The Voice
"What you possess is genuine and God-sent..." Usher on Danielle Bradbury's performance
I make no secret of my obsession with the television reality show The Voice. During the season, I eagerly seek out fellow "fans" and discuss the latest talent showcased on the weekly broadcast. For my friends and acquaintances who do not share my passionate enthusiasm for this particular competition, I apologize (for my inappropriate comments on coach Adam Levine), but offer a glimpse of what attracts me (other than the aforementioned judge).
Recently I attended the Talent Night of the Joni and Friends Family Retreat (for people affected by disability). The show lineup included "Laughter" (by a girl with Turrets Syndrome who has an infectious laugh), "Singing" (by a boy with Cerebral Palsy who can barely speak) and a "Dance" (poignantly performed by a young couple both in wheelchairs), just to name a few of the 30 or so courageous participants.
No matter what the "talent," what key they are in or "off," the crowd goes wild with applause and shouts of "Great Job. You're fantastic!" It's inspiring and humbling to see parents of the severely impaired, have a chance to unabashedly, unashamedly celebrate the beauty and "talent" of their God-given child.
"You're the winner, you're perfect who you are. You continue to show the world you can be whoever you want to be, just believe. And that is your story; you are medicine for the whole world." Usher to Michelle Chamuell
When I heard Coach Usher encouraging his off-beat, unusual finalist, I was inspired. Here is a creative genius, a man who is at the pinnacle of his career, taking time to build up another artist; someone who isn't quite there yet, someone waiting for their "Big Break."
"So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope..." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 The Message
As Followers of Christ, we might find it easy to applaud the disabled as they courageously take the stage and share their "talent," but why do we find it so hard to offer encouragement to our peers? Why does it take a secular reality TV show to ignite in me a renewed commitment to do what the Bible tells me to do?
"Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshipping together as some do but spurring each other on, ESPECIALLY as we see the big Day, approaching." Hebrews 10:24 The Message
You have a God-given gift! God not only has a purpose and a plan for your life, He also has a job and a mission and the provision to accomplish it! That IS YOUR story, you ARE the MEDICINE this world needs.
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness?" Matthew 5:13 The Message
I'm now preparing to take a message of encouragement and hope to Tanzania. I'm getting ready to be The Voice, bringing the good news of the Gospel. It's time for us to share and cheer, so people both near and far can taste and see the goodness of our God!
"I did not expect this huge celebration!" The Voice Season Four Winner Danielle Bradbury on seeing her hometown turn out for her return
"Do you see what this means - all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running and never quit!" Hebrews 12:1 The Message
It's hot in Texas -
Guess I'd better strip down
And RUN towards Africa
With a smile of course
To participate financially with a one-time gift or monthly donation visit our website:
www.sunshineafterrain.org
