Okay, I just have to post about this because I am so confused. I have to admit in the early years of American Idol, I gave a strong support and following. I love, love, love to sing and so this was just a show I could relate to. When M and M were young, we even went to the Season 2 Idol Tour concert when they came to Atlanta. You may remember this was Clay Aiken and Rueben Studdard's year.
Anyway. . I promise I have a point. You may remember Mandisa from Season 5, I believe, she is an incredible christian woman that was following her passion with music by participating in Beth Moore's worship team. They travel to various conference via Travis Cottrell's influence and sing prior to her sessions. Mandisa auditioned for American Idol and made it to the top 9. (I have read her book Idol Eyes) So, when she was voted off, the week prior to that she sang "Shackles", by Mary, Mary. (my kids LOVE this song and I do too. S even knows choreography to the entire song, love it. . she says they sing it in worship every day at school, one of the things I love about my kids going to a christian school) Okay, so after she sang that song, "you broke the chains, now I can lift my hands, I just want to praise you, I just want to praise you", Obviously talking about Jesus Christ. Simon says to her," I didn't get it." Of course not, the WORLD doesn't get it, and they won't until we tell them. Anyway, she did it anyway, she took a stand and sang that song, knowing the world would not "get it". Many have followed in her footsteps and have tried to participate in Idol as Christians, but I am sure allowing others to know the true honesty of their faith would surely get them eliminated.
Okay, so this year, I just have not watched many of the episodes, except for the first ones where it is basically a comedy show. Last night on American Idol gives back, the last song was "Shout to the Lord" by Darlene Zschech worship leader of Hillsong Church in Australia. Hillsong is a very open and honest church that is pentecostal and firmly preaches the Bible and evangelism. Yeah for that. So. . as the top 9 or 10 contestants come out all dressed in white, clad with a gospel choir behind them and sing "My Savior, my shepherd, Lord there is none like you, All of my days, I want to praise, the wonders of your Mighty Hand". . . I heard this in the background while I am working on the computer, I had to watch. I stood there watching baffled in amazement that the world was literally watching as this song was being sung. To Who? Were they singing to my Lord? Or was this merely for show or to get more money sent in? I am so confused at the motive or was this merely to worship a great and Mighty God? If anyone saw this and has insight, please let me know? I personally loved it, because even if some of those Idols singing aren't Christians, they sure sang about it and millions heard!! Praise the Lord and thanks American Idol for a little free evangelism for us Christians.
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I saw that too, Wendy! Ilove that show and yes, it is sad that the Christians are persecuted on my favorie show-at the moment. However, this is the world we live in. As far as the song last night, it brings me back to Philippians. "So how am I to respond? I've decided that I really don't care about their motives, whether mixed, bad, or indifferent. Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed, so I just cheer them on!" (The Message) Someone out there last night heard that song and it touched them. They were pressed to search for the compassionate God that I adore. Whatever the producers, actors, singers, and contestants were up to last night doesn't matter. In the end, they raised a lot of money for great causes and Christ was proclaimed...AMEN!!!!
Did you see it the other week when Dolly Parton was on there? I almosted posted myself about this very thing after she was on. She also sang a song about Jesus (although I can't remember exactly what it was). After she sang her song, Ryan was talking to her and she said, (and I LOVED IT!)...
"Well, I have Jesus and y'all just have Simon."
I about fell off my chair! She wasn't ashamed! Love it!
I don't know the motive either, but I'm with Lauren, I don't know if I really care...It lifted someone up, He wanted it sung..and therefore they DID.
Awesome stuff though!!
I wish they would have sing the right lyrics. It was an edited version of the song. Instead of saying "My Jesus" to start the song, they said "My Shepard". Jesus is the Shepard, but there is a lot of power in saying the name of Jesus. I think if you are going to sing a Christian song, then sing the right lyrics. Don't edit it so that you will not offend somebody.
...also on the official American Idols forums, the moderators are removing any Christian related comments about the song. Apparently they did not want to say the name of Jesus in the song and they don't want people posting about who is being referenced as the Shepard from the song.
All this is starting to now circulating on Christian radio. What could have been an even better thing for American Idol may now hurt them all because they seem scared of people connecting Jesus with the song.
My husband told me several weeks ago that he was praying tht they would sing a Christian song that would minister to people on "American Idol" At the time I thought,"yea right, not in a million years will that happen!" Then last night my daughter calls me from Texas, "Mom, turn on American Idol" they are singing "Shout to the Lord" I'm like, "No Way!" It brought tears to my eyes...even if the song was edited, God can use it to reach peoples hearts. I love the playlist on your sight. Thanks for letting me share!
Whatever motives the producers may have had, God will use last night's performance for His good and His glory.
I bet Simon was squirming in his seat...
I was really excited about it too. Even if the words that are meant to be shouts of praise to our Father have been turned into "inspirational" songs, it was still them singing praise to the Lord in front of the world. Praise! It was so beautiful!
I was pretty disappointed though when it was immediately followed up with Ben Stiller dropping the "f-bomb" three or four times.
Me again....
Check out Travis Cottrell's blog and read his take on Idol. I love it!
http://traviscottrellministries.blogspot.com/
I saw it to last night and when I heard they were gonna sing Shout to The Lord, I was taken back. Then the first line was sang, and I tell you what, my heart sank . . . deep. They didnt say anything when Mariah and Dolly mention Jesus, but they literally ripped Jesus out of our ANTHEM! And I belive that there is something totally behind this. They dont just sing shout to The Lord for no reason and then dont even mention Jesus in both lines that Darlene made sure she had in there. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that JESUS is Lord. Wow, do we have so much to cherish in The Name above all Names, and while I do agree that it is good that God is being sang about, no matter their motives, it still doesnt impress Jesus at all. They worship me with their lips and their hearts are far from Me, He says.
American Idol is HUGE and they make millions, they are very concise in what they aim to achieve, so i'm very curious as to why they would sing our song and remove Jesus out of it. I could go on and on and I know I may sound harsh and insensitive, but when we live in a country that is constantly pushing to remove Jesus from all fronts, it totaly breaks me heart. Just my two cents.
Thanks for putting this post up.
whatever their motive was, it must have been amazing to be one of the christians still in the competition getting to sing a worship song at the Kodak and in front of 30 million (well 17 million cause everyone hates the idol gives back episode). so yeah, i think its cool and dont care they changed the first 2 words to relate to other cultures. I mean, dont you ALWAYS have to be politically correct?!? hahaha.
I just wanted to say "thank you" for your encouraging and uplifting blog. I don't know you, but I can tell by reading your blog that we share some of the same struggles. I have 2 little boys (ages 2 & 6 months) who keep me very busy. I pray the Lord bless you and your precious family!
The fact that a secular show allowed this song to be sung at all was amazing to me...I had chills and tears in my eyes! Let's be positive! God will use it...have faith! Also with the group last week, the Clark Brothers...they come from a large family like yours and their father is a minister...they sang and "Jesus" was sung in their song....so was was Dolly's song!...So, let's be encouraged...God IS at work on American Idol, Praise His Name!
Tonight they sang it the right way - "My Jesus, my Savior..." It doesn't matter their motive - that's the best part!
I am thankful that He got the praise and the Holy Spirit was working. I was telling my husband that even if God wanted to use lost people to accomplish His purpose to send aide to other countries that it was Him that would do it! I am with you though I have not been watching it much except at the beginning. I even missed shout to the Lord.
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