As I mentioned in a previous post, you can learn a lot about life (not just about our culture)
reflecting on this cultural phenomenon. I rarely get through a whole season, to be honest, but I have a love-hate relationship with the audition shows.
I love to see people stepping out of the shadow of obscurity to the fame their incredible voices and talent deserve. However, I hate to see the severely deceived embarrass themselves on television.
Walking in with complete confidence, they have the look, the charismatic personality, a swagger that is incorrigible, boasting of talent and even victory...and then they open their mouths...Wow! Unbelievable! "Are these people even serious?" I think to myself. Sadly, they are serious. I am always floored by their persistence. As they sing, if you could call it that, the judges are trying to be gracious, trying to be kind but sometimes it is dreadful. At times a giggle slips out, even a laugh. The contestant finishes what seems to have been a comedy routine by the ensuing laughter and what do they do - despite the laughter? They start singing again!! Amazing! They beg for another chance to humiliate themselves - they honestly, wholeheartedly believe they can sing and not only sing but deserve their voice to be heard by the world! The shame is that the rest of the world painfully understands the truth.
Walking in with complete confidence, they have the look, the charismatic personality, a swagger that is incorrigible, boasting of talent and even victory...and then they open their mouths...Wow! Unbelievable! "Are these people even serious?" I think to myself. Sadly, they are serious. I am always floored by their persistence. As they sing, if you could call it that, the judges are trying to be gracious, trying to be kind but sometimes it is dreadful. At times a giggle slips out, even a laugh. The contestant finishes what seems to have been a comedy routine by the ensuing laughter and what do they do - despite the laughter? They start singing again!! Amazing! They beg for another chance to humiliate themselves - they honestly, wholeheartedly believe they can sing and not only sing but deserve their voice to be heard by the world! The shame is that the rest of the world painfully understands the truth.
The first lesson I take from this is that I can choose to believe whatever I want to believe. If I tell myself something often and long enough, I can alter what I perceive as reality. Proven every season as we agonizingly endure the American Idol auditions we clearly understand - what I believe does NOT alter reality!
Will I learn to believe what is really true?
I blame parents and friends. What do you tell a 4 year old that runs to you with a page of scribbles? "Wow, that is great! Keep it up buddy!" If a 20 year old is still running to you with a page of scribbles it's not cute any more. if you are someone that keeps telling people it's great when it's not, you should be slapped. Seriously, there comes a time when reality has to be revealed. If they can't sing, tell them to stick to family and friend karaoke time, please! It's not rude, demeaning, or destructive to someone's self-esteem to gently encourage them to find a career in something other than what they are awful at! It saves people the crushing defeat and emotional scarring of making a fool of themselves before an internationally, televised audience!!
In all seriousness I believe everyone CAN sing. The Bible exhorts us to, "make a joyful noise unto the Lord," and sing our praise to God no matter how it sounds. I just don't believe everyone deserves a professional recording contract. I believe everyone can sing but I don't believe everyone should sing on National Television!
The second lesson I learn is that I need to hear the truth. Even when it may not make me 'feel' good. Truth is true whether I like it or not. Truth is still true whether I believe it or not.
Gravity is true, electricity is true, morality is true whether I choose to believe them or not. However, when I choose to ignore the truth there are always consequences.
It really doesn't matter how much faith you have...
...When the faith is in the wrong thing.
I can choose to believe that inertia is not true or that I can fly but if I tie my pillow case around my neck and jump from the arm of the couch onto the couch, the couch will slide and destroy my Mom's favourite pole-lamp.
The truth is: she's still never forgiven me for that one.
Will I listen to the Voice of Truth?
These illustrations were used as a part of the message "The Game of Life" at Recharge 2011 on the campus of the Word of Life Bible Institute, Owen Sound campus. Check out the rough notes blog post.
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