Sharing our faith during Advent is sharing a gift with those around us.
As I have traveled through this season of Advent, focusing on peace, hope, and joy, and trying to share it when I find it. I feel that I just have to share the story of Craig Wayne Boyd. He was a contestant on the television show, “The Voice.” I’ve written about the show before. It’s a very positive, family friendly, show. Four coaches pick teams from their voices alone. Their backs are turned and they can only hear, not see.
Each team begins with twelve contestants and each week, more are eliminated. At first, the coaches pick the winners and then later in the season, America gets to pick by voting on iTunes and through NBC. A man named Craig Wayne Boyd, made it to the five semi-finalists. That night, each of the five was allowed to choose their own song. America would choose the top three finalists from that night’s performances.
Craig Wayne Boyd was a country singer. When his turn to sing arrived, he chose, “The Old Rugged Cross.” I was shocked, what a gutsy choice. America is not known, not lately anyway, for being big on gospel music and if you believe the media, not big on God, period. He did a phenomenal job and I have included a link below, if you would like to see it or more importantly, hear it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amxE80Zj1Ys
The song alone, was awesome in itself, but what came next has stuck with me for days. After the performance, the judges are asked to give their opinions. Coach Pharrell Williams, who was new this season, and a well-known pop singer and producer, said, “Going through all you’ve gone through to get yourself here, what does it feel like to be at the top of your game and surrender it to God in front of the entire world?”
Boyd was stunned. He clearly wasn’t expecting that question. To be fair, I don’t think anyone was expecting that question. This was national television. This was a network music show. This was live. For God to be mentioned was surprising to say the least. A very emotional Boyd, answered, “I feel so blessed right now, it’s blowing my mind.”
Coach Pharrell replied, “I get it man. To God be the glory.”
I wanted to stand up and cheer for Pharrell and Boyd. I think that there are many more Christians in the silent majority than anyone knows. I wondered how he would do. How would America vote on this heartfelt gospel tune from 1912?
Turns out, America loved it. “The Old Rugged Cross,” went as high as number four on iTunes for all genres. It debuted at number fifty-nine on Billboard’s Top 100. I was amazed.
Boyd made it to the three finalists and on Tuesday night, he won season seven of “The Voice.” A pastor, named Mark Ellis, who has known him for years, said he was never shy about his faith as a teen and was always involved with the church youth group. He said he was never too busy to be involved in church.
It hasn’t been an easy road for Boyd. Music wasn’t paying the bills and he was just about to give up when he had a chance to audition for the show. He had even lost his truck. But, it seems God had other plans for him.
Sharing our faith can be tough sometimes, but as Christians, we are called to do it and seeing someone share his so beautifully, gives me hope and joy this Advent Season. I just had to share it with you.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂