MUSIC MANTRA Monday: How God Speaks To Us Through Music (Jackie Evancho)

Some people don't know this about me but I started playing piano when I was two. My mom took a picture of me at that age sitting at the piano, my hair in strawberry blonde ringlets, donning her big Elton John-styled sunglasses. I don't remember that shot, or even when I first fell in love with the piano, but I do remember the calm that swept over me whenever I played.

It didn't seem to matter what chaos surrounded me or how horrible I felt beforehand, when I played the piano everything felt...better. It was like all the negative emotions and feelings flowed out from my heart through my fingertips leaving me with a renewed elated sensation. Weird, I know. My mom used to tell me that it was a sign of true talent, and she should have known because despite any of her faults, she was one of the most talented people I knew.

My Grandfather used to say, "When God wants us to listen, he touches certain people with special gifts. Guess he figures we'll pay closer attention when the message is given through the beauty of music or art."

I don't think Grandpa was saying that I was touched by God, specifically, but his words moved me so deeply, making me feel a tremendous pride that I was given even just a tiny bit of talent--a way to speak to others through music and writing. And I think my grandfather was right: There are some of us who have been 'touched'...given a special way to reach others. Have you noticed that many are young people ~ child prodigies?

The video I'm sharing today is Jackie Evancho...the 10-year old little girl with the big voice who won America's Got Talent. The first time I heard her sing, my whole body broke out into goosebumps and my grandfather's pearls of wisdom whispered in my ears. Is Grandpa right? Did God choose this little girl to speak to us through? We'll never know for sure.

What I do believe is that these people are sprinkled among us to remind us of what is still beautiful in the world. They fill our hearts with hope and love so there is no room for the negative emotions we often succumb to. And for that, I am so grateful.

[We're still looking for our piano. When I find it, I'll post an updated picture of me at the piano. My hair is a little darker, my feet don't dangle quite as much when I sit down to play but I do have those big Elton John-esque sunglasses! ;) ]