YOU are Beautiful!

Sometimes the messages of God's love, forgiveness and grace come to us in unexpected ways. Yes, we will hear it in church and Bible Study and in certain circles. But when that message comes at a time and place we least expect it, it can be powerful.

I have a confession to make... I have been known to watch a few episodes of "American Idol."  Lisa and I don't watch much TV, but somehow, this has become a ritual for us over the past few years. If you have not watched the show, or don't want to admit you watch the show, American Idol is a singing competition that gives the viewing audience the opportunity to vote for their favorites through text messages, on line or by phone. The season begins in the middle of winter and concludes in May. Lisa and I record the show so we can fast forward through the commercials and comments, and focus on the singers. We never call in to vote, and so we can't complain when we disagree with the results of the votes.

This season, there was one singer who, in my opinion, was stellar. Candice Glover is her name. She has a beautiful voice. Lisa and I were happy to see her win this year's competition. As the contestants were narrowed down to just two, each of them performed a song that would be their first record. Candice's song is "I Am Beautiful." In it you will find a two minute sermon. The message of grace and compassion and welcome is wrapped up in these words. Maybe watching American Idol isn't all that bad.

Below are the lyrics, and a video of Candice Glover singing the song on the show.

You say I sound silly when I laugh real loud 
Talk about my day and you tune me out 
You keep telling me lies to make things worse 
But I don’t hear you 
‘Cause I’m listening to his words 
And he says I am beautiful 
And when I fall 
It don’t matter that I’m not perfect 
I am beautiful 
I’m not alone 
And in his eyes I’m so worth it 
I’m worth every tear 
And every scar 
And even when you say I’m not 
He says I’m beautiful 
You say I’ll never be good enough 
Knock me down 
Won’t help me up 
And you always say the right thing to make hurt 
But I don’t hear you 
‘Cause I’m listening to his words 
And he says I am beautiful 
And when I fall 
It don’t matter that I’m not perfect 
I am beautiful 
I’m not alone 
And in his eyes I’m so worth it 
I’m worth every tear 
And every scar 
And even when you say I’m not 
He says I’m beautiful 
And I deserve better things 
He says he understands 
I got to do what's right for me 
And he says I am beautiful 
And when I fall 
It don’t matter that I’m not perfect 
I am beautiful 
I’m not alone 
And in his eyes I’m so worth it 
I’m worth every tear 
And every scar 
And even when you say I’m not 
He says I’m beautiful 
He says 
He says 
I’m beautiful 
And I’m worth every tear 
And every scar 
And even when you say I’m not 
He says I’m beautiful




Peace,

Pastor Charlie