East Tennessee Voices

This isn’t the post I planned to write today. I had another one running through my head, but this one crowded it out…

 

Did you watch The Voice finale? If you did, you saw Jordan Smith and Emily Ann Roberts claim the top two spots.

 

Those two were all the rage around here today! Every local news channel and radio station was talking about them because they both have East Tennessee ties. Emily Ann is a student at Karns High School in Knoxville, and Jordan (who hails from Harlan, Kentucky) is a student at Lee University—just down the road in Cleveland, Tennessee.

 

We couldn’t be more proud!

 

But you know what I love most? Not only did those two amazing voices get much-deserved recognition, but—week after week—I watched as two young people stood firm in their faith, true to themselves and true to the Lord they profess to follow. I saw a light of Peace in their eyes.

 

And when Jordan made a last-minute change and sang Mary, Did You Know?—a song his coach, Adam Levine, had never heard—I realized just what an amazing influence these two young people have had in the midst of an entertainment culture rarely associated with faith. Foregoing profane lyrics and risque’ costuming—without compromise—Jordan and Emily Ann stole the hearts of The Voice viewers not only with their fantastic voices but with their humble, Christlike personalities. Even without realizing why, viewers were drawn to the Light.

 

Last night—in the midst of evil, tragedy, and worldwide uncertainty—Good won.

 

May the future hold many more opportunities for Jordan and Emily Ann to share their faith with a searching world. May they remain strong. May they—and their families—resist the easy path, standing firm and surefooted in whatever lies ahead.

 

How I have been blessed by their voices! I can’t wait to see “what’s next” for each of them.

 

And I can’t wait to someday hear an angel chorus! Can you imagine how the shepherds must have felt when they heard 10—or 100—”Jordan” angel voices in chorus? (Chill bumps…)

 


And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.”

Luke 2:13-14 (ASV)

 

 

 

 

Comments

  1. Thank you for sharing this lovely news. There are so many good people doing good things, it’s uplifting to give some focus to good in the world.

  2. Thanks for giving me a heads up on this show. We taped it and I haven’t seen it yet, but I also feel the same way. We all need to recognize the presence of God in our daily lives and even a moving rendition of a spiritual song can open our hearts to His love. Thank you Susan for stopping by and being such a positive shining light in my day. I sure appreciate your visit to my blog and your thoughtful comment.
    hugs,
    Leslie

  3. Was amazed that they were picked after each round! When I heard Jordan sing Mary, Did You. know? I thought in the mist of all the fear and lack of peace God has made a way for the gospel to go out uncensored to millions. From Chattanooga and UTK alumn. Lee College “done good”.

  4. I totally agree. We also followed all season and felt the same. Merry Christmas