Friday, April 17, 2009

You Just Never Know


Earlier this week it occured to me that we really, seriously have a lot to learn as human beings. We've blogged about this topic here before. I'm speaking of making judgments of others based on how they LOOK. Are we, as a society, ever going to learn?

I have never in my life chosen my friends on the basis of what they look like or how much money they have or if they hold positions of power. Beauty, as we are taught in every church in the world, is in the HEART. Maybe it's time we started believing that. Several of my friends have posted about Susan Boyle and we are all singing her praises...and rightly so. Seldom do we see Simon Cowell so flumoxed or see such a relatively hateful audience make a 360 degree turn and literally fly to their feet to cheer. If you haven't seen this video yet, please take a look. I tried to post the video here but the codes have been disabled for this particular clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALQCkizx4UI

When I saw this video, I teared up. I thought...oh, how WONDERFUL! It gave me the biggest thrill to see this 'everywoman' take the stage and triumph as she did.

I was so interested to learn more about this woman so I did some reading. She lives in a small village in Scotland. When she was in her early 20's she was enrolled in a London Acting Academy but returned to her village to care for her sick mother. Her mother passed away a few years ago and now, Susan lives alone with her cat, Pebbles. She is unemployed but does lots of charity work for her church and the neighborhood kids are known to call her names. When she had the chance to audition for Britain's Got Talent, she took her chance. Her big shot. She wanted to do it for her mom who'd wanted good things for her. Susan went for it. Yes, she is 47. So what? It just took her a little longer to get the chance to reach for her dreams. Does anyone believe that dreams are only for the young? You would be mistaken about that.

I hope you don't mind my sharing and I'm certain by now, you've seen this but I just wanted to share my thoughts.

17 comments:

Katie Reus said...

As a whole I doubt society will ever change, but I think as individuals we can make a difference in the way we teach our children. Great post! I don't watch Idol, but I've seen her story and it's amazing. Thanks for sharing :)

Amy Ruttan said...

I was pissed when I saw the audience making fun of her based on her looks, then I saw their faces when she opened her mouth.

Yeah that video makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. She had a dream, and she took her chance. Good for her, because some people NEVER take that chance.

Anne Rainey said...

Great post, Regina. This woman is amazing. I'm just in awe.

Mia Watts said...

Am amazed and slightly in love with this woman. Believe she is the perfect example of a romance complete with twist happy ending.

Regina Carlysle said...

I agree, Katie. I have two kids, both young adults (23 and 17) and I'm happy to say they've never chosen their friends based on faulty logic. They have friends in every shape, size and color and are open minded about things. We have to teach them when they are young to care about others and be compassionate.

Regina Carlysle said...

Had the exact same reaction as you, Amy. My daughter and I watched this together and she teared up and said...they're MEAN. But when she opened her mouth, she just stopped the crowd cold. Yeah, warm and fuzzy. That's the feeling I got.

Regina Carlysle said...

I agree, Mia. She's a happy ending. Wonder how many middle age to older people out there think...I'm just too old to do THAT now? We don't STOP dreaming. We have to go for it. She's my hero.

Regina Carlysle said...

I think she's amazing, too, Anne. The whole thing was just very emotional and taught everyone a valuable lesson.

I also read that Simon Cowell wants to sign her to his own record label.

Anny Cook said...

Love Susan... who got the last laugh, didn't she?

Mary Ricksen said...

She made me cry. I felt the same way about the audience, shows how jaded people are. But what a thrill when she started to sing. Bravo little lady, bravo!

Kelley Nyrae said...

Isn't she amazing. I was blown away. I'm the same way. Really need to learn to stop judging a book by its cover.

Regina Carlysle said...

Susan DID get the last laugh. Heard today that marriage proposals are pouring in. :-)

What a brave and fearless woman. On the Today show they asked how she managed when everyone laughed and made faces. She just said...you just have to go on.

Regina Carlysle said...

We all get older. Our boobs start to sag, we might put on a few extra pounds and we begin to see those fine little wrinkles. Inside we remain young and beautiful. We love and dream.

Rebecca J. Clark said...

I watched it at least 5x in a row and every single time I teared up. It really shows that your wildest dreams CAN come true if you never give up.

Regina Carlysle said...

Couldn't agree more, Rebecca. I've watched it many times, too, with always the same reaction.

Mona Risk said...

What a fantastic post. Susan Boyle so deserves her final chance, but how many never get it.

Ladies, I just love your blog. I am nominating you for an award. I hope you get it.

J.K. Coi said...

I did see this, it was awesome! I'm so glad she blew everyone out of the water :)