Cynicism, american idol and the kingdom of heaven
For years, my primary audition song was Les Miserables’ ”I Dreamed a Dream” – so when my friend Galen posted a YouTube link about it on Facebook, I clicked the link without even thinking. As a woman turning 40 this week, it was a special gift. But the bigger impact to me was the comment said by one of the judges, Amanda Holden. It stopped me in my tracks. She said:
“…everybody was against you. I honestly think that we were being very cynical and I think that’s the biggest wake-up call ever. And I just want to say it was a complete privilege to listen to that.”
Acts 13 (referring back to Habakkuk and Isaiah) says, “Look you scoffers, be astounded and perish, for I am doing a work in your days, a work you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.” Now, clearly, this isn’t a reference to American Idol or any particular person’s chance to shine. But it does speak of a fatal human condition; the hardening of the heart.
Even those of us who have been redeemed can suffer from this, I know I do. When I saw Susan Boyle walk out on stage, I didn’t have the desire to condescendingly whistle at her, like someone was doing in the audience that night…I didn’t have the desire to laugh at her. No, I wanted her to be good. In fact, I wanted her to be inspirational… but I didn’t believe she would be. Why???
Why are we so afraid to believe that something magical and wonderful might actually happen? At least for myself, I’ve come to understand it is the fear of disappointment. If I put my hopes in something, I fear the crush of loss IF it doesn’t to fulfillment. I fear the death of loved ones, the betrayal of friends, the failure of business endeavors… you name it and I probably fear it.
And this is why, in my opinion, God gave us the arts. Because once in a while, we’ll see someone shine. We’ll be surprised. We’ll see them climb a lovely scale. We’ll feel moved by a melody or a line delivery or just the purity of a voice… and we’ll know. We’ll know that heaven is possible.
We’ll know there’s more than this life, with its heartbreak and loss and failures. We’ll nurture the tiny little mustard seed of hope in us all. And the growing of that faith feels so good to our souls… enjoy.
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