"I Dreamed a Dream"

Susan Boyle, an unassuming forty-seven-year-old lady from a small village in Brittain, has shocked millions of people this week with her performance in England's version of American Idol. I have spent a good part of the day today replaying recordings of her performance before the three judges and a standing-room-only crowd. I have been greatly moved by her performance and am very impressed with this lady, and I do not use that term loosely.



I have watched as Simon Cowell, American's judge also, made fun of this lady as he spoke with her before her performance. He mocked her the entire time and seemingly urged the audience to do so. The camera would pan the crowd and one could see smirks on many of the faces. Outright laughter could be heard coming from the audience.



Ms. Boyle announced that her chosen song was "I Dreamed a Dream" from les Mesirables. Simon and the crowd once again had their laugh at this choice of songs. As the orchestra began to play, an angel's voice could be heard singing the words to Ms. Boyle's chosen song. Applause and cheers immediately began rising from the crowd who once made fun of this beautiful lady. Shock was the expression on all three judge's faces and Simon seemed overwhelmed. In fact, one of the reviews I read today said that he (Simon) seemed to be in love with her during the performance. A total reversal of opinions in such a short time!!



Susan Boyle is a child of God who has never been given a chance in life to be what she really wanted to be, a performer before a large audience. Why? Because of her looks!! No, she is not a "freak"; but she is not what most people would consider a "beautiful person." Her beauty is definitely more than skin deep and we can see that beauty as she talks before the performance and then begins to sing.



I have been impressed to write about Ms. Boyle because I wonder how many more people exist in this world who could be more than they are if we would only allow them to be. Too often we judge people by their looks, their knowledge or lack there of, by the houses they live in and where they are located, what school they went to, what church they go to (or don't go to), by how they smell and so on and on. How many future doctors have we passed by, Presidents of the United States, fighter pilots, nurses, teachers, professors, preachers because we weren't impressed by their looks? How many have we been unfair to? How many have we judged unfairly? If Susan Boyle is an example of the "forgotten" people, then we are the losers!! And, by the way, I pray that Susan Boyle wins England's Idol this year and that she shows us all!!!