Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Grieving...

I love beautiful music, and I love to sing. And ever since a friend introduced me to "Voice of an Angel" when I was about 10 years old, I have been inspired by the beautiful voice of Welsh Soprano Charlotte Church. Not only did she have exceptional talent, she sang beautiful, traditional folk-songs and many sacred hymns. Charlotte became a kind of role model for me...I would sing along with her CDs and "take voice lessons from her", to borrow a phrase from my dad.

With each new album that she released, I noticed a progression in Charlotte's image. The world calls it "growing up". In reality, it was the gradual stripping away of the charm of innocence. My heart grieved for this beautiful young girl who was slowly letting herself be puppetiered by the world. Yet I was somewhat consoled by the fact that she continued to sing (for the most part) uplifting, beautiful music, much of it still spiritual. I remember reading somewhere that "Charlotte doesn't want to be a Britney", and thinking, relieved, "thank goodness!".

However, I wonder if Charlotte would still claim that. Because just the other day, I inadvertently learned of her newest CD (of which I had been unaware, though apparently released several months ago). It appears that all has been changed. Her musical style, her focus, her photos...all have been switched to the trendy "pop-rock" style so prevalent amidst celebrities of today.

And I grieve over innocence lost. Charlotte's newest album won't be in my CD player, but she will be in my deepest prayers. May the "voice of angel" find its way back home...and someday sing once again, with tongue and heart, the praises of her Creator.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Claire,
This is so true.
where is the world going?
everyone is so troulbed and sometimes when I look at people I think that they have forgotton how to smile. How sad.

Claire said...

JMJ + AMDG

Dear Liz,

On the contrary, because our bodies and souls are not two seperate indentities but intimately connected, forming our whole person, we cannot separate one from the other. We have been created physical, tangible beings, both body and soul united - and thus a change in one often reflects a change in the other.

Think of someone who is discouraged or depressed. Such a person's struggles typically show in their appearance, whether neglected, weary, or careless. The very fact of how we are made means that outward appearance is a constant self-description. A person's self-esteem, confidence, dignity, attitude, emotions...and yes, even their inner heart, can be -- and almost always is -- reflected in their physical appearance. As the great St. Francis of Assisi once said: "Preach always; when necessary use words." Every moment, whether we know it or not, we are saying something about who we are and what we believe...just by how we present ourselves. Body language is indeed powerful!

Thanks for reading my blog.

Yours in Christ,
Claire

Anonymous said...

Dear Claire,

It's too bad that Ms. Church is - shall we say - conforming to the world. (Though I never knew you liked her cds so much.)
But, 'Quid ad Me?' I wasn't a big fan of hers anyway!

I guess the world will just have to find another 'Voice of an Angel' (Maybe your own!)

Nice Blog!