Christmas with TBN

I received a random Facebook message from Kirk Cameron’s manager several months back. His hair dresser had given him my CD, and he was interested in getting me as a musical guest on a show that Kirk was hosting. What? Kirk Cameron? Even though I didn’t grow up with a TV, I had still heard his name and seen some of the movies he was in.

I told Kirk’s manager that I’d be interested, and we set a date for me to fly to California and do a taping for the “Praise the Lord” show. So, I had several months to think and plan for the taping. I asked several of my friends in the music industry what to expect and how I should present myself, and I got some great advice and direction from them.

It seems that every time I try to start promoting myself, I continually run into walls. But when I just relax and concentrate on creating great music and leave the promoting up to God, amazing doors begin to fly open. Doors that I could never take the credit for opening myself.

The date finally arrived and I flew into Costa Mesa on December 9th. Everything was very well organized and I was treated incredibly well. A black SUV picked me up from the airport and took me to my hotel. I had a few hours to rest, iron my clothes and make sure that I looked camera-ready. A limo then picked me up and took me to the studio for my sound check.

When I arrived, the limo drove me through the campus. There were christmas lights and figurines everywhere. It was like a Christmas wonderland. We went through a private gate and the limo dropped me off at the backstage entrance.

I was greeted by a room full of mirrors and gold trim. I smiled to myself and walked into the room. I passed through it, into a bigger room where everyone was mingling and chatting before the show. I met Kirk and his manager, Mark. Both Mark and Kirk were gentlemen, and made me feel very welcomed. The make-up artist, Daina, told me I needed a little bronzer and whisked me into a side room to work her magic. I had to sign release forms and give my soundtracks to the sound guys. The stage manager, Tim, helped get me sound checked. He told me where to stand, and what to do, and was very helpful.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I woke up sick. Drainage. Sniffing. Plugged up. I’m never sick! And the day I’m supposed to sing in front of the whole world I get sick? Well, I didn’t have time to feel nervous, I was too busy searching for tissues and dabbing my nose through out the day.

But, when I finally got up to sing and play, and I felt right at home. I felt like I had something to share, and I just did my thing. The audience was very receptive and supportive. It gives you a sense of comfort to look out at the audience, and to see all these motherly women smiling at you and supporting you.

I just wanted to give you all an idea of what was going through my head as all this was occurring. It was really a privilege, and I would like to thank all of those involved in getting me onto the show. Kirk and Mark, Paul and Jan Crouch, and the many other people who helped make sure I was taken care of. Thank you!!