I honestly haven't had time to read much lately. I haven't even tried to pick up a book, knowing that if I started reading, life would be put on hold while I escaped in a good book. I have avoided all books that looks good, or had been recommended, but I couldn't hold myself back when I came across Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song and the Power of Perseverance by David Archuleta.
I have always been a fan of music and singing. My sister used to teach us choreography, songs and parts and we would put on plays on the "stage" whenever we had a chance. I never considered myself very good at singing, but I still enjoyed it. I tried out for choirs in Jr. High and High School and usually made a highest choir group. (Although I am convinced that the only reason I made Vocal Jazz my Senior year was because they wanted my little brother and felt bad accepting him in the choir but not me.) I was in a singing group with 3 other friends in choir and we would sing at many church events, nursing homes and community events.
Music hasn't been "my life," but something I have always enjoyed. So when I first heard of American Idol, I was hooked. (I don't like to admit this, but it's true) I never really liked the first part: Auditions, but liked when they got to the top 24. So in Season 7 of the show, I was especially hooked when I first heard David Archuleta and then realized that he was from Utah. I LOVED his voice and thought he was so talented. I watched the whole season and especially loved the night before the finale. I was pretty sad that he came in 2nd place, but thought he just seemed to have a great personality and character. So I have liked to hear on the news when they mention anything about him.
Anyway, I was excited to read his book, and just as I knew would happen, I was completely enthralled in the book until I finished it last night. I was super impressed at the young man that he is. Heis also a member of the LDS church and I hoped that he would stay pure in his fame...which I feel he has. There were so many things in his book that showed how committed to God he truly is. That was refreshing to me. I love having a good role model for youth. I his book he basically bore his testimony several times. I thought it was cool. He talked a lot about how it was through a sincere prayer that got him to try out for American Idol and he often said that he found it important to constantly remember the original purpose in being there. He talked about making sure he prayed and read his scriptures everyday to not get lost in everything that was going on. He talked about his ability to sing as a gift from God, and often said that his goal was to always stay close to God.
Needless to say I was impressed. I believe that he is now 19 and I do wish that he would serve a mission. I don't think he has said one way or the other. Either way, I was inspired by his book and hope that if you love music and the gospel you will check out his book too.
