THE NATALIE GRANT PROTOCOL

by Andy Nowicki

In a previous post entitled "What Phil Robertson Should Have Said," I examined the then-embattled "Duck Dynasty" reality TV star's plight vis a vis his comments about homosexuality to a GQ magazine reporter, and his subsequent suspension (since lifted) by his network to punish the bearded patriarch for the twin offenses of felonious crimespeak and aggravated hatethink.

Phil, it turned out, emerged from the pseudo-scandal miraculously unscathed, thanks in large part to the groundswell of support he received from rock-ribbed red-staters, irate over the gay lobby's arrogant overreach. My sage counsel, in his case,thus proved irrelevant. Still, in the wake of the degenerate, aesthetic circle-jerk and ideological group-grope that was the Grammy Awards, complete with a Moonie-style gay-n-straight-together mass "marriage" ceremony officiated by mahogany high priestess Queen Latifah, a garishly lurid crotch-fondling interlude care of Beyonce, and a queasy sex-magick ritual sacrifice to Baphomet from lusty, busty good-girl-gone-bad Katy Perry thrown in for good measure, one cunning and comely attendee has seemingly taken my advice to take a stand in a manner that shows not just dovelike innocence but also steely, serpentine shrewdness.

That Grammy attendee is one Natalie Grant  (the blonde, blue-eyed cutie pictured above), a Christian chanteuse who, apparently disturbed by what she'd seen at the Grammys, left the show early, and expressed a vague intimation of displeasure with the ceremonies in the following manner on Facebook later that night:

"We left the Grammy's early. I've many thoughts about the show tonight, most of which are probably better left inside my head. But I'll say this: I've never been more honored to sing about Jesus and for Jesus. And I've never been more sure of the path I've chosen." ～Natalie Grant January 26 at 11:37pm

Grant, who was nominated for two Grammys herself, didn't elaborate about her "many thoughts," but this didn't prevent some Facebook interlocutors from scolding the singer for what they presumed to be the object of her unspecifically-expressed lack of contentment. As the Christian News Network reported:

"Following Grant’s status update, a number of those who learned about her early departure took to Grant’s Facebook page to lambaste her and her stand—many of whom assumed she left because of the same-sex “wedding” that was to be officiated.
'It’s unfortunate that you follow a God who has conditional love,' one commenter wrote. 'I follow a God who loves and embraces all kinds.'
'Jesus would be saddened and ashamed of homophobia,' another asserted."

Grant (no relation to Amy, by the way, or to Eddy, for that matter) then responded to her critics in a follow- up post:

"I've tried to read all of the comments on my previous post but I can't respond to them all. Most of you have always been so supportive and encouraging to me & I'm grateful. It does sadden me when people argue, judge and hurl insults at each other from both sides of the fence. I'm not going to engage in arguments, but just have a few things I'd like to say:
I NEVER said I left during any particular performance. I only said I left early.
I never pointed out any one particular performance, I only said I had many thoughts about the entire show, which were best left inside my head and that is where they will stay. So those who say I condemned one performance but then condoned others clearly did not read the post.
What I DID say is this: I am honored to be a part of the Christian music community. I've had many people throughout my career ask why I never tried to go in to mainstream music and last night was a beautiful reminder that I love singing about Jesus and FOR Jesus.
I've judged no one. I hate no one. And I believe that every person has been created in the image of God. I will never stand on a street corner and wave a sign, I won't use my platform to engage in political arguments that will only divide and not unite. I will continue to pray that my life will be my message. I do have my own personal convictions that I live by, and I will continue to work out my own salvation with fear and trembling before the Lord. (Philippians 2:12)
I was honored to be nominated for 2 Grammy awards last night. I'm so grateful that NARAS and The Grammys continue to recognize the contribution that gospel and Christian music make to the world. And I'm so thrilled for those who won in my categories. And I can say that with all sincerity.
My last thought:
'I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus for it is the power of God who brings salvation to ALL who believe.'
Romans 1:16." ～Natalie Grant January 27 at 1:24pm

What is notable, and brilliant, about Grant's form of protest is precisely her thorough and determined absence of specificity in her comments. In taking a counter-cultural stand against what she clearly views as a depraved and demoniacal music industry, she nevertheless refused to give anyone who would attack her any shred of legitimate ammunition. 

Yet at the same time, there can be little doubt about the statement she has made. One knows precisely which aspects of the Grammy proceedings against which she is reacting, even if she declines to delineate them explicitly. In leaving the ceremony early, and drawing attention to her departure, she sends out the proper signals to all, friend and foe alike; everyone knows what she is taking aim at, yet her insistence upon accentuating the positive in her commentary ("I am honored to be a part of the Christian music community," et al.), while only hinting at her displeasure, keeps her shielded from any sort of official censure.

However one feels about Grant's music in particular, or about Christianity in general, this woman's tacit demonstration of defiance is both gutsy and clever, and anyone who, like her, seeks to take on the principalities, powers, thrones and dominions of our day would be well-advised to follow her example.When executed properly, the Grant protocol allows one to land punches while also escaping retaliation; even against fearful odds, one still is empowered to bob and weave resiliently, to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.

Andy Nowicki, co-editor of Alternative Right, is the author of six books, including Under the Nihil, The Doctor and the Heretic, and Considering Suicide. He occasionally updates his blog (www.andynowicki.blogspot.com ) when the spirit moves him to do so.