Doug Van Pelt

Confidence

There have been times where I've really stressed about how something was worded. Whether it was a business letter or a personal rebuke or apology or confrontation or whatever ... I always want to make sure it communicates well. I care about people and I care about following the biblical protocol of what living in this world is supposed to be like. There are certain "kingdom principles" that I want to live by. Jesus made some revolutionary statements about how we are to treat each other. It can be a challenge, however, to live by these principles.

The world around us -- the unbelieving world -- has a different moral compass. Although Christianity has made an imprint around the world and changed entire cultures -- both dramatically and subtly -- the world system is one that often spins contrary to the Jesus principles of others first and true justice. Sometimes it can seem like an alien thing to believe in God and/or apply biblical principles to your life. Not everyone is religious. Not everyone shares your priorities of trying to put God first and His principles second above everything else. That can feel weird, strange, and awkward.

Sometimes I've replied to people about situations that were really troublesome. Having had to do this a lot recently, with a situation with my magazine and another publication; with companies and businesses; with members on the Heaven's Metal Fanzine editorial team; and with personal relationships. One benefit from this is I sense that I have a growing confidence in my ability to speak the truth in love. I'm losing some of the apprehension and nervousness about confrontation or worrying about saying the right thing. I feel that this is a good thing.

Experience helps in so many areas. Now that I've interviewed a lot of artists, I don't get that nervous when I'm on the phone with a celebrity. I realize that lack of preparation and a false confidence can shoot myself in the feet; so I don't rely on this confidence or try to play it up. I'm still the same person that's capable of failing miserably, but there's something to be said for experience. Sports teams like a veteran player. Bands like having an experienced person at the helm of their recording. Experience helps.

While I might wish that I didn't have to go through this or that to gain some of this experience, I am grateful nonetheless that the nervous worry of communicating has lessened.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Posted by Doug Van Pelt at January 24, 2007 11:58 AM