Balancing Act

I am really struggling with something today. Our band is making their debut at the county fair this Friday. We have worked really hard and are very excited to share our music. The trouble is, the fair folk have omitted us from just about every press publication. They printed a newsletter tucked into the local papers and we are listed in the entertainment section but it ends there. An article about all the local bands performing this year didn't even mention us and we are not listed anywhere on their website, even under the entertainment schedule. I have to admit that my ego is bruised. It feels terrible to work this hard and be swept under the carpet. I have been cheerily, gracefully prodding the woman who "hired" us (we are playing for free) and she is afraid to ask them because they are so busy. I have drafted several responses to this latest admission of tentativeness on her part and erased them all because they reveal too much exasperation. I want to be an example of Christ's love and not bombard them with my ego-driven anger. I want to be fair. I also want to be rightfully counted and I want our music to be heard.

I have decided to follow Esther's example and bake them cookies before presenting my request. But I'd like to know, what do you folks do when faced with injustice or disappointment? How do you strike a balance between passivity and aggression?

Comments

[Elaine]

I always try to see the potential good in people and try really hard not to jump to the conclusion that I was deliberately slighted. Which is NEVER easy to do, but vital for speaking in the right tone.

In this case, I'd email something along the lines of, "I'm sure it's just an oversight but I noticed that we were not included in the promotional material. What do you need from me to include our info on the website and any additional materials being sent out?"

And then I wait for them to do the right thing.

Of course, your dealing with a middle man, so you may have to take a different approach, letting her know how much you value her assistance and just KNOW she can make this right for you.

Either way, I wish I could pop up there to see you all! I bet you'll be brilliant!

[Joo]

Elaine, you are so right on, even if we are, in fact, deliberately slighted (which I don't think is the case). I'm just cutting out the middle (wo)man entirely as this has been going on for weeks with no change.

I also contacted a radio station and we may get to go sing for them Friday morning live in the studio (which would excite me to no end!!).

Thank you for the vote of confidence. I am beside myself at the prospect of performing in a band. I've written a couple of the songs myself and collaborated on a few others and it is tremendously exciting to me to get to share them with such great musicians. We rock. There. I said it. Whee!

[Sandy]

How exciting for you! I think I would take this to God in prayer and respond as He leads. We never really know the whole situation or why people act as they do. Responding in love is a whole lot easier if we let Him show us how. Easier said than done, I know; just my two cents.

[Joo]

A very helpful two cents, Sandy, thank you!