Ok, so before you start rolling your eyes and thinking, "Did she really just put a picture of American Idol under a post that is titled 'a picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently'??? Really?" Let me explain.
I guess, for all intents and purposes, the "huge" part of the post title should be left out, because I'll admit completely, I don't think any of the things I'm going to post for this particular day of the challenge can be considered a "huge" impact on my life....but then, isn't it possible that the small things that impact your life can be just as important (if not more so) than the "huge" things? Just a thought.
Anyway. On to why American Idol has made an impact on my life. As I've explained (or am explaining since I haven't published the AI post on my other blog yet... hmm...) my family and I have been watching AI pretty regularly this season; it's been a really fun thing that we've all gotten into. Even my dad has become a huge fan! ;)
Since it's been such a big "thing" in my house, it's no surprise that this show has affected me, that I've gotten invested in the contestants and all that (read: if you know me at all, you know how freakishly intense I can love something). Again, I see you rolling your eyes, thinking "Really?? Idol????" I know, I know. Believe me, I get it. But let me explain.
First, it's a show that has to do with musical talent. Um. Hello? I'm so interested. But let me explain a little bit more clearly. The coolest thing about this season of AI is that I think the show is finally-- after a few seasons of wandering around in a dark place where all that mattered were hilarious characters to amuse the masses and acting like a total nut (Paula) or jerk (Simon) or Mr. Invisible (Randy)--living up to what's it's supposed to be; a search to find the next greatest talent!
Honestly, there is just something so amazingly wonderful when you get goosebumps from listening to an incredible musical performance. That's just the truth. And AI this season has its share of incredible musical performances. There are contestants on this show right now that can absolutely blow the roof off; and everytime they do, I do literally get chills.
So I'll get right down to it. This show has made an impact on me, because there is something kind of wonderful about a show where the main purpose is to give ordinary, everyday people the chance to show off their incredible musical gift. I mean, yeah, they get to be famous and all that--and who hasn't wanted, for at least one tiny second, to be famous??--but they're getting to touch people with their music; and that's beautiful. Also, one contestant in particular on this season is giving a great example of why music is so dang awesome. James Durbin has tourette syndrome and asperger's (in the autism spectrum), and while he functions just fine--only an occasional tic or so--he goes completely away when he's singing. It is so fun to watch. When he sings--and his voice is powerful; I think he'll either win the whole thing or be a close runner-up--he's totally in his element, and everything else he has to "deal" with goes away. That's what music can do.
Why has it made an impact on me? Other than providing a great source of entertainment & introducing me to new songs and soon-to-be artists, it's been a huge reaffirmation of how much I LOVE music. Seriously. One of the greatest things ever.
I'm honestly not completely sure why this movie has made such an impact on me. I'll be honest; when I first wanted to see it, I thought it just looked really interesting, and was a good departure from the low-class humor films our dear community was requesting for entertainment at the local theater (read: I'm not in love with my "hometown"), but I walked away from it completely...impacted.
In general, it's just a really good film. It's entertaining, sweet, sad, hilarious, historical, and, most importantly, inspiring. It has no sex scenes, no bloody violence, nothing super questionable (except a little cussing, but you can read why I'm okay with that in the post I linked to above).
But I suppose this movie has had such an impact on me because it's made me think. About a lot of things. About how the things that freak me out, the things I struggle with the most, aren't as important (at least, not in the "eternal sense" or to the rest of the world) as speaking to a nation as a king; and I don't have any physical barriers preventing me from completely these tasks satisfcatorily.
Another thought: it was kind of a great example of how things don't just happen by "chance." The events that led to King George VI (okay, seriously, if you haven't seen this movie yet and don't know what I'm talking about, go see it. Now. I really don't think you'll regret it. And if you do, you can blame me. But I'm pretty sure you won't.) taking the throne weren't "chance-ful." The fact that he was the king during WWII wasn't an "accident." And, most importantly, finding a speech therapist that worked so well with him and really helped to "cure" him (don't worry, I know there's no such thing as a definite "cure", but please understand my meaning..) wasn't just luck. The Lord knew that the people of Britain were going to need a strong leader to help them through the awful WWII period, therefore, everything happened for a reason. Just kind of a cool example of how that all works out...
And finally--oh, and do be warned: this one has to do a little with politics. Yup. I'm stirring that pot.--in the movie (and, I think in the real "king's speech") he ends with something like, "God willing, we will get through this" or "with faith in God, we will be able to triumph" or something along those lines--I'm sure you get the idea. Not only was that an acceptable thing to say, it was an expected thing to say. Now. Compare that with present day America. We take such care to separate church and state; there are those who are trying their hardest to remove the Lord's name from the Pledge of Allegiance; and, most frighteningly, our current President is not a man of any sort of practicing faith. It would be considered a scandal and outrageous if our president dared to mention the Lord in any type of speech or address. And we wonder why we're not having any great successes with the causes we are choosing to take part in? If we can't ask the Almighty for His help and guidance--or give Him credit and placing our faith in Him--how on earth can we expect to win?? It is such an incredible tragedy that our country has progressed to this point; when only 60 or so years ago, asking for the Lord's guidance and protection was acceptable and encouraged. How things have changed. And how much they've changed for the worse.
Anyway. Those are two of the things I could think of off the top of my head that have impacted me. Hopefully something I've said will make even a little bit of sense, and will start your brain or heart thinking/feeling.
Or, y'know. You just chalk this post up to how crazy and weird I am. Whatever.
