In posting the three messages below, I’m not doing it to “toot my own horn” or to say “see, I’m right.” Everyone has a right to their opinion and to state what they believe is the best way to program enLighten. I knew nine years ago going in that what the Holy Spirit was guiding me to do was not an approach that would be popular with everyone.
Within the first three months of enLighten’s availability on XM Satellite Radio beginning on Easter Sunday night of 2006, we received dozens of E-mails from listeners who all said much the same thing: “Why are you playing all these artists we never heard of?” The reason for these responses was simply not that the groups were necessarily unknowns or not popular within the genre … it was because the group was not being heard on their local Southern Gospel station or had never come the their community for a concert.
By the 4th month, the E-mail messages had completely reversed themselves … with the prime phrase being: “Wow, what an education I’m getting. I never knew there were so many great groups.”
These are just three of the many messages I’ve received since the announcing of my “retirement.” To each and every one of you who wrote or posted on Facebook, I say “thank you” and are most appreciative of hearing from you.
I visited your site today and was saddened that you are being criticized. Although I am 38, I’m quite partial to many older Southern Gospel songs. I like that you have a good mix, old songs, new songs, current songs, album songs (non singles), etc. As I stated to you in a previous email, I worked in Southern Gospel radio in the mid 90’s and know it is impossible to please everyone, you must follow the Holy Spirit’s leading, as it is evident that you are. I love enLighten for its variety, and it is my sincere hope and prayer that the course of programming will not change due to you taking a more behind the scenes role. I agree with you wholeheartedly about the many “local” or “regional” groups whose only advantage is having money enough to produce a recording and not going about things the right way. You cannot please everyone, thank you for not simply being about what is popular. Jesus wasn’t popular … you truly have followed the Lord’s will. Don’t be discouraged!
Let me cite the Lesters, who are not popular, never have been, but they are a top quality, ministry-minded group. I was riding on their bus once many years ago, and Brian told me, “It’s not about being popular, hit songs or awards, and the minute we focus on that … I will sell this bus and leave the road.” I have never forgotten that. May God truly bless you in all that you do! Richard, Terre Haute, Indiana
The programming on XM65 continues to shine. I would tend to disagree with anyone who has been critical of the programming, as you mention in your recent message. Thank you for the efforts you have made to watch over the content as led by the Spirit. I appreciate the great balance between old and new and the messages of the songs. Keep up the fine work! And may you be blessed as you try to pass the torch on to your successor. Bill
I just wanted to say a great BIG THANK YOU, for not only playing my music, but for playing great Gospel music as a whole. We so enjoy listening to enLighten! And, I so appreciate all you are doing for our industry. Because of you, we are consistently being told that we are heard on Sirius XM. I just wanted to take a moment to tell you know how much we love you and enjoy having enLighten in our lives. I pray that God continues to bless you in every way! Big MO
Let me tell you … the word retirement is not a part of my vocabulary or mindset! While my health is still quite good, there are certain things that come with advancing age. Overall, I believe handing off day-to-day management of the channel is in everyone’s best interest … and bodes well for the future and, under Kyle’s leadership, enLighten will rise to new heights.
Again … thank you for your love and your prayers! I am here to assist and support Kyle in any way he needs and desires my help. And, we are here exclusively for the dual purpose of glorifying our Father God and His son, Jesus, our Lord and Savior … and to uplift you, our devoted listeners, through our programming efforts.
Marlin
