Swan Song

I never was a huge fan of “The Gong Show.” I think it’s a guy thing, like “The Three Stooges,” all a little too over the top for my tastes, and as the wiry gray-headed woman walked on the stage, it had all the makings of one of their trademark ridiculous acts set up of for the benefit of entertaining the audience like a court jester. The crowd shots showed people whispering to each other in anticipation of a simpleton prepared to sacrifice their honor for a few moments of TV fame. The judges began grinning, knowing that they were being put on the spot to evaluate an obviously hopeless candidate for the sake of TV ratings. She came out grinning as if she wasn’t going to be able to hold in the joke long enough to carry it out. She was middle-aged, a little plump, and dressed as a country girl coming to town in her best dress. It was hard to tell if she was genuine or playing a stereotype to an exaggerated extent. There was good-natured banter as the judges asked her questions, again believing that it was only a matter of time before the gig was revealed and the outlandish act would begin. They probably wished this was the Gong Show so that they could mercifully end the performance early.

"Why hasn't your dream worked out before now?" - Simon Cowell
"I've never been given the chance before, but here's hoping it will change!" - Susan Boyle

The judges sat back, responsive to her warmth, but still preparing for the onslaught of their senses. Susan Boyle opened her mouth and let out the first pure notes of “I Dreamed A Dream.” The judges’ mouths dropped in utter surprise. Mid-way through the song, the audience was standing in appreciation of her performance. The judges looked at each other in joyous disbelief, not because they had found a new star to promote, but because it was a splendid moment of beauty, emotion, and transformation, not just in Susan, but in how others saw her anew.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You see the beauty in your creations and love each as attentively as if that one was your sole commitment. Help us to find the same beauty that you see within each one, setting aside our assumptions and conjectures. We want a benefit of doubt given to us on first impressions, knowing people critique others using simple or complicated overviews of clothes, shoes, hair color, weight, race, and even toe nail color. Let us look into the eyes of our brother or sister, seeing the Christ living within, and giving them a chance to live their dreams, both God and our neighbor. Amen