Like you, I too have very strong opinions about Christian radio.
You talk of the past. And I'll more than willingly admit, perhaps my opinions about Christian radio also belong in the past. But when someone makes the choice to contribute in a public forum, all replies, encouraging or questioning, should be expected and accepted. We base those replies on what we read, and in what time we might perhaps spend in private discussion with the contributor. I base mine on what I believe I've gleaned from what I think is reasonably extensive discussion with Dan, in public and in private, over the years.
You talk of hyperbole. I'm sorry. But I don't see Dan with the gift to apply the concept. I, instead, see a small simple man, mostly unnoticed in his community, who frankly doesn't know what questions to ask, or who to apply those questions to, in any real effort to perform due diligence. I see a man, very much a well meaning man, yet still a man who, in spite of years on this forum, really doesn't understand the depth of what is needed to operate a radio station of any size, in any market.
I see a man, who believes he has a vision, yet shows little grasp of understanding what biblically might be needed to determine where that vision originates. I see a man, formed of his environment and upbringing, who applies a limited depth of experience to a very revealing public expression. And I see a man who works from a fear of confrontation and from offending those closest to him, and as such, applies those fears in determining what direction his radio station will take.
Here and elsewhere, anyone who has encountered Dan Presley has seen a change over the years that, in my take, doesn't reflect growth. That he continues to post updates here, to persons who will never be his audience suggests to me that the personal attention a radio station might bring him surpasses the radio station itself. We're not his audience. Yet, I fear that those in Dan's circle of friend and family don't understand, can't understand all this fuss over a radio station. And so, we in default become his only community. Faceless and for the most part a nameless community.
As things have evolved, I grieve over what I see (acknowledging that others don't agree in my view) as ego over substance. The years of "construction is about to begin" posts read like the "look at me" story of the boy who cried wolf. Born in the midwest, I can't understand what growing up in Selma might have been like. But through this all -- and right or wrong, this is the key -- I see myself, decades ago, in Dan. When you're mostly unnoticed, it can be corrupting to find an outlet where you might finally begin to gain attention. I think I understand the battle of ego over substance because that battle is mine too.
I see a person who, more than perhaps anyone else ever encountered on a site like this, needs our help, our questions, our input. It is our right. It is our responsibility. That means more than wishes for success. To me, based on my dreams and visions and on my successes and failures, I see someone needing pointed, sometimes painful questions. I see someone who needs to be challenged. I see someone who needs to find perspective. I see it, and I choose to act on it, because I painfully (and yes, sometimes angrily) regret someone not doing the same with me decades ago.
We all gravitate to those who think most like ourselves. We're most comfortable with those who don't challenge our view. We'd prefer not having to consider the possibility that our choices might not be the correct choices. We'd prefer iron not sharpen iron. We'd prefer there not be consequences to our actions. As my dad used to say, "water seeks its own level."
So, I choose to question. To challenge. To hope. Hope that Dan Presley will somehow find what it takes to impact the divide that remains in Selma. To help in his communities restoration and revival. But to do it with perspective on what a radio station can and cannot do, what a radio station can and cannot be. And to do it without self, without ego. Because I personally and all too painfully know full well what the result may be if he doesn't.