HUMBLE = having or showing a modest estimate of one's importance; of modest pretensions
[from the oxford-american dictionary]
i have a great appreciation for the concept of being humble. i think there are so many people in this world who are undervalued and generally disregarded because they lack the pomp and circumstance or "typical appearance" that modern day society has come to expect from those we consider successful or talented. of course, that is not to say that those who possess both the talent and the flare aren't equally as impressive as those who are genuinely humble. i just find the simpleness and purity of a phenomenal performance or accomplishment, being attributed to those you least expect to be able to pull it off, much more impressive. in fact, i'd even garner a wager that "impressive" is an adjective that does not do some of these performances justice. awe-inspiring seems more appropriate in some cases.
if you're one of those "i need to see it to believe it" folks, then feel free to take a look at the clip below.
she is an unemployed homemaker who snorts when she laughs, it doesn't get much more normal or simple than that. but just listen to the absolutely breathtaking singing voice she has. it's beautiful, in every sense of the word. and i'm not trying to be over dramatic here, but i think it's safe to say that 99% of the people that pass this lady on the streets would never, in a million years, expect her to be able to be sing like she can. she doesn't radiate success or fanfare, she is just your everyday woman, who also happens to have a phenomenal talent.
i guess i just like to think that things like this are a testament to the splendor and perseverance of the human condition that i think most people forget about on a daily basis. we get so tied up in the routine of our everyday lives we sometimes forget to take the time to appreciate the fact that someone as plain jane as cindy up there has a voice to rival lady gaga.
cindy's story is also a wee bit pertinent to one of the thoughts that seems to be crossing my mind a lot lately as the start to my senior year of college looms on the horizon. that thought is: the notion that there is an "expiration date" of sorts on how long i'll have to figure out what i want to do for the rest of my life. i have to remind myself that it is really never ever ever too late to "be what you might have been". if you're alive and functioning, no matter what your age, then you are more than capable of attempting to pursue whatever it is that you desire to do or achieve. i'm mean, cindy up there is 42 and only just discovered how impressive her ability to sing is...
i guess i'm also just a sucker for the whole against all odds scenarios. people who have the cards stacked against them and still manage to persevere. which might be why i'm adding Conviction, to my list of movies to watch in the near future. here's the trailer if you're interested...
well, i do believe that is the end of my little rant for the day. here's a little something to leave you with for the start of your fourth of july weekend! love me some america ;]
