An uber-sexy burlesque routine by Beyonce and her husband, a faux-wedding ceremony performed by “Reverend” Queen Latifah and a Dark Horse witch performance by Katy Perry may have been the cause for famous Christian artists like Mandisa and Natalie Grant to stave off all or some of the 56th Annual Grammy Awards Ceremony on January 26.

Grant was nominated for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance for “Alive (Mary Magdelene),” a song she wrote with her husband Bernie Helms, as well as Best Contemporary Christian Music Song for her chart-topping “Hurricane.”

Grant and her husband went to the Grammys to represent the gospel music industry along with other Grammy nominees like Tye Tribbett, Toby Mac and Deitrick Haddon, yet stated on her Facebook page that they checked out of the party before it was finished.

We left the Grammy’s early. I’ve many thoughts about the show tonight, 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.

Another popular Christian artist, who stepped onto the scene via the mainstream reality competition show of American Idol in 200, decided to not go to the awards show at all.

Mandisa, who won Best Contemporary Christian Music Song and Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for her song “Overcomer,” watched the entire show from the comfort of her home computer.

She stated her line of reasoning with great eloquence and transparency via a Facebook post, detailing the hurt she’s endured when people gracelessly scrutinize how she looks and what she’s wearing as well as her thought that CCM phenom Chris Tomlin would scoop her in the category again. Most importantly, though, was her desire to guard her spirit this year.

 

Yes, both times I have gone to the Grammys I have witnessed performances I wish I could erase from my memory, and yes, I fast forwarded through several performances this year; but my reason is not because of them, it’s because of me.  I have been struggling with being in the world, not of it lately. I have fallen prey to the alluring pull of flesh, pride, and selfish desires quite a bit recently.

 

“Don’t fall in love with this corrupt world or worship the things it can offer. Those who love its corrupt ways don’t have the Father’s love living within them. All the things the world can offer to you—the allure of pleasure, the passion to have things, and the pompous sense of superiority—do not come from the Father…” 1 John 2:15-16a (The Voice)I knew that submerging myself into an environment that celebrates those things was risky for me at this time. I am taking steps to renew my mind to become the Heavenly Father-centered, completely satisfied with Jesus, and Holy Spirit-led woman I felt I was a few months ago, but I’m feeling a bit like an infant learning to walk again on shaky legs. Perhaps being alone with Him as my name was announced was protecting myself from where my flesh would have tried to drag me had I been up on that stage. It gave me time to focus. With what I do for a living, and the doors that have opened for me to sing about Jesus on mainstream platforms, I take the phrase from John 15:19, “be in the world, not of it” seriously. God never taught us to stay in our safe Christian bubbles, completely separating from those who do not share our faith (see 1 Corinthians 5). After all, how else will people come to know Him, if not by His children? We must live, look, and speak differently so that we shine (see Matthew 5, Philippians 2, and 1 Peter 3)! I can’t force my morality on anyone else. What I can do is live my life in such a way that reflects well on my Savior, stand firm in my values, and do all of these things in love.  If God can use this Grammy win to advance His Kingdom, I’m all in!

 

So yeah, should I ever be nominated again, and I’m feeling up to it, I’ll go. I recognize that I may feel a bit like an alien in a strange land, but Jesus, friend of sinners, felt that way and still managed to shine…by His Holy Spirit, so can I! Plus, I can’t lie…it”d be pretty cool to see Ryan Seacrest on the Red Carpet now!

 

As for the Grammy Award, I know I keep saying it, but “whose life is this?!?!”  “Overcomer” (http://disa.cta.gs/Overcomer) is an album that speaks life, hope, and encouragement to so many, yes, including me. While this affirmation feels unbelievable, I lay this trophy at the feet of my Jesus in humility, honor and gratitude for all He has done in, to, and through me.

 

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 (NIV)