What I am about to share is a little embarrassing. I pray my honesty will bless you. Many years ago, Baltimore, Maryland media was buzzing about an upcoming high profile fundraiser for a charity.

I was not passionate about the charity. Still, I worked and was successful in getting my name added to the list of performers simply because, this is embarrassing for me to admit, I thought it would help my career.

My performance was a disaster; everything that could go wrong did. In hindsight, I realized I had forced myself into a situation where I did not belong.

Years later after relocating to Central Florida, an Orlando radio station was hosting a Support Our Troops Rally. I’m very patriotic and supportive of our U.S. Military. I thought my original song, “Celebrate America” which I performed in Maryland for years at U.S. Immigration Ceremonies, would be perfect for the radio station’s troop support rally.

I phoned the producer of the rally and remarkably, sight unseen, not knowing me from Adam, he added me to the program. My heart and motives were in the right place. “Celebrate America” was a huge hit.

My Orlando performance with six thousand in the audience lead to me being asked to perform at a Glenn Beck troop support rally in Tampa with 19,000 in the audience. My Tampa performance lead to being asked to perform at troop support rallies in Washington DC covered on national TV.

A Sacramento, CA company saw me at a DC rally and invited me to go on national tours. I have performed for millions and God continues to open exciting new doors.

Promotion comes from God. I have learned that I do not need to “soup up” to anyone to get them to like me. I do not need to scheme or jockey for position.

Please do not get me wrong. I am not promoting laziness disguised at “trusting God”. We should pursue our dreams. The Bible says, “faith without works is dead”.

But, “go for it” God’s Way. Be honest and true; always desiring to make a positive difference in every situation. This is the key to rock solid success.

Recognizing the truth that promotion does not come from man, but from God is extremely liberating. I can simply relax and be at peace. I know that as long as I am trusting and sensitive to His leading, God will always place me exactly where I am suppose to be.

I’m chillin’ in Christ. Ice tea anyone?

Lloyd Marcus, Proud Unhyphenated American