TIME OF MY LIFE

David Cook earned a well-deserved win on "American Idol" this week and accomplished the impossible as far as I'm concerned. He made me like the winning Idol song (video below) which, in the past, I've found okay but overly schmaltzy. Credit goes to Cook whose voice prevents any song from sounding schmaltzy, and also songwriter Reggie Hamm for a good composition in "Time of My Life."

David Cook also deserves credit for being as gracious as he was in winning. His complimentary words for fellow competitior David Archuleta at a time when he could have just been focused on himself were a definite sign of maturity. And not only that, Cook invited all his former competitors in the top 12 onto the stage prior to his final song so they too could share in a final moment of glory on the show they all worked so hard on.

It's one of life's ironies that the high point of David Cook's professional life is happening at the same time as the lowest point in his personal life - his brother Adam's battle with brain cancer. We should all pray for Adam and his family during this most difficult time in their lives.

The Idol finale was, overall, a lot of fun. From Brooke White's duet with Graham Nash on "Teach Your Children" to Carly Smithson and Michael Johns dueting on "The Letter" (videos below), it was a great night of music for fans of the series. I would have appreciated hearing a solo or duet by Kristy Lee Cook instead of the endless and shameless plug of Mike Myer's new "Love Guru" movie, but my little Catholic media job doesn't give me any power in the Idol universe. So instead, here are a few highlights from the show for your viewing and listening pleasure:

Time of My Life - David Cook


Teach Your Children - Brooke White & Graham Nash


The Letter - Carly Smithson & Michael Johns


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WORDS OF WISDOM

I haven't had time to write anything original for a while so today I give you some words from the always quotable Father James Keller, founder of The Christophers, who wrote the following (condensed somewhat by me) in his book You Can Change the World:

"Long before they die, those who disregard others in furthering their own selfish interests begin to pay the penalty. They are never completely at peace. No matter how much of this world's goods they may possess, they seem forever ill at ease, restless, dissatisfied never to have caught up with the rainbow they are pursuing...

Those, however, whose lives are motivated with the vital purpose of doing all they can for others actually begin to live some of their heaven on earth. Nothing daunts them. They develop a gaiety of heart that carries them through the most trying circumstances...

You will be, in short, another Christ. And more and more, you will be able to say with the apostle Paul, 'It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me...'

A remarkable transformation will take place in you, and often surprisingly quickly, once you make within yourself the simple adjustment from dull, narrow concentration on self to the stimulating, vitalizing interest and concern in the general good of all...

Where in the past your approach to life was one of selfish timidity and fearful caution, you will find yourself charged with Christ's daring, bold yet prudent launching out...

More literally than anyone else, you will experience the real joy of living. Life itself will take on a new and exhilarating meaning. You will have the fun and thrill of knowing that, in however small a measure, you are building, not destroying; spreading love, not hate; light, not darkness. You will be fulfilling...the purpose for which you were created: to love God above all things and your neighbor as yourself."

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GALACTICA, IDOL & TOP MODEL PODCASTS

To hear screenwriter Barbara Nicolosi expound on the glories of "Battlestar Galactica," former "American Idol" finalist Phil Stacey reveal the role faith played behind-the-scenes at the show, or former "America's Next Top Model" contestant Leah Darrow discuss the darker side of the modeling industry that led her to more deeply embrace her Catholic faith, go here for free podcasts. And if you like what you hear, subscribe!

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BELIEF AND UNBELIEF

Having been present for the deaths of two of my grandparents, I have experience with the emotions that go through you at a loved one's end of days. Movies and TV shows often describe the passing of someone as "peaceful" or "beautiful." Personally, I find the wrenching apart of body and soul gut-wrenching and horrible. These were points in my life where my faith was an act of will, not a matter of "feeling" connected to something greater. The prayer "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief" was a common refrain of mine during those experiences. That's why last week's episode of "Battlestar Galactica" - appropriately entitled "Faith" - resonated with me.

In one plotline, President Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell), who is undergoing chemo for cancer, visits with a woman who is near the end of her life because of the same disease. Roslin recalls that her own mother was a fervent believer that the gods would lead her happily into the next life when her end came. Instead, her death was filled with much suffering and all she saw as she passed was darkness, not light. The woman to whom Roslin is talking points out that it was Laura who likely saw only darkness because of her loss, not her mother.

The woman then tells Roslin about a dream she had that she was being taken across a river on a boat and saw all her loved ones who had died welcoming her on the shore. This dream brought her comfort and was the reason she began believing in the recent teachings of Gaius Baltar, a seemingly-reformed Judas who now believed in the one true God. While she's talking to Roslin, the woman goes into convulsions that appear to contradict the peaceful and contented end she was talking about. But later on, Roslin has a dream where she accompanies the woman who had died to the shore where her relatives are waiting. Roslin then sees her own relatives, led by her beloved mother, waiting on the shore for her. It's not Roslin's time yet, but she wakes up feeling comforted about what is to come.

In another plotline, a cylon skin-job is shot and killed. As she's dying, someone notes that she is looking past everyone to something else. Even though this cylon is supposed to be less than human, she appears to be moving on to a different life and world promised by her God.

At the end of the episode, belief in things unseen, mysterious, or completely implausible is the connecting thread for everyone. For me, this was the richest episode of the season so far in that it dealt with other elements like forgiveness of self, forgiveness of others, and the endless cycle of violence that an eye for an eye will lead to.

But it was the look at death that made this one stand out for me. Starnge as it is to say about this usually dark TV series, I found this episode comforting, and think it will remain one of my favorites.

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SIGNS YOU'RE A NERD - PART 1

The other day I saw a commericial promoting the fact that the finals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee would air on ABC May 30th at 8:00pm. And I thought to myself, "AWESOME!!!"

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APOLOGY ACCEPTED

"I think my faith makes me quicker to say I'm sorry."

That statement was made by Darrell Miller in the new DVD documentary "Champions of Faith: The Bases of Life" which I watched in preparation for an upcoming "Christopher Closeup" interview with executive producer Tom Allen. The film is an inspiring look inside the spiritual lives of some of the most successful players, coaches and managers in Major League Baseball.

The reason that quote jumped out at me is because I often see Christians portrayed as being sanctimonious, as thinking they're better than everybody else. To be fair, there are some Christians who act that way. But there are many others who strive for humility which, in my opinion, is the cardinal virtue for a rich spiritual life. If you're not humble, you have no room for God because you're too full of yourself. That's when religion is reduced to its lowest common denominator of just following a strict set of rules.

Hearing Darrell Miller say that his faith makes him acknowledge his weaknesses and sins was refreshing. Voices like his that are confident in their faith, yet kind and humble in their presentation, should be more prevalent in our culture.

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WALKING 3,000 MILES IN HIS SHOES

For three months, former New York Giants defensive lineman and 1986 Super Bowl champion George Martin rose at 4:00am on Saturdays and Sundays, walked thirteen miles to a state park, and then walked the fourteen-mile length of that park. It was Martin’s way of training for a challenge unlike any he’d faced during his many years with the NFL. You see, George Martin had decided to walk across the United States.

This decision wasn’t some bizarre manifestation of a mid-life crisis. It was a way to raise awareness and money for rescue and recovery workers who tried to save lives during and after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Exposed to toxins during that time, these first-responders have recently faced severe health problems and ever-increasing medical expenses.

Aware of their plight, George Martin chose to help. During an interview on the radio program 'Christopher Closeup,' he said, “In my estimation, a golf outing or a dinner banquet just didn’t rise to the level of exposure that we were looking for. And so being a country boy and always having a love of the outdoors and always having the desire to walk across country, I figured it was time in my life at 54 years old to accomplish this.”

Christening his task “A Journey For 9-11,” George set out from New York on Sept. 16, 2007 and is currently in Arizona nearing the end of his trek. His experience so far has been incredibly life-affirming.

George grew up an African-American in the South and often heard the message that he was “less of a human being than his white counterparts.” Though hoping for the best, George wasn’t sure what to expect considering that the news today is constantly full of stories about how divided this country is.

When asked if he saw the division and animosity often talked about in the media, George said, “I think that is probably one of the biggest misconceptions that I’m glad to eradicate through my experience on my journey for 9-11…As an African-American male walking across this country, I have received nothing but warmth, nothing but generosity, nothing but a sense of charity from everyone I’ve come into contact with…So I can tell you – yes, there are divisions within this country but they are the exceptions, they are not the rule. The rule is that, for the most part, people are warm and embracing and have a charitable nature about them, and they have been so receptive to our cause, A Journey For 9-11.”

George isn’t afraid to acknowledge God as the source of his courage in taking the leap of faith to walk across the country. He said, “Were it not for my belief in the Almighty, I don’t think that I could ever have embarked upon this journey… The thing that sustained us was that we believed with God’s help, with His grace, and with His mercy, this would be a successful endeavor.”

Ultimately, this journey is not about George Martin. It’s about helping those who helped others – and about redefining the way we see heroes in our culture.

George concludes, “I think when you attach the term hero primarily to professional athletes and celebrities – and you see the chaotic situations that are happening…among athletes and the perpetual moral decay within the community of celebrities – I don’t know why you would ever admire or look up to someone who perpetually goes into drug rehab or who conducts themselves in a manner that’s not befitting to what you want your kids to grow up to be. I think that term ‘hero’ should be reserved for those individuals like those first-responders and those rescue and recovery workers –individuals who are selfless in nature, individuals who give in order to make our lives better, individuals who make the ultimate sacrifice at times – those to me are the people who should be deemed heroes.”

(For more information on "A Journey For 9-11," click here. To listen to the full interview with George, go to www.christophers.org/closeuppodcast.

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SHE'S ONLY JUST BEGUN

Unfortunately, last night was the end of the road for "American Idol" contestant Brooke White. It came as a bit of a surprise since it was the first time in a few weeks that Brooke seemed totally relaxed and just enjoying herself. Regardless, I hope the future holds great things for her since she is a very talented singer, songwriter and musician.

On Ebay, I recently found the independent album Brooke put out a few years ago called "Songs from the Attic." I was impressed by her writing and singing skills even at that early stage of her career (the songs "Free" and "Change" are particularly outstanding both musically and lyrically). Now with several more years experience under her belt and a host of new topics to write about, the future should be a creative goldmine for this up-and-comer.

If I had to add one critique about Brooke, it's that she appears to sell herself short. This comment she made about her voice in Entertainment Weekly's exit interview jumped out at me: "This little raspy thing I have has taken me years to accept. Some days I wish I could belt out notes."

If you listen to the Itunes download of "You Must Love Me," you will definitely discover that Brooke can be a belter of notes too. That may not be her natural comfort zone, but I think Brooke has grown as an artist over the last few months and can definitely step out of her comfort zone successfully whenever she wants. Plus, she makes every performance completely believable because she puts all her heart into it.

So here's to Brooke White for making this one of my favorite Idol seasons in a while. Her career has only just begun.

And for a blast from Brooke's past, check out her music video for the song "Free" here.

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THE MILEY MESS

I remember doing a "Christopher Closeup" TV shoot in Los Angeles about 5 or 6 years ago when one of our crew members talked about working a show (a rehearsal actually) at which Britney Spears was performing some very sexual song and dance. He then recalled seeing her offstage and was stunned at how different she seemed. Britney came across as sweet, polite, charming and even a little innocent. Regarding the sexual nature of her act, the crew member said Britney was just doing what her handlers and the people around her told her to do. Our crew member concluded that she was being manipulated.

That story came to mind in light of the current controversy about Miley Cyrus (aka Hannah Montana), the idol of millions of tween girls, who did a Vanity Fair photo shoot that seems inappropriate for a 15-year-old. I have no special knowledge of this situation outside of the fact that I met Miley's Dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, a few years ago when he was on "Christopher Closeup" and he struck me as a humble, friendly and gracious man who sincerely cared about his family. That being said, let's indulge in a little speculation.

If there's any real fault here, I'm inclined to lay it at the feet of the Vanity Fair people. Supposedly Miley's parents had left the shoot by the time the controversial picture was taken and photographer Annie Leibowitz talked Miley into doing what she considered a tasteful portrait. Was Miley aware that this photo was of a slightly more adult nature? Probably. But what 15-year-old doesn't want to be seen as more adult? Was she aware that it was somewhat sexually suggestive to pose like that? Probably. But considering how over-sexualized our culture has become for teenage girls (suggestion: read "Girls Gone Mild" by Wendy Shalit), it isn't likely that Miley is completely immune from that influence and may have given into it a little bit.

Never having been a teenage girl myself, I can't speak definitively for Miley's thought process. But I was a young boy at one time who wanted to be like Fonzie so I'm aware of pop culture's effect on kids and teens. (And yes, I had a leather jacket. I was a total nerd but I had a leather jacket.)

Miley Cyrus may be a mega-star but she's also only 15-years-old. That's not an age when your judgment is all it should be. Therefore it's the responsibility of the adults in whose care Miley was at the time to watch out for her. Her parents may have been naive in leaving her unattended before the shoot was finished, but the magazine folks likely knew exactly what they were doing.

Then again, considering how oversexualized our culture has become for young girls, the magazine folks may not have even been deliberately trying to exploit Miley; they were just doing what they see everybody else doing without giving it a second thought. However, exploiting young girls has become the norm so somebody has to say "Enough."

Hopefully, Miley's parents will be more aware of what's going on and realize that, even though their daughter is a huge star, she's still a young woman who needs adult guidance to steer her in the right direction. Otherwise, the sweet, polite teen may follow in the footsteps of the other young star I mentioned at the top of this post. I don't think anybody wants that to happen.

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TAKE A CHANCE ON FAITH

It began with a challenge.

Jim Caviezel, the actor known for playing Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ,” had been outspoken about his Catholic Christian beliefs. Wondering if he was as committed to his values as his words indicated, a friend said to him, “(Not) unless you adopt a child – and not any child but a disabled child. – will I believe in you.”

Caviezel’s response - “Okay, so when I do, will you become pro-life?”

The friend indicated he would.

That conversation led Caviezel and his wife Kerri on a journey to China where they met a five-year-old boy named Bo living in an orphanage. During an interview on the radio program “Christopher Closeup,” Caviezel recalled that Bo was abandoned on a train as a baby and grew up in the orphanage. At the facility, children were told “that they had no mommy, that they were born out of the dirt.”

Bo had a more significant challenge besides his living circumstances. He had a brain tumor that threatened his life. Caviezel and his wife adopted Bo and supported him through his brain surgery when they didn’t know if he would live or die. Bo remains a beloved member of the Caviezel’s family today.

So what happened with the friend who said that if Jim adopted a sick child, he would become pro-life?

Caviezel says, “He didn’t make good on his word. But it didn’t matter to me because the joy that we had from (Bo) – he’s like our own.”

In fact, Jim and Kerri went on to adopt another orphan – this one a five-year-old girl also with a brain tumor. The couple originally planned to adopt a healthy newborn girl, but when they met the sick child they realized that the healthy baby would find a good home; the sick one wouldn’t. She was then welcomed into their family as well.

Jim confirms that he and Kerri have no regrets about adopting two kids whose health was in question – “We took the harder road...That is what faith is to me; it’s action. It’s the Samaritan. It’s not the one who says he is; it’s the one who does – and does without bringing attention to himself. I’m saying this because I want to encourage other people. Yes, you do feel fear, you do feel scared but you have no idea the blessings that you have coming to you if you just take a chance on faith.”

(To download the free podcast of Jim Caviezel's interview on "Christopher Closeup" during which he also discusses the challenge of being a Christian in the modern world and his latest project - The Word of Promise New Testament Audio Bible - visit www.christophers.org/closeuppodcast.

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"MODEL" CATHOLIC WEARS HER FAITH PROUDLY

Here's a press release for a "Christopher Closeup" interview that airs on Sirius radio's The Catholic Channel on Sunday April 27th. A podcast will be avaialable on the show's web page in a few weeks.
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“MODEL” CATHOLIC WEARS HER FAITH PROUDLY

NEW YORK, April 15, 2008 – Former “America’s Next Top Model” contestant and cradle-Catholic Leah Darrow candidly discusses faith, fashion and the temptation to compromise one’s standards in chasing after success on Christopher Closeup, airing on Sunday, April 27 at 7 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. EST on The Catholic Channel, Sirius 159.

Darrow, a resident of St. Louis, Missouri, explains how childhood aspirations of being a professional model led her to auditioning and eventually being selected for the third season of the popular reality television series. Though she was eliminated early on, the exposure opened the doors to further modeling opportunities. It was during one of those photo shoots that Darrow found herself questioning her career path, realizing that it would require making choices at odds with the core values of her Catholic upbringing.

“As more shots were being taken, more and more of me – I felt – was being torn away,” she recalls in the interview. “I realized that in grasping for all these hopes and dreams I had for this career, I had fallen so far away from my true ideals.”

Faced with a decision, Darrow walked away from modeling and now dedicates her time to motivational speaking including being the spokesperson for “Pure Fashion,” a character forming program for girls ages 14 to 18 that emphasizes inner beauty over superficial ideas of physical perfection, builds confidence and affirms “authentic femininity” by affirming the inherent dignity of women.

Darrow credits her parents for instilling a strong Catholic faith in her and her five siblings. She also relates how her faith provided comfort to her and her family during the dark days following the murder of her grandfather.

For more information on Leah Darrow, visit www.CMGbooking.com.

KELLY CLARKSON'S "AVE MARIA"

Kelly Clarkson did an outstanding job singing "Ave Maria" at the papal youth rally today. She performed it the traditional way yet made it sound fresh and new. Look and listen below:



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A COWGIRL SWEETHEART

This season's American Idol contestants are all wonderfully talented singers and performers. My favorites, however, have been Brooke, Cook and Cook (a great name for a legal firm if singing doesn't work out). Sadly, one of the Cooks left the competition last night. Kristy Lee Cook, after being in the Bottom 3 numerous times, received the lowest number of votes which is a shame because she'd really come into her own as a performer in recent weeks. Plus, the girl has a powerful and engaging voice that should definitely lead some country label to sign her quickly. Kristy Lee also demonstrated class and dignity in taking so much criticism which was often unfair. To hear one of her best performances - Martina McBride's "Anyway" - check out the Youtube video below.

But before that, a tip of the hat also to David Cook. It was all over the news this week that David's brother Adam - critically ill with cancer - would be at the American Idol taping. In fact, there were cutaways to Adam during both the performance show and results show. But unless you knew the story, there was never any identification of Adam or direct mention of him. Idol is known for playing up emotional moments. David Cook singing in front of his cancer-stricken brother certainly qualified as such. But even though David was given the opportunity to talk about what was going on, he held back. It seems that he wants to stay in the competition because of his own merits and not because of a sympathy vote. That shows a lot of class in general, and also a lot of respect for his family's situation. Everyone should offer a prayer for Adam Cook and his family that they find healing and peace in this very difficult time.

Now, as promised, here is Kristy Lee Cook with "Anyway:



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NEW BROOKE WHITE FAN SITE

For fellow "American Idol" viewers who are fans of Brooke White, check out her new official fan site at BrookeInsider.com. It's got exclusive videos, music, and photos you won't find anywhere else. It also includes a link to a CNN article about Brooke excerpted below:
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Raised in the Phoenix suburb of Mesa, White and her three younger siblings were brought up with high moral standards by parents Brad and Kaylene, friends and former teachers say. Drama teacher Gary Helmbold directed White in the school musical and recalls having to break the news to her of a kissing scene.

"When I first talked to her about it, she said 'Oh, but Mr. Helmbold, I've never kissed anyone before except my Mom and Dad,' " Helmbold said. "We handled it very gingerly."

Although a high school musical can be a breeding ground for catty behavior, Helmbold said White could not have been more gracious.

"Often times, the lead separates themselves from the rest of the cast," Helmbold said. "She was everybody's friend. She was always the first to arrive and the last to leave."

About four years ago, White went to study voice at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, Harris-Torriente said. She has lived there since with her husband, Dave. In 2005, she released an album independently. When "Idol" began, White was working as a nanny to twin baby girls.

For students at her old high school, it's been refreshing to see a hometown girl make it big without compromising herself.

"Seeing people on TV, you think you can't do that. It's a totally different world," said Chiara Spence, 17. "She shows you can do anything that you set your mind to."

Every Tuesday, Rick Dalton, White's former history teacher, who first taught her to play the guitar, reminds all his students to watch the show and vote for White. He even uses her performances as material for giveaway extra credit questions.

"If anybody deserves it, it's her," said Dalton, his voice breaking with emotion. "Whatever she gets, she'll use it to bless others."


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CLAPTON'S GOD

If, like me, you weren't aware of the Christian side of Eric Clapton, here's a link to an enlightening article from Christianity Today.

EXCERPT:
In his autobiography, Clapton elaborates on the beginnings of his prayer life — that 1987 rock-bottom moment at the rehab treatment center.

"I was in complete despair," Clapton wrote. "In the privacy of my room, I begged for help. I had no notion who I thought I was talking to, I just knew that I had come to the end of my tether … and, getting down on my knees, I surrendered. Within a few days I realized that … I had found a place to turn to, a place I'd always known was there but never really wanted, or needed, to believe in. From that day until this, I have never failed to pray in the morning, on my knees, asking for help, and at night, to express gratitude for my life and, most of all, for my sobriety. I choose to kneel because I feel I need to humble myself when I pray, and with my ego, this is the most I can do. If you are asking why I do all this, I will tell you … because it works, as simple as that."


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