Wednesday, April 21, 2010

People Get Ready & Crystal Bowersox


Tuesday was inspiration night on American Idol. Each contestant was tasked with singing a song that would inspire. It’s down to seven contestants and another goes home Wednesday night.

I thought it was interesting to see what songs these twenty-somethings would choose, deeming them to be inspirational. From the first time I heard Crystal Bowersox during the auditions she became a favorite to me. Love her voice and love her authenticity even more.

Crystal chose a song by the Impressions called “People Get Ready”. She delivered the far and away best performance of the night. The song was delivered with heart and passion and Crystal broke down and cried as she delivered the last line. Yes, it brought a tear to my eye as well.

The judges raved and the main stream media and blogosphere is abuzz about the performance.

However, I am most fascinated that the message of the song was apparently lost on everyone. As a speaker who delivers messages weekly and has studied communication for over three decades I have often marveled at those times when a message is missed or lost because of the powerful delivery of the messenger.

Granted, Crystal is in a singing competition and the focus is upon performance. Still, as I reflected upon the message of the song I wonder if anyone had a heart string tugged by God.

“People get ready, there’s a train a comin’
You don’t need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin’
Don’t need no ticket, you just thank the Lord

People get ready for the train to Jordan
It’s pickin’ up passengers from coast to coast
Faith is the key, open the doors and board ‘em
There’s hope for all among those loved the most…”


Now that you, my reading friend, are reflecting with me upon the message, the question that God is stirring is, “Are you ready?” Some day Jesus will return to this world (a train is comin’) and He will be taking to heaven (train to Jordan) those who by faith have followed Him with a whole heart (faith is the key, open the doors and board).

You don’t need no ticket but you do need faith. And biblical faith is not an intellectual nod in the direction of Jesus. Biblical faith is a trust in the saving work of Jesus upon the cross, to the extent that you no longer live for yourself but, die to self and live for Jesus.

People get ready, there’s a train a comin’.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

AMEN! Scott, Amen.

And thank you for your message. People Get Ready has long been a favorite song. The message, even at a young age of 10 or 12 was clear.

I firmly believe I would not be here, and inspired to do what I'm trying to do without Him. I believe I have been in the presence of and protected by angels here on earth.

I was doing research on the version of this song by a great musician who gave so much in his life Curtis Mayfield. As I tell you this please keep in mind that until last night I had not tuned in for even a second of Idol this season. I happened to tune in when Crystal was visiting Toledo, OH. Sounded sweet so I just left the tv on while I went on looking up the song.

Hours went by after listening and learning the guitar from every version I could find. Mayfield uses some kind of non-standard tuning, it was obvious when compared to other versions so I had to do a little more digging to find out.

When I googled the song and cutris mayfield and key, much to my surprise, there was Crystal! I'd only a few hours before seen her for the first time and had yet to even hear her sing. I don't think i can put into words - Crystal right there singing the very song I was learning!

I put down the guitar and put the learning on hold until I had left her a rather long email message. It was clear to me that God wanted me to make contact with Crystal.

I'm working on a charity concert, and looking into starting a non-profit org to help others, but as I explained to Crystal, trying to contact her had nothing to do with any of that. I was compelled as if it was God's will for us to get to know one another... I believe it like the sky is blue on a clear spring day!

We'll see what comes of it I guess.
I'm saying prayers for Crystal to win Idol, and for my band, the charity concert, and for help and guidance in starting the non-profit. Won't you join me?

Thanks, and God Bless.

Eric Christopher Brock
usr11242@yahoo.com