Click above to listen to Far Away from Home from Treasures of Peace as you read. You can use these links to listen and explore more: CD or MP3 Album , Sheet Music , iTunes , Amazon , Spotify , Pandora , or your favorite source.
Would you say you are “seeking joy” or “avoiding fear” more in life right now?
Moving from fear to joy (freedom is another word for joy) has been a long and challenging process over many years. Wanting to be safe, secure, and practical is deeply embedded in me. Below are six examples of moving from fear to freedom (joy) in my life story. After you read these, I hope you will click the image below to watch the Far Away from Home music video, and look for all the moments of child-like joy and freedom in the story. We all can have more joy and freedom if we seek to find them…
Click the image above to watch the “Far Away from Home” music video
From FEAR (lacking joy — often things are not in our control, but many fears are self driven too)…
—Being abused by a male babysitter at age nine led to fear and insecurity with my identity.
—Missing the first word in the 8th grade spelling bee led to a fear of public speaking.
—My right leg shaking during piano recitals led to fear of playing the piano for an audience.
—Going from 20 points to only a few minutes per game in high school basketball led to fear as a team leader.
—Failing my first two college exams led to a fear that I may not be smart enough to pass.
—The leap of faith from a fifteen-year business career to full-time music ministry led to fear of failure.
To FREEDOM (seeking and finding joy — this is a process, needing patience and prayer, and God’s grace)…
—Being vulnerable instead of hiding pain, brings freedom that God sees me and knows me.
—Focusing on what God thinks of me, instead of what others think, brings freedom in public speaking.
—Surrendering performance, playing for an audience of One, brings freedom in piano concerts.
—Remembering my 30-point game instead of 0-point games, brings freedom in being a leader.
—Recalling my joy in making two B’s after starting with two F’s, brings freedom in giving my best.
—God’s faithfulness since 2004 with Music to Light the World, brings freedom in living out my life calling and purpose.
Where are you lacking joy or facing fear right now? What is one thing you can do to seek joy and freedom?
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” — Isaiah 41:10 (MSG)
Thank you Stanton. I appreciate your music and your honesty about your journey. I have been “sort” of playing piano since I was about 15, but mostly without lessons. I never wanted anything more than to be a good pianist. I am not 66 years old and still have not accomplished my goal. As an adult I have been able to take lessons from time to time along the way, but my fear of playing for an audience is overwhelming! I can know a song very well for playing at home, but the moment I am playing for communion or offering, my brain goes blank, my hands shake and I ruin the piece most every time! My prayer has always been that I would be able to offer to Jesus beautiful music and play music which would lend itself to leading people to worship Jesus and find a moment of peace as they listen. Nothing seems to help that dream come true.
Dear Jay,
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I am trusting that the Lord will grant you peace when you perform in the future and wish you good luck with your practices. Blessings to you.
-Stanton
Hi Stanton,
I am listening to your music for the first time tonight. Somehow, it showed up when I was listening to Youtube. You are truly a gifted musician! I pray that God will use you mightily as you serve Him with your ministry. I also love your insightful blog posts! I hope to be able to browse through them some more when I have time and glean from your insights. I wanted to let you know that I really like your post entitled “The Voice” (from 2010). May you continually to be refreshed by the soft, steady voice of God saying “Good job! I’m proud of you!”
Dear Samantha,
Thank you for your wonderful words. I loved hearing how you have enjoyed my music and blog posts. Blessings to you now and always.
-Stanton
Thank you! Blessings to you as well! 🙂