We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chuck & Karen Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chuck & Karen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
There is inherent risk in everything we do. This is perhaps cliché, but I think it’s important to keep in mind when evaluating options and opportunities. Decisions we make reflect our aspirations, beliefs, and recognition of what is important. I believe we should use the gifts and talents God gave us to make positive and uplifting contributions in society. Doing so to the best of my ability is fulfilling and joyful. For me, not pursuing creative endeavors presents the greater risk: being unfulfilled and missing out on tremendous joy.
I’m not suggesting that every endeavor warrants inordinate risk. Each decision we make, especially when others are involved or impacted, must be measured with thoughtful consideration and reason. However, I’m convinced that we all can afford some risk in pursuing what we feel is right. Everyone has talents of some kind and the ability to contribute to others. Multiple paths are in front of us to pursue goals … several good options with varying degrees of risk, all leading in the same general direction. I think inertia and fear of failure are limiting factors that prevent action. Careful risk assessment, on the other hand, allows us to select a path, hopefully forward. Inaction, doing nothing, retreating … i.e. not pursuing our goals is the biggest risk.
On October 8, 2021, Karen was T-boned in her driver door by a 17-year-old boy going at a recklessly excessive speed on a blind-bend and a dangerous residential road. On impact, her Jeep was propelled sideways roughly 40 yards. Karen miraculously survived, but with serious injuries that changed her life and impacted our family forever. In hindsight, there was deadly risk for Karen getting into her car that morning. Still, we drive.
After multiple surgeries and many months of rehab and recovery, we decided to invest our retirement funds into producing a musical drama we had written. Karen’s accident was a huge reminder that life is short and full of risks. We needed to forge ahead, trusting in God, doing something we had never done before … bring one of our musicals to the professional stage.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Karen and I have been married 44 years. I am retired from careers in finance and industrial equipment sales. Karen has worked in various nursing disciplines, most recently as Doctorate Nurse Practitioner in Family Practice and Psychiatry. Since her accident in October 2021, Karen has recovered enough to work only part time as a Family Practitioner.
Throughout our married life together, we pursued creative passions outside of our “day” jobs. We were very active in our church, volunteering and contributing as best we could. We performed in musical groups, directed kids’ choirs, and wrote and produced musical dramas for young and old. We were fortunate to have meaningful and fulfilling outlets for creativity and to work beside others who were supportive and inspiring.
Karen’s accident was motivation for us to step onto what was, for us, a riskier path … putting ourselves “out there,” out from under the proverbial umbrella-of-mercy in a church setting. Reaching way out of our comfort zone, we invested our retirement funds and produced one of our musicals on the professional stage. Daniel and the Kings was a huge success at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center this past September 2023. We are now working together to find opportunities for Daniel and the Kings beyond Charleston, perhaps video streaming and live performances in other markets. We’ve never done this and there is certainly high risk, financially and emotionally. But, what’s the alternative, do nothing? Nah, onward…
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Karen and I are a collaborative team. We want to provide a high-quality musical theater experience that is family-friendly and promotes Godly values.
From audience responses, we know that Daniel and the Kings is entertaining. What makes it unique, however, is that the story and lyrics embody God’s timeless message of hope. God has not forgotten us even though many have forgotten him. We can trust in his promise, our Lord is always there. Karen and I believe in miracles – her survival from the horrific crash in October 2021 was one. Our faith pulled us through that difficult trial; and, in some ways, we’ve become stronger and more resilient. We truly believe that people are hungry for the kind of encouragement and inspiration Daniel’s story can provide. Daniel and the Kings has a message we believe is worth sharing.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Being able to spend time and energy on something we feel passionate about is a blessing. Creativity is a gift. We honor God by using our gifts to the fullest. Unused creativity is a waste and tremendous loss of joyful opportunity.
There is a freedom that comes with creativity. Creatives understand what it’s like to be “in the zone.” By creating new things, you go where no has before. There’s excitement in connecting new dots. For us, it’s thrilling to write a great melody (ear worm) that others can’t stop humming or get out of their minds. We’ve seen our lyrics evoke emotions that move and inspire. Writing a purposeful and heartwarming storyline can change perspectives, drawing others nearer to God.
Sure, we all like being paid for our efforts, but age and experience has taught me that there are more important things than money. Karen and I had the amazing opportunity to sit in a professional theatre and watch a musical we created. We heard a live 20-piece orchestra accompany a cast of 39 professionals singing, acting, and dancing our story and music. All of it, including lights, costumes, and staging, was beyond what we imagined through 13 years of writing and rewriting. Before the final chord finished, audiences leapt to a standing ovation and cheers. For us, that was priceless, an unforgettable mountain peak.
We continue to hear from people who were touched and moved by Daniel and the Kings. Just recently, someone I didn’t know recognized me at an unrelated event. She approached to thank us. Her family had seen Daniel and the Kings, and her two young teenagers were so moved that they started participating in church and studying the Bible. We’ll never know the impact we have on others by using our talents and making contributions in God’s kingdom. Was there risk taking each step forward? Certainly. But for us, it was absolutely a blessing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://danielandthekings.com/
Image Credits
Sarah Fralin Brandi Brighton