so, I watched American Idol last night. I have a love/hate relationship with this show. I love the fact that it gives a voice and a chance to some really talented people who may have never had a shot without it. It gives a platform to some great voices that many times would have been considered “not-marketable” or
whatever. So I think that’s great.
I also love “Idol Gives Back” and the fact that they are using that platform and the millions watching to help people in need. awesome.
But then there’s the hate part of the equation. Excuse me while I step on to my soap box. I think it instills a fascination with “being a star” into youngins’ everywhere. That’s what they see. All you have to do is get in to the top 10 and you’ll have your picture in People Magazine, you’ll go on a tour and be a rockstar for a moment. I think it does the same thing for some of the contestants. Say they’re “#6″ and they become a household name, get picked up in limos, walk the red carpet a few times, and then the shows over, the tours over, they had a record deal for a second, and then the next season starts and they’re forgotten about. I think it’s unfair to some of them because it sets them up for unmet expectations and dissapointment. Just listen to a few of the past “cast-off’s” and it’s weird because their whole lives seem to revolve around their moment on American Idol. I don’t know, it just seems unhealthy to me. And then there’s the times on the show when they perform all together. It’s really bad broadway. And why do they have barry manilow nights? it makes me break out in hives. Did i really just spew all this in my blog? Sorry.
As you can see, it’s been building up for quite awhile. I’ve stepped off my soap box now! 
One great thing is that the show has given us some incredible people to listen to and look up to.
So now let me be a hypocrite for a while. There’s all these reasons that I hate this show but you can be guaranteed that I would never miss the finale. or the auditions. and a few shows in between. And so I’m back to last night.
Jason Castro - why did you forget the lyrics? You are so pretty and I want to love you, but this late in the competition you got to bring your best game.
Syesha - this girl has an awesome voice and she is GORGEOUS. and when she cried last night, i cried. Wait a second, I hate this show, remember????? And then there’s
David Cook. Is he getting a little arrogant? He seems to be. But he is my
favorite. I hope he wins because his voice has some grit.
Okay - and then there is the Archuletta kid. His voice really is amazing. So pure and beautiful. Can
he even drive yet? Exactly. And there is something troubling about him to me. i don’t know. Is he too perfect to anyone else? Hmmmm, the show sucks you in, doesn’t it. Okay, I love this show. No, I hate this show…no, I love it….no, I hate it….no, I love it.
Love it or hate it, it’s like a car crash….you just can’t look away.
xo,
nat
47 Responses to “Love And Hate American Idol”
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WASHINGTON, D.C.— Curb recording artist and GMA’s three-time reigning Female Vocalist of the Year, Natalie Grant, made a slate of appearances this week in the nation’s capital. Prior to performing a tribute to Sandi Patty at the 2008 Grammy Salute To Gospel Music at The Lincoln Theatre, Grant visited Capitol Hill.
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I feel the same way about it! And you’re so on target about the Archuletta guy, his voice is beautiful but there is something “too perfect” about him… and David Cook has been my favorite since day one, but I agree that he is getting a little arrogant… though he’s still my favorite. Anyway, yeah, you just can’t look away
Too funny about the love/hate thing….I agree. I think the world pushes success in all the wrong ways adding tons of insecurities. Sure, this is just another show to lure many into stardom…..but it’s nothing more than reality at it’s best~~the constant test of faith & building of character through opportunites this world provides. The best won’t always win in every situation & there is a reason for that. I am amazed at the talent of all these contestants, win, lose, or draw…what an inspiration they are, following the desires of their heart. Just like u! Thanks for being so great & down to earth~~not only is ur music amazing ur spirit emits such beauty & grace~~I think u should be a judge up there along with the infamous trio~~hehe! How crazy would that be~~
I think the best part of American Idol is the auditions. It is a great study of human behavior. People will do anything to have their 15 minutes of fame…even if it is act like an idiot. I don’t think that the best singer necessarily wins and I do think there is alot of behind the scenes red tape. If American Idol has taught us anything, it is that being the winner is not always the best thing….with the exception of Kelly Clarkson and maybe Fantasia. Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry are tearing up the charts. I quit watching it watching it when they voted Chris Daughtry off by the way. Plus I do not think that America is the best judge of what is good music. I can’t even listen to secular radio stations anymore because of all the junk on it they call music.Thank goodness for people like you who not only know how to rock but inspires us to be all we can for God!
Love/hate….I too can’t seem to pull myself away from the show. What is the reality of American Idol? I agree with Heather that it is a huge test for the contestants, but… I think that it is also a test for the viewers; to show where our hearts are and what our values might be.
Music is so powerful!
Why do contestants perform certain songs? Is it because the song lifts one’s spirit in a way that is pleasing to our Supreme Creator, to give glory and thanks for such a wonderful talent, or is it to capture the attention of the carnal mind of the audience? Do we contribute the pressure put upon them to their choice of songs?
Having said that, I am so grateful that there have been some good Christian performers that show us that they love God and want to stand for what they believe. Natalie, thank you sharing your precious talent, and your wonderful spirit. You are truly a gift!!!!
Now about David Archuletta, don’t count the kid out. I am familiar with his core beliefs and upbringing. If you have been watching him closely, you will find that his innocence is peculiar, odd, unique and rare. Look into his eyes… the innocence that you see is real. Maybe its the innocence of God. It can still be found in our world if we look for it. Keep it up David!
I am totally in agreement with you especially when you said that it is like they have that moment of fame then its over!!
I think that the best part of the whole show is the auditions and sometime the sow its self! I mean ya they are good role models right now but what will happen if they do become famous. Are they going to still be the person we seen on American Idol or a total different person. That is my only ting about the show. How much of the show really shows there personality and who they really are as a person? Well i am going to stop now!! Thanks for letting us know how you feel!! I thank God to have you as one of my role models!!! I will see you in concert Saturday!!
Lindsey
I want to know the same thing about the Barry Manilow nights…..What is up with that! personally I hate Barry Manilow so I don’t get it. It’s whatever.
Syesha had a great night last night, Randy had a bad judging night with that one. lol. I actually agreed with Simon last night, that never happens!
And David Archuletta, is too perfect….I thought the exact same thing, it’s so weird.
Jason, LOVE HIM, but sadly I think his American Idol “Time” is up.
And David Cook…..Love him!…..He’s pretty hott too. lol.
As a mother of five kids ranging in age from 26 to 9, I’ve always held an interest in the role models my children choose. Most of the time, they chose well. We, as parents, stressed inner strength of character as a plumb line when choosing someone to emmulate or admire.
So often, people who are in the spotlight begin to believe all the hype said about them and they lose their focus. Natalie, when you stand on a stage during a concert and tell those impressionable young girls that your main concern is pointing them toward your Lord and Savior, it is evidence that you haven’t lost your focus.
You have been given an incredible voice and you could easily use it in the secular world, but you choose to glorify God…just the kind of role model I try to steer my kids toward. We attended the concert in Conway, along with our 3 kids, and it’s refreshing not to have to run interference, knowing that the message from the stage is going to be a positive one.
I know you probably feel a lot of pressure to always be “on”. We, as fans of your music and ministry, need to be sure we don’t put pressure on you and others and ask you to conform to a standard that we ourselves couldn’t conform to. You are a person, created by God. You have many admireable characteristics. And, you face many of the same battles everyone faces. I’m thankful that you have touched all our lives with your honesty. I pray that God will undergird you with His strength as you spread His message of hope. Oh, and…that He will limit the number of poopy diapers where the poop comes out the back. BTDT!
I saw that last night too and one of the judges to said (to Syeehsa, I think, “You look like a star” and I was like - what is that supposed to mean? Which isn’t to say Syeehsa wasn’t beautiful, because she was, but still. They say that all the time and it is kind of grating sometimes. My favorite Idol is probably Jordin, I love her. And I was reading Chicken Soup for the American Idols Soul and Jordin said that she sang one of Natalie’s songs at the end of a camp one time! I can’t remember which one, though.
I love the middle period where they stop poking fun at people and start really working with them to be better performers, then I turn away toward the end because they’re just sort of going through the motions to get to the “winner” who will, as you said, be treated like royalty for a time and be forgotten. With the twins I’ve usually been in the middle of dinner/bedtime though so I’ve missed a lot this season.
I Have stoped watching the show it just doesnt interest me anymore and its like people who get voited off on wensdays now are good singers so it is like a fan competition not a singing competition…. i wont get into it but i dont find any intrest in it anymore and plus i can never watch it on wensday nights i have church… I love church =]
god bless you and your family♥
I watched once for the auditions…..NEVER AGAIN. You’d have to drug me, club me, sack me and drag me and then be ready for some serious payback when I regained consciousness. This show just gets to me now so I find myself doing anything but watching. It scares me how “young” in every possible way you can take the connotation of that word these “kids” are. Some have what it takes, some don’t. That’s been proven. You asked for comments LOL so there ya go! ~Linds
I love American Idol. My favorite is David Archulette. He is just so talented. I have watched American Idol since it began. I also cried last week when Brook left and this week when Syesha cried. It shows they are human with true emotions. I agree that they may have never gotten where they are today if they didn’t have this exposure. The downside I think is the voting process. I think there are a lot of votes for popularity and not for talent.
Hey! I have been wanting to share my views about American Idol
Back in Season 3 my cousin tried out and she got to a second stage in the round. She has an amazing voice by the way 
I was made aware by her that the tryouts are judged by smaller unknown judges. When she didnt make it, they offered to pay her to make a scene and sing bad like they do with all the others. That sadden me, but I’m somewhat relieved to know this because sometimes they get so harsh!
When Paula accidently messed up about rehersal shows, it just kind of proved my suspicions about the judges knowing what to say. Trust me, those singers are so talented. They have to keep America entertained. If it was all about the good, no one would watch it. Which is sad!!!
As for the contestants…I dont have a favorite. After Carrie won, I havent had a favorite. I really enjoyed this season because the talent was amazing. I am so glad Syesha is still in. She has an amazing voice. I just wanted to give her a hug last night when she cried. I really enjoyed Carlie and I felt she left too soon but that is the way it goes. I loved Brooke but was disappointed when she messed up those times. I hope she continues her career.
That’s another thing, most like you said Natalie, are just temporary rockstars. I am glad Mandesia chose to become a Christian singer.
Well, my opinion lasting long lol, but I have been holding it in. I really dont care who wins..It will be between the two Davids I am guessing. May the best person win
haha..i love your blunt honesty.
I totally agree with you about the love/hate thing. It’s very funny that you wrote this today because I was saying the same thing to my husband. “Why do I even bother watching this show anymore”.
I believe that Jason Castro for two to three weeks is trying everything to get voted off but, hasn’t because he is so cute! I have been rooting for David Cook but, I know like last year the younger one is going to win because the teenagers and young adults vote for their age group. I thought that Melinda should have won last year.
Natalie, you’re funny! The bit about Barry Manilow and hives made me laugh, I feel exactly the same way! I obsessively watched Idol from season 3, until last year…then the bad started to outweigh the good, and I gave up! I watched one episode this season, and realised I was kind of over it.
i want to marry jason castro.
although, i haven’t paid much attention to this season of american idol so i shouldn’t assert an unwarranted opinion about his or any of the other contestants’ voices and/or personalities. mi madre’s fave is david cook. we shall see…
i enjoy the very beginning of the season much more than the end since you are given a glimpse of not so vocally talented individuals. sinful of me…i know…but it’s hard to resist.
hope life on the road is treating you well! a couple of my girlfriends and i will be at your show in knoxville on friday…we are driving from chattanooga. we are stoked.
si i am different. i absolutely hate the show. i woint even watch it! my friend marcy sykes tryed out with the big thnree and didnt even make it! i say they dont know real talent when they see it. she even sang christian music. she sang something from sister act 2. so after all that im on strike for as long as the show runs!
Hey you! I must admit that I do not watch AI! Can you believe it!? I never have ‘gotten into it’.
I do love Carrie Underwood…and Kelly CLarkson…and Mandisa (but she didn’t win, right?) Anyways…
I love your music as well, keep up the good work.
God Bless, Hugs~n~Love,
Crystal
Ok, I do not watch American Idol. There are a couple of reasons. First of all, the name in itself creates too many conflicts in my heart. “Idol” is a term that is being used too easily and something that I don’t agree with. But to go on, there are people going on there that KNOW they do not have a singing talent at all and do it only for their “10 Minutes of Fame”. And you are completely right about the ones that actually make it into the top 10. They get everything they want and that sets a bad example for aspiring teens and even adults everywhere. It makes them think that the road to “stardom” is easy and you get everything you want all the time. I know that many a singers have said that if it weren’t for God and patience, then they would be nothing. But do you hear that very often, NO! Ok, so I am rambling now. I just do not agree with a lot of things that the show stands for or what they promote. I agree that you can get a lot from the show if you win. (The whole Platform thing you were talking about!) But at the same time, how many of those people are giving it back to HIM? I mean, that would be the whole point of their gift, wouldn’t it? Ok, that’s it. That’s all I’ve got. Sorry if that seemed like a soapbox too!! God bless!
I recently went to dinner with my friend Kendra and her hubby. My friend LOVES Idol and was telling me about how she just loves each of the contestants, wants all of them to win and how sad she was that the latest (I forgot the name) was booted off. Her eyes filled with tears and this is a woman that so rarely gets emotional it startled me.
I’m a skeptic. I believe it’s all rigged. I believe it’s all an elaborate marketing ploy to turn new artists CDs into million dollar babies.
Maybe because I know the music business is so harsh. Maybe because I’ve been in limos and know it’s just a car. Maybe because I’ve been on red carpets and it feels more like walking the plank. Sometimes it isn’t even red! Here’s another myth - green rooms are very seldom actually green. Show business is a business. It’s a market.
Nothing is as it seems. But OH! How we love a fairy tale. N’cest pas? I know I do. Where’s my prince? Maybe I need to give up on that ridiculous dream too.
I feel the same way, however I was glad to see Jason leave. The few shows that I saw it didn’t seem like he was too serious about the opportunity he had. As for the Archuletta kid, although he does have talent I hope he doesn’t win. He just seems a bit young or ‘immature’ to handle the type of fame that comes with being and “Idol”. Plus there is the issue with his dad, I still think he is waiting to cash in on David’s success.
NAT,
YOU SO ROCK! THIS IS ONE OF YOUR BEST BLOGS YET! GIRL I FEEL THE SAME WAY ONLY I’M GETTING SICK OF THE WHOLE PAULA/DRUNK ISSUE. I ALSO TOTALLY GET WHAT YOUR SAYING ABOUT THE TOP 10. BUT IT HAS GIVEN US SOME AWESOME STARS…CARRIE UNDERWOOD, JOSH GRACIN, AND KELLY CLARKSON JUST TO NAME A FEW.
XOXO
JANELLE
I, too, have a love/hate relationship with AI. I vowed I wasn’t going to watch this season, mainly because I didn’t see anyone early on worth rooting for. But, I find myself tuning in week after week. Personally, I’m shocked that AI has lasted this many seasons. Other than Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, AI hasn’t been able to produce an actual Amercian Idol……more like American Idol of the moment. Where is Ruben Studdard? Where is Fantasia? The show has become a parody of itself with the antics of Paula, the talk of Simon’s tight sweaters, and Randy talking like an over-the-hill suburban gangsta. The show actually seems to be less about the contestants and more about the judges.
Having said that, I do think the show opens up doors for performers that otherwise would remain closed. But, I also agree that the show sends an unrealistic message about success and making it look all too easy to be a star. If there is any doubt about this just watch the audition shows for a glimpse of how many misguided young people think the road to success runs through AI. Frankly, the whole idea of looking up to a still-wet-behind-the-ears teenager as any sort of ideal is silly to me. I’ll save my admiration for the Natalie Grant’s of the world!
I watched the full 1st season and only some of season 2 although for that one I didn’t miss the finale. With all he drama and gossip and just bad media the show has attracted I have been turned off by the whole show. Then there is Simon who is just all together rude. He could be honest without being so crase. But you are right about the show giving people with amazing talent a chance to showcase their voices. Since I am a big supporter of my Hispanic hertiage, I actually watch the Spanish version of American Idol. As ironic as it sounds less drama more talent.
Hey Natalie,
Just wanted to let you know I agree with you about American Idol. It has It’s good and Bad.
I got to see you in concert in April in KCMO I also got to meet you but got rushed out before I could talk to you.
I wanted to tell you that your songs held and In better hands now have helped me alot. I lost idenical twin girls this past feb. 20th I was 17 weeks pregnant and their hearts just stopped beating. It was the hardest day of my life having to deliver 2 babies that I knew I was going to get to take home. But your songs have helped me. I am a believer and I know that God has a plan but it still hurts and when I’m having a bad day I listen to your music and helps heal my broken heart.
Thank you for singing for the Lord you inspire me.
I feel God has a call on my life to sing a travel as well.
Many Blessings to you and your family.
Ditto. On all of it. Glad I’m not the only one. Usually people look at me like “how can you NOT like that show???” when I talk about the negative aspects.
“One thing I don’t like about the show is that it turns truly sadistic when the person is voted off and they have to sing while they’re crying,” Simon said. “I just want to go up …. and carry them off and say, `It’s OK, sweetheart, come with me.’ … I don’t know how the panel can stand that cruelty. … Doesn’t that seem like being thrown to the lions?”
The above quote is from Carly Simon.
It is really hard to sing when you are blubbering at the same time you are supposed to be singing a goodbye performance.
Well said on the love/hate scenario of the show, Natalie.
My love/hate part of the show is when a contestant has done a superior performance and Simon (who is basically a doorknob at times) totally disagrees with Randy’s critique of the same contestants performance. I just sit and go arrrrrggghh! - like a pirate - not believing the two judges just watched the same thing and came away with opposite views.
Natalie,
First of all thanks for posting a blog on this and giving us all a chance to comment. I appreciate your honesty here, especially with your platform that you have and your “not being afraid to give your opinion”. I think I’m in agreement with you on just about everything you’ve mentioned….all the pro’s and con’s….including the “Barry Manilow” deal….hehe. I would like to say I am thankful to the people on the show for providing even me with a job last year at the Kodac Theatre during the finalle, as I was living in Hollywood trying to also make it as an actor/singer. Although I didn’t make much money, I had the chance to meet alot of very popular entertainers in the industry. I would like to add 2 flaws I believe are a hinderance(I’m not the best speller,ha!) to an overall fair contest: 1. People can text as many times as possible; This is fine for everyone who thinks, “Yay I can vote a few extra times!” However, someone who has family or supporters who are rich may be putting mega bucks into voting for them, while another contestant may actually have more voters and fans, just not an overabundant amount of texts like the other contestant with the most financial support. Keep in mind I am only stating this could be a possibility, and not neccessarily the truth. 2. Contestants must be under the age of 30. This is also unfair to those of us, like myself, who are older, yet still fit into the pop category. I’ve been told so many times to try out for the show after people hear my songs, but they are shocked when I tell them I can’t because I’m too old. (Fans and Friends seem to think I look younger than 33 and I guess this throws people off). If I am off-beat with these 2 extra opinions please let me know your knowledge and views if I am wrong here.
As for who I’m voting for this year, I honestly have to say I have not voted much, nor have I watched the show a whole lot this season due to my own envy/jealousy of wanting to have a stage to sing on as the other contestants have. Plus so many people tell me I remind them of David Cook and this makes my frustrations even worse….lol. I am praying daily for Christ to heal my mind from tormenting spirits which make me feel inferior since I am not a popular artist. I have been trying for years, writing and co-producing my own 4 song c.d., 2 tracks which are Christian, giving thousands of cd’s away, yet still no luck on getting things rolling and progressing with a career, and this is why I guess I’m dealing with the “not watching Idol” thang. However, I’m thankful for God allowing me the opportunity to work with some amazing people and their ministries, such as Michael English during ‘99 and ‘01, and even helping you once with a show in St. Louis, lol. I guess what ever God’s will is for me will be, and the only way I’m coping is to just put my trust in him as much as possible. Thanks for your wonderful example over the years, and I’m sorry if my reply has went over the maximum length. God Bless You Natalie!!
sincerely,
Mac David McClain
myspace.com/macdavidmcclainmusic
Oh, Natalie! You are a girl after my own heart. I feel exactly the same way about the show as you do. My favorite of the season was Brooke White! :::sigh::: I see big things for her, and I am so glad to see that she is humble. She loves the Lord, and I see her being such a positive role model.
As an aside, I have to say I am so bummed that I haven’t been able to get through on KLOVE this week for your New York contest. WAH!!! I would have loved to see you again! We met on December 19th at your Christmas concert in Livermore, CA. I’m the one who gave you the Good n’ Plenty’s and the Hot Tamales for your birthday!
It was such a blessing to have the opportunity to meet you!!!
God bless you, Natalie!
hey mac,
i agree with the “under 30″ thing. I’m 36 and have found my greatest commercial success in the last couple of years. I love proving to the industry that age is just a number. So hang in there - God always has the last word and He’s not done with you yet!
YOU make me laugh…. haha
keep up the posting with your blogs!!! i look forward to your next.
oh how I agree with you! When they did barry manilow…i thought the same thing! and I totally agree with you on how you feel about each contestant! Its a love/hate relationship…yet I keep watching it! lol Have a great day!
I have to admit, I have faithfully seen every season, my husband calls it American Idiot, and I too love and hate it! I want to hate it, and yet I cried when Carrie Underwood won and cried, I want to turn away but I just can’t seem to quit watching! Seriously some of the themes are really bad!
Hi Natalie,
I just came across your website this morning for the first time….Do you actually have time to respond to people personally? WOW!
I saw a lot of posters with you on them when I competed for Gospel Dream 2008 in Atlanta, GA. (last month)
I am a lot like you in many ways. One day I hope that I can be sharing the gifts that the Lord gave me with as many as you are!!
Will you pray with me on that?
Thank you and God Bless You, Susan
Hi Natalie…I just read your blog and I just had to tell you that David A. has a powerful personal relationship with Christ…He has been brought up in Church, and he does use his voice to serve God…to praise and worship God…and to glorify God…When allowed to choose the song, David opts for a song with a positve message, sometimes a Faith message, and this young man truly blesses me, and he is the only reason that my daughter and I even watch the show…We don’t vote, but we hope he wins, because it takes a lot of guts to take a stand for Christ on a show such as A.I. David beams God, and whether he wins or not, I know that God has plans for David…plans that are eternal.
In Christ’s Amazing Love and Grace, Bet
I so do agree with you. I used to be an avid watcher until about two seasons ago. I just couldn’t stand the way they would build someone up and tear them down slowly. But I agree also, that it does give a voice to those who haven’t had a chance. Christian music got Mandessa from it, so I guess it’s a good thing. The sad thing is that you can’t sing for the Lord on that show without being voted off. That’s why it’s American Idol, and I respect those who don’t act like “idols” when they leave the show and get their first and sometimes last album out.
BTW I wish you would come to Arkansas. It would be nice!
Hey Natalie,
I love your webpage. You are an awesome lady. Thanks for shining for Jesus. You defintally make a difference.You should come to Minneapolis again sometime. I’ve only seen you 5 times and would love to see you again.
Your new cd is awesome too.I love the song Perfect PPL.
GOD BLESS
We said goodbye 2 Syesha last night. I think that they got David A and David C right to be in the top 2. Did you notice how many people showed up when the idols went to their hometowns? Geez loise! Well, I personally like American idol, but I hate it when they say, “You’ll find out who’s leaving us….AFTER THE BREAK!”
Oh ya…David A is my fav. Well, as you know, the girls love him! Nobody is perfect, but he acts like it! This is one of my favorite performances of him:
Hey Natalie,
I’m am totally with ya on the whole love/hate American Idol. Although, I am cheering for David Archuleta but which ever one wins I’ll be happy because they both are very talented and I think they both can be successful. Who is your favorite judge? I think mine is sometimes Simon, idk. Sometimes he is brutely honest but other times he is like really right. Idk, too confusing sometimes. Oh well. One thing I thought was cool was that David Cook sang a Switchfoot song. Even though it was pitchy it was still cool.
Natalie,
I’ve got some comments on your statement:
“But then there’s the hate part of the equation. Excuse me while I step on to my soap box. I think it instills a fascination with “being a star” into youngins’ everywhere. That’s what they see. All you have to do is get in to the top 10 and you’ll have your picture in People Magazine, you’ll go on a tour and be a rockstar for a moment.”
But before I comment on this, I want to say how I love your music and how your are helping sexually exploited childred, WONDERFUL and GOD BLESS you! I also wanted to let you know how your song “Held” helped me understand a profound part of the solution to the ancient “Problem of Evil, Pain and Suffering”, that philosophers, theologians and other thinkers have been grappling with for thousands of years.
This is the problem of how an all power, loving God could let such evil (as the sexual exploitation of children) exist, and still be considered a good God. Well part of that solution is that Jesus experienced that same evil against Himself when He could have crushed it before it started, therefore He is not requiring us (Humanity) to go through more suffering then He himself went through.
As far as trying to understand it fully, well it’s one of those questions that can’t be understood in words only. It will only be understood as time progresses in God’s plan and process for the eradication of all evil, without removing free will. Well that’s alot to think on, and it is only the philosophical, and theological part of he question.
Your song “Held” touches on part of the question that most never attempt to answer, that part being the emotional part. The emotional part of the question of Evil, Pain, and Suffering is just as important as the philosophical and theological parts, yet maybe even more so, because it’s what everyone can grasp. The average person is not interested in the logic, philosophy, and theology of the question but how the question affects thier heart. Thier heart cries out to God: “Why do allow such evil!, are you going to allow such evil to occur to me?”
Well your song “Held” gives the answer: Being Held by God. We have no guarantees of what life will bring our way. We do have the promise of protection, provision, prosperity, and abundant life, but Jesus said we will also have trouble and put no stipulations on the extent of that trouble. Some of us may indeed have to go, and gone, through such atrocities as the ones mentioned above. But God is working to eradicate such evil. And for the ones that have to go through the extreme evil, they have the promise of being HELD by God.
As Isaiah states: “Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones”
We must understand that the deepest, most profound, most valuable thing in this life, besides our Salvation, is the Comfort of God. It is worth more than any amount of money, more then the deepest romantic relationship with the most beautiful of human beings (male or female), more then the greatest of fame, more then the greatest of any kind of talent (music, acting, writing, intellectual, etc.), and more then the greatest of careers.
The only way to get that Comfort is through suffering. The greater the suffering the greater the Comfort. Now don’t get me wrong, God does not intend for us to desire suffering to get His Comfort. But when we do suffer, He is there to give us comfort, which cannot be attained in anyway what so ever in the world.
Now back to the original comments on youngsters wanting to be stars. This is where I somewhat disagree with you Natalie. It’s difficult for yongsters not to want such. Natalie you are a star, and I’m sure you did not go into Christian music for the sole purpose of being a star.A calling was part of it, but I’m also sure that somewhere in the background there was a hope in stardom that the Lord has brought to pass for you.
The fame and money, are all a part of it, but once the stardom is attained I’m sure the desire for such things fades as there is always a price for them. My point being that the desire for stardom is not necessarily a bad thing, but indicative of a deeper desire in each of our lives as being recognized by God. Being recognized, loved, and comforted by God is the real stardom.
i totally agree with you,natalie.and the name sorta turns me off,”american idol”.to people who don’t know the show…it can seem like they’re really trying to find an idol for america.
but i do love the show.i miss brooke white. she made the show so happy. :]
but out of david a. and david c. i perfer david c.
You all are so right about the whole “idol” part of it. God said for us to not have any idols, especially in front of Him. I think sometimes the whole idol thing really gets to peoples heads and sometimes, I think people actually do treat people like that like idols. It bugs me but just like you said Natalie the show sucks you in and it’s hard to turn away.
Hey Natalie,
I hate it when you say the truth.
You know how you said that David A is almost “too perfect?” Well, I’m listening to your song, “Perfect People” and really he isn’t perfect.(I know that you know that) Anyway, America doesn’t seem to know that he isn’t perfect! He DOES seem perfect,but that’s not true. Thank you for that song that you sang…very true lyrics.
natalie i think that you are beautiful so as your kids bye God bess you and keep you.