Clay Aiken came into my life when, quite honestly, I was in the process of losing my religion (with thanks to REM). What I saw and what I heard coming from religious leaders, mostly on television, was so contrary to my own beliefs and how I was raised, I felt that I no longer belonged with those who called themselves Christians.
I believe in God, and I believe in Jesus. MY God is kind, tolerant, forgiving and loving. He is not vindictive and cruel. I do not believe that God would damn someone who has led a loving, caring, giving life - a life filled with tolerance and service - simply because of who they love (key word here is love, not hate).
As I was reading Clay's book Learning to Sing, it was with great trepidation that I began reading Chapter 18 entitled "Make a Joyful Noise". Was this where Clay and I were going to have our first falling out?
Imagine my HUGE sigh of relief when I read the following:
"To me, God is about love, not condemnation.and with those simple words, Clay Aiken helped me see that there are Christians out there who feel as I do. I hope that we are the silent majority, but after some experiences the past several months, I am beginning to lose hope. I think I need Mr. Aiken to minister to me again, help me see that God is about love, not condemnation. When I am in doubt, I watch this. Welcome to our World, filmed in 2007, Merrillville, Indiana by Spotlight Lover and sung with such reverence and love by Clay Aiken:
It's healthy to go to church, but you can still be a Christian if you don't.
You can believe in God and not pray daily.
You can read the Bible on your own.
Faith is not about a building or a lifestyle. You can minister in many ways besides attending services or being a preacher. And I think that that's what I feel most thankful for- that I have the opportunity to minister now, in my own way." ~Clay Aiken, Learning to Sing - Random House 2004
and, if you are in need of more Good News, check out MJ's Big Idol Blog (click below):
Clay Aiken - Good News
23 comments:
I so agree with what you have said and what Clay Aiken said also, this is so me too!!
Thank-you,
Hugs, Shy
Bravo Sue! A wonderful, heartfelt blog, about a wonderful, heartfilled man.
Luluasst
Yes!!!! What an important blog. I do believe that we are the silent majority.
I feel blessed that I was brought up in a loving, Christian household.
Clay's faith just surrounds him. You could not doubt it for a minute.
Thank you for the blog!!
Wonderful blog, Sue Rue. Thanks so much for addressing this issue. Clay is SO inspiring, is he not?
What a wonderful blog. Clay said in the beginning that he would include an inspirational song in all of his concerts. He sings them with such conviction.
Thank you for this.
Clay's faith mirrors my own.
Nice blog, Sue. My support is totally with Clay Aiken -a man of faith, compassion, conviction, inclusion, and love.
Those who cannot see those qualities in him do not see the real man. Sadly for them, it is THEIR loss.
We were there for the Merrillville concertt. Welcome to my World was a new song for that year and one of my favorite songs. I miss the Christmas concerts.
When Clay sing a song about his faith and God, it is like a prayer. He has always professed his beliefs proudly and loves his God who is a loving inclusive deity.
Wonderful message. Thank you!
Wonderful blog.
I admire Clay Aiken for his belief and his faith.
Sue, what a wonderful blog. I definitely am with you in the silent minority as I believe as you believe and as Clay believes. I think there are a lot more of us out there than you imagine.
I was once soundly chastized for saying that Clay wasn't J.C. and didn't walk on water. To me he was a mere mortal, like the rest of us, with more caring and insight than most. He has so many times proved this to be true.
Thank you for the courage for saying what so many would like to say but don't.
Great blog and so very true. I admire Clay deeply for who he is and what he believes.
He has always kept his faith even through some of the most trying times.
A wonderful blog Sue, and so very true. Thank you!
Wonderful blog, Sue. I believe Clay's faith is as strong as it ever was. He just doesn't need a bracelet to remind him.
What a beautiful way for Clay to end his Christmas concerts. I was fortunate enough to see them the last four years. Hope he does another one in the future.
What a lovely blog, thanks for posting it.
What a wonderful blog. I always thought that (in Christianity anyway since I'm not versed on other religions), that man should love and care about their fellow man.
I've seen and heard so much hatred and intolerance of others lately that I not only wonder and worry about the path of religion, but the path of mankind.
Anyone who's ever attended one of Clay Aiken's Christmas concerts knows that he's a man of faith. You can see and hear how prayerful he is when he performs those songs. Even though I don't affiliate with any particular religion, I can recognize spirituality when I see it, and Clay is a very spiritual person--of that I have am 100% sure.
Great Blog. I've always believed Clay was a man of faith and still believe he is and will minister to the world. His ideals have not changed, he's a great example of what Christianity is truly about.
SueReu,
Very special blog! Thank you for sharing your story, as well as MJ's entry about Clay Aiken's religious background.
As has been said many times, Clay doesn't just talk the talk; he walks the walk -- something that has affected many, many lives.
Have an awesome week!
Caro
What a great blog! It's obvious that Clay is a good man and a man of faith. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Fantastic blog SueReu. I'm in agreement word for word.
Thank you for the reminder from Clay's book, Learning to Sing, it's time to read it again.
Hugs, Ashes
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