Hope Farm Music

I am learning some things about those little dreams that live in the heart.

Are you ready?…..ready for the cold, hard truth?

You have to go after that dream. You have to take intentional steps to see it happen.

As creatives seeking to grow to our fullest we have to come to terms with the fear of success. We will shamelessly wave the “Scared of Failure” flag, when in reality we are scared to death of “making it” – new levels of growth and responsibility come along with achievements.

Here is an account of how I learned this lesson, taught to me by the dear ‘ole husband.

It all started one late night as we assessed the recent batch of songs we had written. These songs written over the past year all point toward the same themes: brokenness, the need for a savior, hope, and the realization that morning will come after the long, dark night.  It only made sense to call this one “Morning will Come“.

Now that the name was decided I figured we’d get to it in about five years. As you can imagine I was a bit perplexed when Hubbylove told me he thought we needed to get started on it now. Here, I’ll give you a sneak peak of on an exchange on the matter.

Husband “I know it sounds crazy – it doesn’t really make financial sense to do this right now, but I am constantly reminded in prayer that this project needs to be done soon”

Wife: “Okay, well if you really think the Lord is telling you to do it,  Where will we come up with the funds to carry out your plan?

Husband: “As crazy as it sounds, I think we need to do a campaign, like  Kickstarter, for this project. I know it’s a lot of money to raise (we needed – at a minimum – $5,000 to make this happen) but I feel like we should move forward on this.”

Wife:  “You mean you are going to go seek out financial backers in a timed online campaign? I just don’t think it will work out right now – the economy is terrible.” (Insert massive amount of negativity from the sweet wife)

Husband: “I really feel like the Lord has said he will take care of it and all I have to do is demonstrate obedience right now.”

Wife: “Okay, I will support you in this under one condition, I don’t want to send anything out to anyone or really have any part in raising the funds.”

Husband:  “I plan to do it all.”

Truth be told, I was flat out too full of pride to ask people to back our project. More sad truth, I had no part in writing the content and posting the video for our campaign. My husband did it all.

COLD HARD TRUTH: I was also armed and dangerous with the “I told you so” weapon. Yes, I sit here saddened by the reality that I expected it to fail. Somewhere in my heart there was a flicker of hope as I watched my husband go after this with confident resolve.

It began, and pledges started to trickle in – we were attempting to raise 5,000 in 14 days. I thought we were crazy.  I also had a sick feeling when I anticipated another perceived failure to deal with. Click to view our  Kick starter  page.

The days rolled on and backers trickled in, & the awareness that people were actually backing our vision began to sink in.  To back means literally  “to get behind”.

Husband would let me know when new backers emerged – he would also tell me who.  I humbly tell you that at times tears flowed as I was moved by the generosity. Occasionally I would blurt out “I didn’t even think they liked us” or “I barely know them.” This brought to light some unhealthy thought patterns and an inability to see the ‘bigness’ of God.  He worked truth in me as I exmanined my heart through the process.

One group of backers fell in the category of youth musicians Shannon had worked with over the past seven years – some of them in the professional world now – who invested generously in the project.   I was blown away and encouraged!

Shannon made plans for us to start the project in the studio while the Kickstarter was still in progress – having faith that God would cover it all. The campaign was set to end at 12 noon on the second studio day.  With two minutes left, the last pledge came in putting us over the mark. Yes, Shannon said “I told you so!” It was a joyous moment in the Mall parking lot hovered over his Droid & my iPhone!

Lesson learned: Sometimes the Lord is calling us to jump out on a limb and do something risky, waiting for us to make the first step and get out of the boat. I appreciate my husband’s ability to hear the nudge to do this and I am ashamed at my negativity in response.

We had a blast in the studio, working on our first single “Your Mighty Hand”.

If you are reading and you were a backer, we were so inspired by your generosity and willingness to invest in this project. If you are a friend of ours and didn’t pledge, please know that we love you all the same and are beyond blessed for your friendship, support,  prayers and plain ‘ole fun you bring to our lives!  Can’t wait to share these songs with you!  Thanks!