r preston maddox
A wise person once told me that the secret of enjoying life is 'not to obsess over the final destination and disposition (as important as that is), but to see that the journey IS the "thing".' We get so wrapped up in what is going on with us we often fail to consider those around us and miss a lot of opportunities to make our brief time here on this earth count for something.
Jesus was about people's needs. He came to address their single greatest need - a relationship with their Creator - but His heart was toward their very real and temporal needs, as well.
Kindness, consideration, influencing daily those around us who may or may not listen to what we say but most certainly will watch what we do - this is or should be a very central part of our journey.
Born and raised in the West Virginia hills, I took a crooked path to get to the present and certainly had my share of mistakes and failures along the way.
But I have been blessed in so many ways and have a desire to speak to the world as I can through my music.
It is not my intention to "beat anyone over the head" with my faith. As I said, people like to "classify" you. I played ear-schplitten' rock-and-roll in bars and frat houses and such as a youth in the turbulent and confusing late 60's and early 70's. Then I settled into a life devoted to family and set the music aside for a season. I came back to it through a series of events that involved who I was becoming as a man in light of my relationships with the world and my Creator. It heavily influenced my musical perspectives. Along the way in my personal journey I have discovered that I am more of a songwriter with a Christian perspective than a "Contemporary Christian" artist, whatever that is these days.
I make no apologies for celebrating my faith in song and tempering my world outlook through the prism of my faith. But my faith also teaches me that in Jesus I have true freedom. Freedom to write about worship, yes. But also freedom to write about everyday joys and sorrows, triumphs and pains, questions and musings, tears and laughter, frustrations and love.
I am not trying to "be all things to all people". I am being who I am. I may sing about something the Lord has laid on my heart or something that has placed a political or social burr under my saddle. But I strive to do it with respect, kindness and humor, and in the most honest manner I can convey. I am not yet what I am going to be; and I am not what I once was.
I hope you give me a chance to share some of this music with you and perchance should you hear something that speaks to you - whether with a tear or a laugh or just a new way of looking at something - I would be honored if you would share your experience with me.
Grace, peace and best wishes,
R. Preston Maddox