(Photo : Curb Records)
When Christian singer Natalie Grant commented that she had left the Grammy Awards early, saying, "I've many thoughts, most of which are probably better left inside my head. But I'll say this: I've never been more honored to sing about Jesus and for Jesus. And I've never been more sure of the path I've chosen," she probably didn't expect what would follow ... mad controversy on Facebook and Twitter and plenty of people deciding for themselves what her many thoughts were and then attacking them!
Both "sides of the fence" came rushing to the forefront with opinions about what had made her leave early. Some were sure it was the Katy Perry performance; others blamed the same sex marriages that took place during the Macklemore and Ryan Lewis performance of "Same Love." Grant was applauded by some and attacked by others, As people tweeted how what they assumed she meant was hurtful, she found herself frequently tweeting, "I never said that."
On the Facebook front, it was as bad, if not worse (people can be a lot meaner and more vocal when they have more than 140 characters). At some point in reading the over 4500 comments on her post, she had to have been exhausted! Though her actual words never mentioned hating anyone or homosexuality, those were the two sticks used to beat her over the head repeatedly. Since so much division was occurring, the woman of God made another post, trying to unite (as we're called to do) and clarify. She said...
I've tried to read all of the comments on my previous post but I can't respond to them all. Most of you have always been so supportive and encouraging to me & I'm grateful. It does sadden me when people argue, judge and hurl insults at each other from both sides of the fence. I'm not going to engage in arguments, but just have a few things I'd like to say:
I NEVER said I left during any particular performance. I only said I left early.
I never pointed out any one particular performance, I only said I had many thoughts about the entire show, which were best left inside my head and that is where they will stay. So those who say I condemned one performance but then condoned others clearly did not read the post.
What I DID say is this: I am honored to be a part of the Christian music community. I've had many people throughout my career ask why I never tried to go in to mainstream music and last night was a beautiful reminder that I love singing about Jesus and FOR Jesus.
I've judged no one. I hate no one. And I believe that every person has been created in the image of God. I will never stand on a street corner and wave a sign, I won't use my platform to engage in political arguments that will only divide and not unite. I will continue to pray that my life will be my message. I do have my own personal convictions that I live by, and I will continue to work out my own salvation with fear and trembling before the Lord. (Philippians 2:12)
I was honored to be nominated for 2 Grammy awards last night. I'm so grateful that NARAS and The Grammys continue to recognize the contribution that gospel and Christian music make to the world. And I'm so thrilled for those who won in my categories. And I can say that with all sincerity.
My last thought:
"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus for it is the power of God who brings salvation to ALL who believe."
Romans 1:16
~ Natalie
This post has gotten over 8000 comments to date, with most being positive.
This whole thing leads to the question, Why are people so quick to jump to conclusions and judge? Natalie never mentioned exactly why she left, just that she had. She didn't call out any one person, outfit, performance or moment. Rather than being negative, she said that her thoughts were "probably better left inside" her head and then went on to point out how much of an honor it is "to sing about Jesus and for Jesus." Not one single commenter, poster or media outlet had any right or call to decide what her reasons or thoughts were and go off on a tangent about them.
Natalie Grant had an opinion (something we're all allowed to have) and she kept it to herself (because she's a class-act). Something about the night made her decide that she didn't need to be there anymore so she left. That's really not that difficult to understand. The problem began not with her post, but with the people who made assumptions. My grandma always used to say, "When you assume, you make as a** out of you and me" and that has played out in a big way here!
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