27 But God chose what the world considers nonsense to put wise people to shame. God chose what the world considers weak to put what is strong to shame.
28 God chose what the world considers ordinary and what it despises—what it considers to be nothing—in order to destroy what it considers to be something. 1 Cor 1:27-28 (GW)
I have always been one to root for the underdog. It does my heart good to see those who do not fit in with the “in crowd” rise up and shine. Thus is the case of Susan Boyle. Although probably belittled most of her life, and perhaps not possessing the greatest degree of self-confidence, one thing she had that no one else had was an incredible gift of song. Once this woman opened her mouth to sing the audience who had quickly dismissed her, were stunned and amazed at the great talent this lady possessed. Once again God confounded the so called wise and elite amongst us. To think that anyone thought themselves good enough to sit in judgment of another child of God should be reviled not applauded. For all she endured and for what she has overcome Susan Boyle is this weeks Golden Eagle award winner. Way to go Miss Boyle. Keep on singing. God bless you.
I just finished watching this video from “Britain’s Got Talent” for what was either the third or fourth time in three days, and it still gives me chills. It had all three of show’s frequently snarky judges raving. Why?
The performance is a beautiful rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Mis—at once both subtly emotive and unreservedly belted out into the audience. The singer, Susan Boyle, is a 47 year old unmarried unemployed and self-described never kissed villager from a village so blighted that, reportedly, the film crew that was later sent to do a follow-up biographical segment for the show chose to film in a neighboring village instead of Boyle’s own.
The irony is overwhelming: by singing this song about broken dreams, Boyle—whose life has apparently, up to that moment, been difficult enough to justify the lyrics as autobiographical—makes her lifelong dream of success as a professional singer effectively come true. It’s extremely likely now that she’ll end up with a recording contract and a busy performance schedule.
Before she begins to sing, the judges engage in their usual repartee: How old are you? What do you want to do? They, and the audience, react skeptically, though not cruelly, when Boyle says that she wants to be a famous singer like Elaine Page. Scattered applause.
Afterward, Piers Morgan, one of the judges, says, “When you stood there, with that cheeky grin, and said ‘I want to be like Elaine Page’, everyone was laughing at you. No one is laughing now.”
It’s upsetting to see Morgan rain on Boyle’s super-bright parade. She’s just delivered a bravura performance, and he, impressed as everyone else is, responds by reminding her how low our expectations were. But in truth, the meanness, the low expectations, the expectation that Boyle, who had apparently failed in so many other respects, would make a fool of herself, contributes powerfully to the warmth and joy we feel when we are not only pleased but also surprised (shocked, even) by her success.
Susan Boyle’s “Britain’s Got Talent” performance
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resident.
Thoughts and views as seen from the resident raptor. Reflecting on life and the world as I see it.
