When I was young, my mom was told I’d probably never walk properly.
I was severely bowlegged. I don’t know if it was full blown Blount’s disease (as that tends to get worse with time whereas bowleggedness tends to straighten out as children develop), but it was bad.
I wore braces. I even had surgery where they break your shin bone to place it in the proper position.
As a child, I would get teased and called leprechaun all the time. Add that with my grandma’s incessant disapproval of sports (because she always thought we’d get hurt) and you’d probably say I was destined to be a “creative musician.”
And that’s what happened.
I couldn’t tell you I was an all-american, club-playing athlete in those years but I did excel in communications — whether speaking, writing, acting, or expressing myself musically. And those are the skills I honed over the years.
I mentioned all of this to say this:
Most of the time, you’re set up to be who you are — if you heed the signs, warnings, directions, the voice.
You’ve probably heard the saying: “When one door closes, another one opens.”
The problem is: Most of us focus on the door closing so we miss the door opening. We focus on what we can’t do til it blinds us of what we can do.
In the parable of the talents, Jesus told the story of the master who summoned three servants to him. He gave the first servant 5 talents, the next 2 talents, and the last 1 talent. When he returns, he expects them to have invested these talents, returning to him more than he had given them.
The servant given 5 talents returns 10. “My good and faithful servant!”
The one given 2 returns 4. “You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”
The the last servant given 1 talent doesn’t make gain. He buried his talent and did nothing with it. The master is angry with him and not only punishes him but takes away his ONLY talent and gives it to the servant with the most.
It doesn’t matter where you start, only where you finish.
Do you focus on your “Can’ts” or on your “CANS?” … what you don’t have or what you DO have?
When one door closes, do you stand nose up to the door or do you turn around and immediately search for what has opened?
If you’ve failed at one thing, do you bring the “expectation of failure” to your next endeavor or do you start anew, knowing that your past doesn’t equal your future?
Some questions to ponder…
Until next time -
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This is so true keep posting wisdom.
Jermaine,
Thank you for a most inspiring story and the notion that “when one door closes, another is destined to open.
My church is working toward replacing me as organist and choir director because new pastor wants to take the church in another direction. He wants a steady diet of contemporary gospel. I am anxious about the future although I have faith in God that things will work out. Your story blessed my soul and reminded me to stop focusing on what I am losing and focus on what I have to offer another congregation. May God continue to use you as an instrument of inpiration.
Herman
Herman, that is absolutely right. Now you’re thinking right. When one door closes (as much as it hurts and as much as you wanted to follow what’s on the other side), there’s always another one cracked open. You turn around, “count it all joy,” and keep ticking and tocking. Keep up the great work,
JG
Thank you for those timely words. Though God had already given me those words and then again from my uncle who is also a Pastor, it was good for me to receive the same words again from you about when one door closes another door opens. I appreciate so much your willingness to give away free music tips. You have been so helpful to me. I’ve noticed also lately since I’ve been teaching others what I know about music, the Lord has been blessing me to increase in my ability to play.
thnx man..its been a long time I dnt hear some true,experienced motivational words.may the lord bless u in all ur endeavours
Very good message Jermaine. God Bless You in your ministry
Mr. Benjamin… good to hear from you. Let’s connect soon.
Yes God always has a RAM in the bush. Thank you.
Dear Jermaine,
You are not only helping me musically, but spiritually and emotionally, especially with your one door opens when another closes. I have believed this for years and have seen it happen in my life. I still need to hear it again. Why? Because right now I have had doors close in ministry, but my religious superior told me to make music the focus of my ministry. That has been a blessing I would never have dreamed, because I expected to be doing traditional priestly ministry. I still do some of that, but now I preach through my music. I entertain the elderly and some times the not so elderly. I love the elderly, so it is no problem and I am happy to play the old standards for them and listen to them remember the words. I believe and need to believe again and again that God is in charge of my life, if I will just let Him. I’ve seen that even through sin and some people who are not my friends, be used by God to get me where I am today. I’ve been playing the piano since I was five and I am seventy three now. I’ve just completed a sabbatical studying music composition and have completed my first work for orchestral instruments, a four movement suite for flute, viola and cello. I am very grateful for this opportunity and the experience of composing.
I want to be on your list.
Father Michael Burke, O.P.
New Orleans, LA 70119
To Father Michael Burke,
You are an inspiration. Truly! What a beautiful real life testimony of the word that God has given to Jermaine.
I wasn’t going to subscribe to Jermaine’s newsletter, but the responses on this page (and Jermaine’s initial encouragement) have so refreshed my spirit being and confirmed what Abba is saying to me, that I will sign up immediately.
Joy
thanks for this message. may god bless you.
Thank you for the timely inspiration, yesterday I was informed that a growth removed from my bladder was cancerous, and in the interests of preventing or slowing down any regrowth, I will be starting a long and tedious sesson of treatments which will leave me fatiqued up to four days a week, I needed some one to advise me that another door will open and all will be well. Cam
Hi Cameron,
Thank you for commenting. I’ll be keeping you in my prayers… that God’s will be done. In a matter of 14 months, my grandma has undergone treatment for leukemia (she was healed!) and her oldest daughter, my aunt just underwent surgery for breast cancer… so I totally understand. But when one door closes, there’s always another opened somewhere. God bless you, Cameron.
JG
Jermaine I have been with you and the hear and play family since 2005 and excited and proud to see your growth commitment and influence on the lives of musicians and people in general. Thanks for the post. It encouraged me as well. I also saw an article on you as a successful young entrepreneur and was glad to be a part of your success. Keep doing what God has created you to do. Thank you. Darnell.
Thanks Jermaine, you’ve given me focus on the day! I will build on that message and push forward with the determination that I have a purpose and God is directing me to a place where I will succeed! Keep up the good words of encouragement!
I would like to encourage many of us connected to Jermaine to join together in lifting up a prayer for Cameron. And Cameron, claim what is yours from the scripture. For when the Lord says you are healed, you are healed. I am saying a prayer right now for you! Thank you jermaine for connecting us. Davis.
Dear Jermaine,
This statement of your life’s experience is so inspiring. I will focus on my positive aspects
more now than ever before. Thank you so much.
Sincerely
Sharon
Thankso so much Jermaine. You’ve been such a blessing to me. Even though I realise I still have a lot to learn to improve my playing, I’m so grateful to God for the understanding and progress your tips and materials have brought me. I’ve realised lately through your teachings that my main area of weakness is in TIMING AND RHYTHM, and I would be grateful if you could recommend materials that would help me in this area.
God bless you for the great work you are doing
Sterling, I’ve answered your question in today’s blog post:
http://www.hearandplay.com/main/timing-and-rhythm-on-piano
God Bless You. What you said is so very true.
Hi Jermaine
Good Evening. I appreciate your article because it fuel my persistence and cause my purpose to become my passion. Thank you very for your encouragement, it was timely. The CREATOR will continue to bless you richly.
Kindest Regards.
Mark Brathwaite
I was also born with an infirmity in my left leg. It was broken 3 times. I feel very strongly
that God will heal me. I have escaped a complete amputation because Jesus intervened.
I use crutches but I can travel without pain. I know God has an answer that is better than
I can ask or think. He simply wants me to stand and believe. I have been placed as a pastor over children’s church with another minister. We will have to get music ready for the children. Please pray for me and my ability with the keyboard. Thanks Jermaine for everything. Sincerely Sharon.
The truth of God comes through two or more witnesses. You are one of them! Jermaine could you remeber me in pray that God help me overcome my lazzyness and turn on the desire to hone my tillents. I’ve learned that this is not about me but about God and His grace. Your Brother in Christ Stevo
Once again Jermain, you you have nailed it. Whenever I give up and think “I’m too old – God reminds me that Moses was 80 when he was called.” As long as I am alive, God has a purpose for me…I just need to keep looking.
Blessing to you and your family and Merry Christmas.
Wow, so amazing.
I never new you could come out with something so great as these. What an inspiration. You’ve changed something inside of me. Especially with this phrase ” Do you focus on your “Can’ts” or on your “CANS?” … what you don’t have or what you DO have? . Men that was great Sir. You’ve changed the way i think. Am so sure that when am true, you will be glad that you’ve changed something inside of me. That was a great one Sir. Thanks
Dear Jermaine,
This particular post has been most inspiring. It has also been encouraging to me as well. Been through alot lately and just got laid off from work. Your post has reverberated what God wants me to do. Alot of my friends have looked at me and seen that there’s more to my life than my job and have told me to pray and ask God to lead me to my true purpose in life. I have been scared and really hope everything will work out well if I decide to let go of the closed door and Let God open up other doors to me. Your post is God reaffirming to me that it is safe for me to trust him absolutely.
Thanks for being a yielded vessel through whom God is speaking to His children.
Bless you Bro.
Thanks Jermaine,
Man is going through a lot of hardships and disappointments.Nevertheless through this article iam encourage . I am now going to focus on all the other opportunities God is going bring my way and promise for sure to forget about all the other misfortunes. Thanx God bless you for this life changing message.
Hello Boss, I’m Thankful For All The Free Lessons You’ve Been Giving Out And For Your Inspiring Messages….You’ve Really Helped My Playing Abilities To Improve. God Bless You
Thanks for this article, the Lord sent this to me through you. I had surgery and since my will to play left me. That is why you have not heard from me, I haven’t been doing anything. It is a sad testimony, for me to allow Satan to use the spirit of laziness on me. When I know, I can do all things through CHRIST that strengthen me. It’s a fact GOD is speaking to me in this article. He woke me at 2am to check my email,so here I am sending you this at 3am. GOD is putting me Back on track, what a great GOD!!!! I felled down and he is picking me up for his purpose. Thank you most HIGH GOD for your HOLY SPIRIT and Jermaine. Thank you
A
Thanks for this article, the Lord sent this to me through you. I had surgery and since my will to play left me. That is why you have not heard from me, I haven’t been doing anything. It is a sad testimony, for me to allow Satan to use the spirit of laziness on me. When I know, I can do all things through CHRIST that strengthen me. It’s a fact GOD is speaking to me in this article. He woke me at 2am to check my email,so here I am sending you this at 3am. GOD is putting me Back on track, what a great GOD!!!! I felled down and he is picking me up for his purpose. Thank you most HIGH GOD for your HOLY SPIRIT and Jermaine. Thank you so much. MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and your family.
A
Hey Jermaine, thanks for the sweet article!, I completely agree with you, many times we miss out on the most important things that would propel us forward and we focus on the less important and yet hard to achieve. these are words of wisdom, please keep bringing those encouragement, some one will definitely find his way through those experiences.
Happy Nu year.
Kennedy, Uganda
Wau gret.I love it.cans & cants.
Well said Pastor we learn we wait we practice we prepare knowing opportunity is like the waves of the sea it comes and it goes and if we’re not ready for it we will miss opportunity
Its so true, thats why as musicians we got to stay in the face of God, and if we do when changes come we will not be dismay, but to move forward in the promise land! Thanks so much Jermaine, for just inspiring me, not to try to be the best, but make sure God is please and he gets the glory!
thanks for the advice jermaine i can really relate to this in my life at age 21 having wants and dreams…
You have made me heavy and alive with your inspiring words from the Assurance life Book (Bible)
Hi Dear Brother Jermaine,
Thanks for your encouraging word about life and new doors opening for us, as the Lord closes a different door. May He continue to richly bless your ministry to others.
In our prayers. Will
Great inspiration Jermaine
thanks for your article , i completely agree with you about life and new doors opening for us ,though when challenges and situation around me i look up to him that created me and pray for fulfilment and sucess, and i know as the lord closes a differnt door ,he will surely opening another door to you and to us all amen.
Uncle Jermaine,
i want to thank God for your life because you have been a blessing to me (and to countless people) not only in my music career through the numerous materials on your website but also in stiring up and strenghtening my faith in God through your power posts. Thank u so much. God bless you & your family richly. Amen.
I want to thank you for sharing that ispiring article (like you always do) will us. The door of do “Nothing” is closed, but the door of progress is on the “rise” to moving my music to a higher level. I am a true believer that with your brilliant ideas , your help and me working hard will cause me not to give up but just succeed. Jacob
Jermaine ! Tank you for sharing
I too had the priveledge of wearing braces as a child.When the vaccine for POLIO was given to children I contracted it and did recover but not until a long therapy period and learning other skills,I went on in my school years to be academically an acheiver as well as physically a great runner and tough in everything else I do.I don’t quit.CAN is my word and I am 58 now and still trying to accomplish playing pkeyboard.I finally got my GED and raised 11 children and survivind divorce and the death of my eldest son who did learn to play piano,harmonica,and citaar,He also sang beautifully in a Christian rock band,I was so proud of him and his accomplishments.But he had no children and was only 28 when he passed away.But he inspired me to go on in the great spirit from the Lord and I will learn to play the keyboard cause I CAN!!!! Yvonne
What A Rhema Word. Amen
Hi mr. jermaine,
It hapepened to me too on my congregation, our president rejected me as an organist and she replaced me to the guitarist. I don’t really mind as you said, if one door intend to close there’s another door destined to open. As herman said stop focusing on what his losing and focus on what to offer another congregation. I may say is “right” because, me too i leave it to her and focus on what i am now. God is so good after she rejected me i found this site and it’s been big help for me i’m so blessed cos i learn a lot on this site.May u continue to share all your talents of blessing on this site. God bless you always!
Thanks jermaine.. I have a different sort of problem though and would appreciate your advice. I can’t help feeling like all I was given musically was a passion and no real talent. I currently sing in my church choir and play the keyboard a little.. It took me so long to reach were I am now and still I know I’m not half as good as some who seem like they don’t even try. So sometimes I think maybe it’s not for me but oh how I’d love to be ‘good’. So what do you think, does God sometimes give us only a passion or am just forcing it? :(
Wow ! this is so powerful Jermaine. Amen
Again, I want to say THANK YOU so VERY MUCH Jermaine for sharing these words of Wisdom!…I also NEED to LISTEN to this Message of Encouragement!…This is MORE FOOD for THOUGHT!…God BLESS You!
Jermaine:
Ademas de dar lecciones de piano, también das lecciones de vida…
Dios te bendiga.
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