First Impressions

I imagine most of us have seen the amazing performance by Susan Boyle. Ms. Boyle auditioned for Britain Has Talent, which is much like our American Idol. It even has old Simon Cowell as a judge. She appeared on stage as a frumpy, middle-aged, single, never-been-kissed try-out. The judges rolled their eyes and said, “All right darling, go ahead.” She opened her mouth and belted out “I Dreamed a Dream” from the famous theater production of Les Miserables. It was beyond spectacular. There are really no words to describe the beauty of it; of the song, her voice, and how the lyrics applied to her life.

The judges sat open-mouthed, speechless and swallowing the lump in their throats—even Simon Cowell. Their first impression was so mistaken. The female judge (who I am not familiar with) apologized for the pre-conceived judgment of her. They all gave a big “YES!” for her to continue on in the competition. The next day she was an international sensation. Ms. Boyle was featured on almost every news station across the world. The world’s first impression was dead wrong—Ms. Boyle has talent.

Now here is what I would like to leave with you today. I babysat my 20-month-old grandson Michael last week. The day after Susan Boyle made a splash across the media, I sat with Michael on my lap and showed him the You Tube video of the performance. He sat mesmerized by the audition and at the end, before everyone else began to applaud, he clapped his chubby little hands together in appreciation. This 20-month-old toddler held no beauty prejudice. He heard loveliness and responded. We re-watched the video five times. Each time he snuggled into my chest and leaned forward to the computer screen. He never wiggled or squirmed. He was transformed by the gift of Susan Boyle. (Now at all other times he is a busy, busy, busy, active little boy.)

My grandson’s reaction to "I Dreamed a Dream" sang by Ms. Doyle made me cry. I prayed for him and my two granddaughters to keep the innocence that childhood gives—that they would see everyone as a perfection of God.

But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Luke 18:16-17).

I guess what I and millions of others learned is this: don’t judge by the world’s standards. We all have dreams. We are all children of the Most High God.