Award show is yet to come!! I want to stay secure in that I’m doing exactly what God has asked of me whether that makes me popular or not… And …I want to always remember that if I SEEK the approval of man, I may get it, but that’s all I’ll get… Surely, there’s a balance somewhere! ha…