God, I see you on the faces of your angels. As they sing of their pain, your voice comes through, and I hear, “No matter what, my child, I hold you near.”
Begging and pleading, as we listen in. Arms held high, we look toward the sky, “Praise you, Father,” is what we cry.
God, I see you in the words people sing. You are always here is the truth that rings.
God! I see you.
On Easter Sunday, during the live performance of American Idol (AI), a major network aired a prime-time episode of the popular television show offering a Songs of Faith theme. It was wonderful. Moving, somewhat surprising, even though it was Easter, and timely. Jesus was given screen time in a variety show.
We’ve established that my house is an Idol fan house, and this class of Idols has been faith-strong from the first round of tryouts to Easter night. More so than any other season.
Music is worship to me. It’s a conversation delivered by a blessed voice, for me to hear how I hear. What is God trying to say? Why am I having such an emotional response? What do the words mean to the person singing them? Do we share the same reactions for the same unknown reasons?
Each contestant selected a song that spoke to their faith. Many were Christian songs, some were secular, but we all know lyrics are personal when heard and interpreted. Many words can relate to a belief system without directly addressing faith. On Easter, it was direct. An anomaly, I figured, but one readily accepted. However….
The other night, the theme of my favorite show was Iconic Idol Moments. The remaining contestants—down a few since Easter—selected songs previously sung by past Idols, the most memorable or viral ones. Again, many of the selections were faith-based. And again, ABC and the show embraced its theme.
I don’t know. Perhaps the isolation of the COVID years is finally fading away, and as we come together as humans, not just faces on screens, we rediscover that we have much in common. How we love and hurt. Securities and insecurities. Companionship and loneliness. When we visit and speak, in doing so, we discover that our biggest commonality is that we believe in something bigger. Something better. More loving and accepting. More comforting and forgiving. A healer, and we recognize, through song, that we all need to be healed, in some form or another. We feel it. Emote it. Want it. Need it.
Something is shifting. Trending. This year's Idol stage has visible, spiritual, beautiful, and moving moments. Ryan, Luke, and Lionel seem to sense it. Carrie has always sensed it, and the competitors visibly sense something as their heads turn up and they point to One Up High.
If you’re watching AI, I wonder, do you feel it too?
I offer, if you can, to watch this year’s show—this group. Be sure to watch the episode from last Monday, April 28, 2025, or rewatch it if you can. Start from the beginning. There is a spiritual connection from stage to screen, and I ponder—might God be reclaiming the messages seen through all our social screens?
Fantasia mentors the episode. I am certain that on the other side of an electronic display, hidden in rooms, hurting and lost, are folks hearing something they need to hear. Long to hear. The world needs our prayers. Music is prayer. Seeing what God is doing through a TV feels promising, hopeful, and powerful.
Here are a few performances that touched me, either because I related to them or because I saw healing occur. I hope they speak to you, too. But, if possible, watch the whole show through. The backstories to each of these performances are well worth your time.
Jamal Roberts – Heal by Tom Odell
Breanna Nix – Tell Your Heart to Beat Again by Danny Gokey
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My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.
Psalm 71: 23 (ESV)
Until my next post.
Always - be safe, stay kind, show grace, and pray. Know this - the world and all that is in it sit in the hands of God.
PS - thank you, Lord, for the words today.
This is a reminder that Ponder This comes out on Wednesday mornings. Look for us in your inbox or on the Substack App. And remember:
“Pondering is everything, and everything is worth pondering.” - Kim Knights
Beautifully said.
That episode really did shine a light not just on the music, but on the hearts and journeys behind it.
When you hear stories behind those voices-their struggles, victories
it is touching and even joyful when you see it's their faith that brought them through those times.
Thanks Kim to pouring into us!
Beautiful, as always, in word and insight.