Several years ago, there was a Christian movie that was all the rage. It was a hit, making lots of money, and Christians, including those in my community and across the country, were going crazy over it. A few months after the release, there was a special screening in my town, and I went to see what the fuss was all about.
I didn’t like it. At all. I’m talking top five of my “Movies I Don’t Like” list. When the film ended and the lights went up, I was speechless. How? Why?
A lady I knew was working in the lobby, and, as I was leaving, she excitedly said, “Wasn’t it WONDERFUL????”
I felt like a deer caught in the headlights, as I didn’t know how to answer. An old friend used to say, when you don’t like something everyone else loves, you simply respond, “There are no words.” That’s how I felt, but I couldn’t remember that phrase in that moment.
I finally said, “It was something else!” Technically not a lie.
Everyone has different tastes in entertainment, and those of us who create it need to keep that in mind.
I’m a Christian who likes to write and speak with humor, and I realize I am not everyone’s cup of tea. I’m okay with that.
Recently I was having a discussion with some family members about Christian music. They mentioned a song I REALLY don’t like . . . as in, I can’t switch the radio station fast enough when I hear the first few notes. Does that make me a bad person? Does it mean my Christianity card is no longer valid? NO!
God uses different forms of everything—music, movies, and writing—to bless different people. Who am I to say one form is invalid because it doesn’t move me? Tastes in entertainment vary wildly. There are certain foods I don’t like (I’m looking at you, pickles–don’t come at me), but I am not going to down other people for enjoying them.
I have submitted work to various publishers and heard the classic line “doesn’t fit what we do” many times. Receiving a rejection with that line used to “send me into a tizzy” as we say where I live, but I don’t mind it much anymore. Writing, even the Christian kind, isn’t a “one size fits all” deal. You can take it or leave it when it comes to my pieces, but God will find the right publisher and audience for my style. Same with your work. After all, if the aforementioned movie and song (another big hit) can find an audience, there’s still hope.
Maybe you or I will come up with the next big thing—something a lot of people love but others can’t stand. Variety is the spice of life, so bring it on.
There are no words.
Carlton Hughes, represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary, wears many hats. By day, he is a professor of communication. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he serves as a children’s pastor. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer. Carlton is an empty-nesting dad and devoted husband who likes long walks on the beach, old sitcoms, and chocolate—all the chocolate. His work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game, The Wonders of Nature, Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and Everyday Grace for Men. His latest book is Adventures in Fatherhood, co-authored with Holland Webb.
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