Susan Boyle, the middle-aged lady from a small village in England, has become an overwhelming sensation all over the world.  When she first walked on the set of “Britain’s Got Talent” they looked at her as if she was a joke.  They thought that they had someone that was going to provide great comedy for the show.  That was until they heard her sing.  On the first episode on April 11, she overwhelmed the crowd with her performance of  “I Dreamed a Dream.”

Recently she sang “Memory” from “Cats.” This time the crowd was wildly behind her.  She had a little bit of a rough start but then she reached a point where they knew she would be okay and they stood with her.  The videos of her performances have been watched by millions from around the world.

Why is that people have become enamored with her?  I think there are several reasons.

First of all, she was a surprise!  They thought that she would be funny and she shocked the world with her voice.

Secondly, she is talented.  She has a great voice and she courageously stepped on the stage when all the odds were against her.

But I think the biggest factor is that people are able to identify with her.  She is an average middle-aged woman who certainly does not look the part of a star.  When she walked on the stage she was the underdog, the long shot, the one that appeared to have no chance.  In an interview for the show she said, “I am not the worthless person that people think I am.  I have something to offer.”  There are people out there who would love to believe that if she can do it, I can do it.  I am not sure it has as much to do with her voice as it has to do with the way she is overcoming the odds.

Most of us would like for people to see that we have something offer.  We would like to dream that someday someone will be cheering for us.  Most of the people that I talk to as a pastor are dealing with the same self image issues that Susan Boyle has.  We must remember that what the Psalmist said in the 139th Psalm applies to us.  “For you formed my inward parts; you wove me in my mother’s womb.  I will give thanks to you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are your works, and my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:13)