A Winnipeg woman who wears many hats in the Christian music industry is opening up about attending the recent 56th annual GMA Dove Awards in Nashville after so much talk about the event. "They were fantastic," says Jaylene Johnson. "It could be the best 'show' I've ever been to. It was a remarkable thing to be in a room with thousands of people with like minds, presumably, in the sense that we were all there to celebrate music that honours Jesus." Johnson was a singer/songwriter, and although she doesn't sing anymore, she continues to write and collaborate with Christian artists both in Canada and the U.S.A. "Watching these incredible performances and then all of a sudden out comes Carrie Underwood, and I'm a huge fan," says Johnson, talking about the highlights of the event. "Then later on, out comes Jelly Roll, and I'm a huge fan. Just to see people stepping out and stepping up for the Christian music community was phenomenal." .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Although people compete to win these awards, Johnson says there is a real sense of camaraderie between musicians. "I understand there's a feeling of conflict in us sometimes as believers, because we want to give all the glory to God. But, in a way, I think having a platform allows us to do that. If we accept an award, we can turn the glory back on the Lord, and our testimony has an even broader reach." One of the highest nominated artists this year, Forrest Frank, announced on social media a few weeks before the show that he felt convicted not to attend. This got many artists talking about where they stand and their thoughts about awards shows in general. "I think Jesus celebrates with us when we put the gifts that he's given us to use," says Johnson. "When we work on our craft and skill and bring it to a high level. I think when a panel of our peers agrees and is willing to give us that honour, we have an opportunity to then say, 'Hey, look what God's done in my life,' it's incredible." Today Johnson will be part of an online connecting time with Christian artists regarding GMA Canada, called a 'Fall Check In.' "We're inviting people from all across the country to come online, be together, ask questions, and resource one another. We're hoping to do one in the winter and then another one in the spring. I'm also organizing some regional groups. It's a pilot project and I'm excited to get it going." Anyone interested in these online connection times can email Johnson at jaylene@jaylenejohnson.com. "If you're a Canadian Christian artist, I want to encourage you today. Your work is not for naught. Take that talent that God's given us and invest it in good ways. I'm still learning all the time. Learn so that we can put our best foot forward and really use our gifts for God's glory."