I'm really not a fan of 95% of network shows. Most of them contain way too much content that I find objectionable. "American Idol" is the exception. As a classcally trained clarinet player who likes to sing (although I'd never make it past Simon!), I love watching the show and seeing if I can hear what the judges hear.
Watching the early episodes leading up to Hollywood Week is always, well, interesting. I'm amazed by the contestants who are completely convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt that they are the best singer the judges have ever heard. Have you noticed that they almost never are? The cockiest ones are usually the worst! Why is that? How does that happen?
As a musician, I know that some people are genuinely tone-deaf. Their ears can't tell whether they're singing the song right or not. They really can't help it. I went to college with such a person. One day, we were helping clean our church and he sang hymns while working. The problem was, he changed key every line of the song! I found it fun to try and follow along with his key changes. It was a real challenge!
I don't know the statistics, but I'm guessing there aren't THAT many people who are physiologically tone deaf. My husband also suggested that some of the contestants may have varying levels of developmental disabilities, contributing to their unrealistic understanding of their talent. Either of those issues may be going on with some contestants, but with the number of horrific auditions that take place in every city, every season, I think there's also something else going on.
We sin-soaked humans have an incredible ability to deceive ourselves. "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Jeremiah 17:9 We can talk ourselves into believing almost anything is true. While there may be some merit to thinking positively about ourselves, no amount of belief can change certain things about us, such as our ability to sing (or lack thereof).
Are we guilty of deceiving ourselves? Maybe you're not running off to American Idol even though you can't carry a tune, but parents, are you encouraging your children to do it instead? I'm amazed at the number of parents on "Idol" who seem just as deceived as their children! It's great to encourage our kids to try something new, but don't tell them they're wonderful at something when they're not! Be realistic and you'll do your kids a favor.
Search your heart and see if there are any spiritual areas where you think you may have succumbed to your deceitful heart? Have you convinced yourself that you don't struggle with sin or that you can handle certain tempting situations without a problem when that's not really true? Do you think you're a generous, loving person, but it's OK to talk about your neighbors behind their backs?
"Search me O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24
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3 comments:
Amy,
You are off to a great start with your blog. I've been around a few people like you have described, both musically and spiritually. Isn't it tempting to want to be on stage, to give a great performance, and to claim our glory - if we truly deserve it or not.
Love the blog so far, thanks for sharing your heart!
Congrats on starting the blog. I love American Idol. I get such joy out of hearing and seeing the really wonderful contestants. I've always wanted to sing. And you hit the nail on the head, Amy--about parents deceiving their kids with nothing but compliments. I grew up in an overly critical home. Didn't receive much encouragement at all, and I find that I really do tend to go overboard when complimenting and encouraging my daughter. Thank God He sees my heart when I do this-- and thank God my daughter knows her mom has a weakness: encouraging her. :)
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