The grace of a new start

They say New York is a very forgiving city in that anyone from anywhere can go there and with a little luck, patience, timing, talent and moxie can become anything they want to be. The city celebrates not only rags to riches stories but loves the bums and the dregs in it's midst, especially when they ask for forgiveness and change their ways.

You could be down on your luck one day with no prospects and overnight be something and someone completely different. Something more and something better than you were. A true transformation.

This was and is the continuing hope of millions of people who strive to go to New York for a new life and a new start from inside and outside of the USA.

I wish our industry were a bit more like they say New York is. Of course, I could do without the grime and crime. But, I'd love to see us have New York's ability to wrap their arms around those who are seeking forgiveness and a new start or have a contrite heart more often.

I wish we in this industry would love the person and hate the sin more. I wish that we would love the misunderstood among us and hold our tongues a bit more.

I wish that we would refuse to reflect and copy the most egregious parts of the music industry and build the body of Christ instead of tearing it down.

I wish that we would help those artists and professionals who have stumbled, not been very nice on the way up or down or are in need of an opportunity to re-invent themselves, especially when they've taken the steps to put their lives and hearts right and in the arms of the Lord.

I wish we could be New Yorkers every once in a while and celebrate the transformation.

Yours truly,

Bully