Last week, I had the opportunity to travel with Samford Commercial Music to Nashville, Tennessee. During the three-day trip, I learned a lot of applicable lessons for my life, career and my love for making music. However, there was one moment during the trip that left me in complete awe at how intentional the Lord was in calling me to be a music journalist.
Let me back up and give you some context.
On the first day of our trip, we visited multiple record labels, among other small things. We met TobyMac’s cousin, Joey Elwood, who co-owns Gotee Records with Toby. We lolligagged around Lauren Daigle’s label, Centricity Records, and saw many of her awards for her success — they even let us leave with vinyl, CDs and t-shirts. We visited Warner Chappell Music, and perused the songwriting rooms there, where many, including Benson Boone, work on their music.
On the second day, we went on a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry, saw dressing rooms and experienced the onstage perspective of some of the most famous country musicians in history. We conversed at Capitol Christian Music Group, a label that works hand-in-hand with some of the greatest Christian artists we know today, including Josiah Queen, NF or Hillsong Music. We went to TSP Creative, where emerging artists learn performance and media techniques before they get famous. We even met the producer of American Idol there.
All of that is flashy and fun, but what I really learned is that music is an exclusive language for a family. It’s a language that connects people across generations, backgrounds and beliefs. Walking through the halls of these labels, seeing the dedication and artistry poured into every lyric, chord and production, I realized that being part of this family isn’t just about talent, it’s about community, intentionality and purpose. Being part of this family is a responsibility.
By the end of the trip, I felt more certain than ever that this path is exactly where I’m meant to be. Nashville isn’t just a city; it’s an ecosystem of creativity. Being able to walk its streets, shake hands with people who are actively shaping the industry and witness the interplay of talent and intention has inspired me to approach my craft with renewed focus.
This applies to you whether you’re musical or not.
What struck me most during the trip wasn’t just the glamour of awards or meeting industry professionals; it was the clarity I felt about my own calling. For me, calling isn’t a loud, neon sign. It’s a quiet insistence that this is where I belong. Walking through the studios and halls of Nashville, observing the dedication poured into every project, I realized that the Lord has uniquely positioned me to tell these stories, not just as a fan, but as someone who can illuminate the artistry, the process and the heart behind the music.
This calling is personal, but it’s also universal. Each of us has moments where we feel a pull toward something that aligns with our gifts and values. For me, Nashville was a mirror showing me the intersection of my faith, my curiosity and my desire to serve musicians through words. It reminded me that pursuing your calling doesn’t always have to be dramatic, it can be as simple as listening, observing and committing to serve a community with your unique talents.
As I left Music City, I carried more than souvenirs and photos; I carried a sense of direction. The trip reaffirmed that my voice belongs in this family of music journalism, tasked with telling the stories that matter, honoring the artists and reflecting the intentionality behind their craft.
I hope that, if you’re still searching for your calling, you will turn to discovering who you are, how God can use the gifts He has given you and how you can help other imagebearers around you.
Staff Reporter
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