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David Archuleta’s Announcement and My Own Personal Journey
Posted by bebereader on Monday, June 3, 2013
I have avoided watching David’s “announcement video” for the longest time since that day we saw it together in real-time on Livestream. He was hurting, or so I thought and I couldn’t handle it. I couldn’t watch him being vulnerable in front of so many people. Most of all, it hurt me to see him cry.
How would I live without his shining force for two years?
How could I get through two years with no new music, I thought.
Two years is way too long to go without a concert.
It was all about me.
I know about milestones and rites of passage in one’s religion so I should have seen David’s mission announcement coming instead of hitting me from out of left field.
In my religion, for example, when a young person reaches 13 they are considered to have achieved spiritual maturity and are welcomed into adulthood by having a Bar Mitzvah or for a girl, a Bat Mitzvah. This important event is marked by being called to read from the Torah, which is the fundamental narrative of the Jewish religion. This is usually done in temple before family, friends and a congregation of people and the reading is done in the Hebrew language. In addition, they must learn to chant in the ancient melody. Hebrew is written in symbols, not letters in the printed version of the Bible and is very hard to learn. It often takes months or years to accomplish this at the same time they have their regular school studies. It’s considered an honor to fulfill all of the required duties which I have simplified here. There is also a community service requirement. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony is a milestone life-cycle event in the life of a Jewish person and is the culmination of years of study.
Having had a chunk of time to reflect on all this, I realize how selfish it was to think of myself and how David’s leaving would affect me.
Last night I was on YouTube as I usually am, watching old concert footage. Instead of avoiding the mission announcement link, this time I clicked on it! I watched it 3x. I saw it differently this time than I did all those months ago. I didn’t see a hurting David baring his soul. I saw a brave young man who didn’t know how the audience would react to his announcement and when he heard applause, was so touched that it brought tears to his eyes. I saw a brave young man who had the difficult task of telling his fans that he was taking a temporary leave from his music career. It was hard for him but he had the strength to do it anyway. I saw someone who had the courage to be vulnerable and who shed tears of relief.
Video credit David Archuleta
Even in his absence David continues to inspire me. It may have taken me 15 months to have the courage to watch the “announcement video” but seeing his strength is making ME strong enough to wait out the days until he comes back home.
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The Voice David Archuleta 
funfee said
So true, bebe! It was so hard to accept that David wouldn’t be around for two years but I’ve also come to accept that it was the right thing for him to do. Now there is less time to wait than what we have already been through, we can do this! With a little help from our friends 😉
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nanaweize said
Thank you for sharing your journey Bebe! I was one of the lucky fans to be honored to be a this concert and feel and see the relief in David’s eyes and heart when he heard the applause and the acceptance of his fans.
Funfee….yes we can do this with a little help from our friends.
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jans11 said
Bebe, thanks for your story and your feelings on David’s announcement. I, too, was fortunate enough to be there,, on the 4th row, center, sitting right next to Dayzee and we were both stunned, but happy for him right along with the rest of the fans. It was so bittersweet…enjoying David’s concert, but not wanting to think about him leaving for 2 yrs in the near future. And, to me the longest time was the 3 months between his announcement and his actual leaving. 🙂 I enjoyed his starring in NA but I thought that if he had already left, the 2 yrs would have started sooner. I feel the 3 months between the end of the yr and his homecoming will drag for me. Exciting with anticipation, but slow getting here! haha Maybe kind of like the last 3 months of my pregnancy! 🙂 I hope there will be so much good things going on that time will fly!
I can watch the announcement, but it’s hard. I know that he was happy and relieved, but like you said, seeing him cry is hard, even if it’s happy tears.
#2014DA
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jans11 said
Whoops, my happy face was supposed to have been after “the 2 yrs would have started sooner”. 🙂 The 3 months before he left was 😦 !
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MT said
Bebe,
Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I remember that night very well. It hit me pretty hard and I still miss him but, like you, I had that “moment” when I seemed to understand why he had to do this. Yes, a right of passage. It’s something that he just needed to do.
I’ve watched the announcement video a few times, but I don’t watch it too often. Even though his tears were of relief that his announcement was well received, it still shows how worried he was beforehand to have that strong of an emotional response. I still hurt for him when I watch it. And I still miss him.
But it’s not as bad now and I have all of you to share it all with. You guys make the waiting much easier. (((hugs))) Chat helps a LOT. You are all so funny and we understand each other. Not to mention David is always there.
As Fee said: “Now there is less time to wait than what we have already been through, we can do this!” << We sure can.
In 2014 …. I plan to be at my first concert!!
I hope lots of you guys are there with me. 😀
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Betty said
Can you just imagine how large an arena there would have to be to accommodate all of the fans who are planning to be at David’s “first concert” after his mission? It makes me chuckle! I will be one of those millions! Guess it would have to run like a Broadway show: on and on and on and on….hahahahahaha!
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Suzy-Q said
I know a couple of fans that were at that concert. They were sitting up front and said that when David made the announcement that there was such an impact of emotion that starting from the back of the room it felt like a rush of wind was going through them and into David’s body and soul. They said that it was that strong of a response and David felt that acceptance. It just hit him hard.
Bebe, great analogy! So true about doing what is necessary for our spiritual growth no matter what religion we are affiliated with.
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cq#DA2014 said
I didn’t even get through the video the first time.
Right now I’m just happy that it’s less than a year for his return.
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TOfan said
Great post, bebe, thank you! Unlike you I haven’t been able to go back and watch the announcement. Not because his decision upsets me because, like you, I’ve come to understand and appreciate what it meant to him. In fact, I now think it was the absolute best thing for him to do, for many reasons.
But more because, as you say, “it hurt me to see him cry.” How incredibly brave he is.
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Spirit said
I think that the announcement night was emotional for David in several ways. That was to be the last Christmas season he would spend with his family for two years. He became so emotional when talking about his experiences Christmas caroling with them when he was younger and then expressed his appreciation for having his brother and sisters with him that night. I felt that this was his reaction to being enveloped in the love and support of his family and friends on that special homecoming concert night. At that point, I didn’t realize what was to come later, but in retrospect it made sense.
I actually do watch the announcement video from time to time, as I think that his performance of Oh, Holy Night is so beautiful, powerful, passionate, heartfelt, and pure. I am totally immersed in and mesmerized by that performance every time.
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MT said
9. TOfan,
“In fact, I now think it was the absolute best thing for him to do, for many reasons.”
I absolutely agree.
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mlpb3 said
Bebe – ” I didn’t see a hurting David baring his soul. I saw a brave young man who didn’t know how the audience would react to his announcement and when he heard applause, was so touched that it brought tears to his eyes. I saw a brave young man who had the difficult task of telling his fans that he was taking a temporary leave from his music career. It was hard for him but he had the strength to do it anyway. I saw someone who had the courage to be vulnerable and who shed tears of relief.”
I had to copy this statement – it is EXACTLY how I feel. I felt honored that he would share this most personal and emotional of moments with us. He is truly exceptional. ♥ Martha
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archugeezer said
Thank you for this, bebereader. I would venture to say that many fans have had reflective personal journeys since (and because of) that announcement. I really love how you expressed yours.
I was there that night, in the 3rd row. It was very much as Suzy-Q mentioned—an instantaneous and thunderous roar of support and love that literally rushed toward David on stage. You could see the physical and emotional impact on him, and he wept. Many of us did. Regardless of how fans in the concert crowd felt about David leaving for two years, there was no mistaking his incredible courage. That alone was reason to cheer for him.
I completely agree with TOfan that David’s mission “was the best thing for him to do, for many reasons.” David’s response to this call to serve is typical of how he handles every commitment he makes; and it is why I am convinced we will have him “heart and soul” when he returns to music.
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Poof said
Thank you for sharing Bebe. I can understand what you were feeling. I was visiting my daughter. (I had gone with her to the Ventura concert two nights before.) She came home from work to find me crying and I just pointed to the computer so she could see what had happened.
I have to say I watch the announcement all the time. I am just so impressed with his courage and determination to do (always do) what he believes in his heart he must. But I probably wouldn’t watch it so often if it weren’t for the incredible performance of Oh Holy Night that to me is part of the announcement. It just seems like this song puts to music what he was trying to say; so overflowing with beauty, passion and yes, it seemed pain. I don’t believe there is another performance like it.
On another note, I have a new (old) addiction to “The Riddle”. It has helped me try to make sense of the death of my brother.
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tawna21tawna21 said
Thank you, Bebe. You’ve said so much, and I agree with it all. Even being of the same religion as David, I found myself being selfish and thinking of myself. I rationalized that I was thinking of him and the impact it could have on his career. I took me a little time to re-think my thinking. Like you, I accepted, and was grateful for, David’s strength and willingness to do what he felt compelled to do. No, not compelled as in forced, but as in called on by the Spirit of God to do. To go and preach and teach and grow. I love him for his faithfulness (amongst a million other things).
#DA2014
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Dayzee said
Ouch! Bebe. This subject is still painful to me. The moment the words came from his mouth I knew this was an awesome moment for David. There was never a doubt that it was the right thing for David to do. Like Martha, I found it to be overwhelming that he would choose to make the announcement as he did. No sneaky little press release, but hang it out there on stage and take the consequences. I felt his relief and joy. For some reason it made it a little easier for me to see his mother so obviously happy and glowing.
As proud as I was for David, for myself I was devastated. Numb. What would this mean for ME? How would MY life remain bearable? Sometimes you just have to admit you are a selfish human and what is good for someone else absolutely stinks for you. Jan and I met with several other fans immediately after the concert. We could hardly put a sentence together between the group of us. That was the saddest bunch of woe-begone fans I have ever been a part of. Even the ice cream was tasteless for us.
But now, five years later ( I exaggerate (a little) )
I feel the excitement of David’s future. And mine. He wouldn’t be the David we all love if he did not honor his commitments. Just as he made a commitment to his church he has also made promises to his fans. Bring it on.
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djafan said
Bebe, Thank you for sharing this, for some reason your words, this subject feels very timely. You did great ♥
“I didn’t see a hurting David baring his soul. I saw a brave young man who didn’t know how the audience would react to his announcement and when he heard applause, was so touched that it brought tears to his eyes. I saw a brave young man who had the difficult task of telling his fans that he was taking a temporary leave from his music career. It was hard for him but he had the strength to do it anyway. I saw someone who had the courage to be vulnerable and who shed tears of relief.”
That “day” we watched the livestream and I heard the words my reaction was “noooooooooooooooooooooooo” followed by sobbing. I couldn’t believe it yet I’ve watched the video regularly since the beginning, crying with him, initially I thought that was the least I could do. At first I wanted someone to run to him, put a hand on his shoulder, something, I felt pretty crazy with my reaction after a while. Then the realization came that those tears weren’t hurt tears, I got it, I get it, and I believe it was the best thing for him to do, follow his heart, his gut. What courage, my admiration for David has grown and grown with every gift we receive from him. David says he has a relationship with his fans and I agree.
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bebereader said
Thank you all for the comments and support. We’re into the homestretch, a good time to reflect on what’s past and what’s to come. The mission video gives me strength now!
Funfee – “…we can do this! With a little help from our friends ;)”
There’s much truth to those words, Fi. Being in a fandom and communicating about David on a daily basis here is both a treasure and a blessing.
Nanaweize and Jans – How fortunate you were to see it up close and personal. Thank you for letting the rest of of know how that felt.
MT – “… Chat helps a LOT. You are all so funny and we understand each other. Not to mention David is always there.” Funny how, no matter what else is going on, David makes it to chat every week! haha
Betty – A huge concert would be wonderful!
Suzy-Q – “… there was such an impact of emotion that starting from the back of the room it felt like a rush of wind was going through them and into David’s body and soul. They said that it was that strong of a response and David felt that acceptance. It just hit him hard.”
I can certainly understand why that brought David to tears.
CQ – “Right now I’m just happy that it’s less than a year for his return.”
Agree! 296 days, according to our countdown clock!
TOfan – “How incredibly brave he is.” <<<< THIS!!!
Spirit – It was one of the most beautiful performances of "Oh Holy Night" I've ever seen!
credit: Pamela Pike
Martha – " I felt honored that he would share this most personal and emotional of moments with us. He is truly exceptional."
And that is exactly how I feel!
Archugeezer – Courage. I wish he could bottle and sell it. There are so many times through this journey that I've thought to myself how courageous he is. You really have to admire it. Sometimes it's even contagious!
"David’s response to this call to serve is typical of how he handles every commitment he makes; and it is why I am convinced we will have him “heart and soul” when he returns to music." <<< Beautiful!!
Poof – Thank you for your comment. I posted the "Oh Holy Night" performance above. "The Riddle" has always been special to me for the lyrics, melody and message it sends. I was thrilled to hear David cover it at the CFTH tour. Knowing his depth, it's not surprising that he would sing about the meaning of life. Here's one of my favorite performances of the song from Waukeegan, with credit to Suttygal.
Tawna – " I love him for his faithfulness (amongst a million other things)."
Totally agree!
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MT said
Bebe,
I forgot to mention. I can’t get the video in the article to play. Is it just me?
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betsy said
Bebe, thanks for sharing this with us. I really enjoyed hearing about the different rituals involved with Judaism. I love that David has fans of many different cultures and religions. And there are MANY. And that I’ve become friends with many of them. 🙂
I can watch the announcement video. I CAN’T watch it without tearing up.
The bravery he showed in that moment. You’re right Dayzee. No sneaky little press release, which is what he could’ve done. He did the hard thing.
Reminds me of JFK quote. (not that I’m comparing the two, or comparing his mission to going to the moon but)
“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and to do these other things not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win.” — President John F. Kennedy, 1962
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bebereader said
MT#19 Please try it again. It’ s working fine for me at this very moment. Is anyone else having a problem with the video in the article? MT, perhaps you should reboot?
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MT said
Thanks Bebe. I’ll try that.
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bebereader said
http://www.livestream.com/saragirl
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Poof said
Bebe
Thank you thank you thank you….. (sob)
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bebereader said
Poof {{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}
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betsy said
Bebe thanks for posting that Riddle. It is the best one for sure!
His response to the marriage proposal shouted at him. (marry me Juliet) lol
His smile mid song at 3:10 warms my heart.
The vocals are perfection.
The super clear video.
The ending smile, he just loves what he does.
Poof {{{{{{hugs}}}}}}
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bebereader said
Come to NA chat.
We watch, we chat, we watch, we chat.
Sometimes we even watch and chat at the same time.
We’re there now.
http://www.livestream.com/saragirl
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betsy said
Remember a while back I mentioned that I was using my son’s laptop, and when I accidentally hovered over the sidebar pictures they got huge? Well. I noticed it happening on my new computer and I finally asked him about it. He installed it (the app) on my new computer, and it’s called hoverzoom. It’s very cool.
Night, all. 🙂
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Angelica said
Bebe, thanks for sharing your personal journey of how your own faith brought you to an acceptance of David’s choice to serve and grow in a spiritual way. Being of David’s faith, I knew he was doing the right thing, something that he would be blessed for in countless ways. But at the same time I was sad because I have ODD. I didn’t want him to go for the same reasons you cited: it was all about me. But I had to learn to let go and let God have him for a little while. He will restore him to us better than he was. Still, with all that said, I can not watch the announcement video. I know they are tears of joy and relief, but relief for what? That he was afraid of fan reaction toward his decision and that’s why he made the announcement in Salt Lake where his family, friends, and church family were in attendance? I wonder what would have happened if he had told the news at any other venue. That he was afraid that some of his devoted fans would leave him hurts my heart and that some have actually left hurts me more. Hopefully, they will be back. In the meantime he is making new fans and gaining respect for being a stand up guy who has the courage of his convictions.
I am used to men in the LDS church getting choked up and shedding tears when moved on by the Spirit during a talk. It happens all the time. They try to be in control and discreet about it but sometimes the pause is so long between one word and the next, you wonder if they will ever master the leap. Somehow they always do.
But I can not watch David show that same emotion for reasons more personal and that go back a long way. In my mind I sometimes refer to him as, “the baby.” I know he is far from a baby and I would not use that word to his face or ever again on line but there it is. It stems from my mother’s term of endearment for her grandchildren. “Don’t hurt that baby.” “Don’t make that baby cry.” She had no problem disciplining us but all that was forgotten once the grandkids came along. So sometimes when I think of David, I think, “I wonder if the baby is safe, is he getting enough rest, I wonder if the baby is eating well?” So no, I can not bare to watch that boy cry. I know he will cry at his first concert back but that’s OK, cause I will be bawling too.
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bebereader said
Dayzee – I love hearing the perspective from someone who was there. That your ice cream was tasteless tells me all I need to know. I can imagine how overwhelming that moment was. David is a man of his word. He makes promises and delivers. We are so blessed to be his fans.
djafan – You and I watched the Livestream together online over the phone that night if I remember correctly. Since that night, we’ve come a long way!
Betsy – The diversity of David’s fans by age, sex, race, culture, profession is mind-boggling and wonderful at the same time. Thank you for JFK quote; I’ve always loved it too. And I see the correlation. By the way, I loved the Riddle/Waukeegan for those very reason you mentioned.
Angelica -Thank you for the beautiful artwork you applied to the photos of David in the article, up top.
This is just my opinion but since not all of David’s fans are LDS I imagine he assumed they wouldn’t understand why he would abruptly leave for two years in the middle of his career. His hometown fans would understand because many are LDS and know what an honor it is for a young person to announce they are leaving for a mission. Whether or not David was afraid his fans would leave I’m not sure about because in his last vlog to us, he practically told us to go off and do other things for two years. I don’t think the fans really left. I think in his absence, they stopped commenting on fan sites. Once he returns, I think they will be back too.
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Angelica said
Bebe, cast members on Nandito Ako were quoted as saying that he talked about being afraid his fans would leave him. I believe some of them have. The public is fickle. Hopefully, most will come back when he returns. His asking us to pursue our own goals while he’s away is typical David. He wants us to be happy and fulfilled by other things besides him. He is aware that there are certain diehard fans that will never leave him and are, shall we say, a bit “obsessive?” haha. Here he voices his concerns for fans who won’t have him as that big part of their life while he’s away.
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betsy said
May I tell a little mission related story? Okay, since you guys insist lol.
Lots of religions have missions. None are exactly the same, but the intent is similar.
My cousin was a Catholic Nun. She was a nurse. She worked closely with a Priest. They fell madly in love. They couldn’t help it.
I’m sure everyone knows that when they take their vows, they are vowing to never marry. It’s against all rules. (a ridiculous rule, and one that needs to change)
She left her order, and he left the priesthood. They married. They became missionaries, full time. Traveled the world helping the poor, vaccinating, feeding,
teaching, building, basically doing good.
They chose a very difficult path – kind of blazed their own trail.
I see no selfishness in what they did, only selflessness.
It’s what I see in what David has done. While they are totally different, it’s the sacrifice that links the two situations.
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cq#DA2014 said
Betsy, that does puts things in perspective. What a brave wonderful thing this couple did. I was brought up Catholic and I too never understood that vow. I guess that’s why I don’t follow everything about the religion anymore, have taken the best and thrown out the worst, am so happy. Imo, all religions have good and bad points and God gave us the power to choose.
The only difference this couple to me are doing from what David is doing is that their mission purely humanitarian, I’m pretty sure they are not proselytizing for the Catholic church, while David is mostly about proselytizing. I do agree that both David and this couple are doing is selflessness. I truly respect that David followed his heart, but I would be aboard completely if he was doing a purely humanitarian mission, of course, only my feelings.
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skydancer1x said
Bebe♥
Thank you for writing such a beautiful post,and for sharing your personal journey.
I remember that night,watching the Livestream.I guess my reaction was one of shock and disappointment. okay, wait…it was more than that, to be honest.When those words came out of his mouth “to serve a full 2 year mission” I felt like someone had just punched me in the gut.I felt sick…”no David…please,nooooooooo!!” I was crushed that night. I had a totally selfish reaction, to him leaving….♥ But that was then, and this is now.:))
.And how unbelievable it was, that what this man says and does, was capable of causing this kind of response from me… Gee, don’t think I got that upset when my ex-husband left me,lol. But time heals ‘moments’ like that , and like you, I came to look at it through David’s eyes,heart,and utterly beautiful soul .. just love and admire him even more than ever.
Wise,far beyond his years, *that baby* (angelica♥) 🙂
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bebereader said
Angelica,
Since I also have ODD, It makes me sad that David was worried that we’d leave him. But I’m sure it’s the worry of all artists who are away for awhile for personal reasons, whether on missions, traveling or just in between albums. From my experience as a fan of other artists through the years and also having been involved on various forums for them, the majority of fans do drift away from the fansites while the artist is away. It’s the nature of fans and fandoms. At times I remember it being almost empty on Ben Jelen’s forum, a singer I used to follow. (He went to India for a year to accompany his fiance who was doing required field work there to become a nurse.) When he came back his songwriting changed from pop to more organic type songs about nature and ecology. Did his fans return? The majority returned but not all. He also acquired a lot of new ones.
Sky,
I see that we all have a strong memory of that night. And you’re right, time heals wounds. But looking back gives us a new perspective. “I came to look at it through David’s eyes, heart,and utterly beautiful soul .. just love and admire him even more than ever.”
Thank you for always putting it in such beautiful words. I so totally agree with you, Sky!
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Abrra said
Bebe
My favorite part of your article was where you compared The Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony and committing to serve a mission. It ‘s all about spiritual growth and serving others. Young people need these types of programs to learn self discipline and life skills that can be taught by actually living out of their comfort zone, as David put it.
I was there with the rest of you who watched the livestream. It wasn’t good video and the sound was not perfect. I think I relied more on twitter to actually read what had just happened. My ears didn’t really believe what my eyes were telling me. I was shocked. My main concern was that I hoped that David was not abandoning his music permanently. I was amazed at his courage to put this kind of information out to fans in such a personal and public manner. The tears of relief were further proof that this was a very tough decision for David.
There was much unrest in the fan forums in the following months. Some of it downright ugly. I will admit I stopped going to some because of the bashing that was going on over his decision. David gave us 3 + years of his life to entertain us. I think he deserved some time to do what ever his heart desired. It’s not for me to judge his choice.
He said he would be back in 2014, I believe him.
The video in #14 is so good. I had to make a screamcap 🙂 I will add the video to Unplugged.
Here is an mp3 of that video.
[audio src="http://www.mediafire.com/download/261u5afde0i0ttk/David_Archuleta_O_Holy_Night_Salt_Lake_City_122011.mp3" /]
Abrra
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Angelica said
OMGOSH! My Blue Heaven.
Welcome to your liiiiffffffffe
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gladys1961 said
NEWS NEWS NEWS
Mr. Italo Coello returned to Rancagua, as official pianist for events, or next devotional. It was for his own desicion.
Do you know what that means??
I’ll see the mountains again.
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bebereader said
Abs,
Thank you for the mp3 of OHN. Delicious ear candy!
And this: “David gave us 3 + years of his life to entertain us. I think he deserved some time to do what ever his heart desired. It’s not for me to judge his choice.”
Angelica,
That EWTRTW is perfection. The sound quality is unbelievable! And the smile at the end, the ten second smile is so very thudworthy. Now I’m lost in the vortex!! Not a bad place to be, I might add. LOL
Gladys,
YES!! 🙂
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Dayzee said
Oh Gladys!! That is good news for you and all of us!! Something to look forward to. Excited! They did not say official pianist for David? Hiding him I suppose. We are so lucky to have you searching. I can’t imagine anyone being successful at hiding David from Gladys.
Lovely pic Abrra gave us at #36 of the “baby”. Who could abandon such a beautiful boy? Surely nobody who spends any time here where we find all things marvelous.
Watched “David’s Special Announcement” again. And again Still painful. But I would not change a thing.
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Lynnella said
I was watching the live stream during that announcement and remember actually gasping out loud. I cried when he cried, not because of what I would be missing, but at seeing how emotional he was about what he was going to do. His courage inspired me so much that I wrote a poem about it. Also, when a couple of young LDS missionaries visited, I shared it with them, and they said that’s just how they felt. Here’s the poem:
Led by God
How many have the courage,
to be led by God,
To step out when He calls you,
when He gives you just a prod,
And says go do my bidding,
I’ll show you what and where,
Can you really put your trust in,
a feeling thin as air,
You can’t actually touch Him,
there’s nothing tangible,
But yet you know you’ve heard His voice,
though it’s not audible,
You know you have a feeling,
and can’t fully explain,
You have to put your faith in Him,
while folks say you’re insane,
But they don’t know what you know,
they don’t have the Spirit,
Telling them where they should go,
their ears would never hear it,
So listen to that voice inside your heart,
and when you do,
He’ll come through loud and clear,
with instructions just for you.
David is a very courageous young man, and I greatly admire him for it.
Lynnella
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kaycee said
Bebe, great article. So many emotions that night. Interesting to look back after so many months have past. “Even in his absence David continues to inspire me.” Me too!
You know it’s a good day when I hear David TWICE from speakers other than my own! Nothing perks up a boring shopping excursion like unexpectedly hearing hearing “Crush” and “Tell Me” piped into the stores I was visiting.
CQ and MT (and anyone else who hasn’t seen David in person), I can’t wait for you to hear David live!…there truly is nothing like it. I remember watching a video someone had taken of a performance I had attended–it was awesome, but the electricity and energy were just not captured.
Angelica, 37, just what I needed tonight! Thanks!
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kaycee said
Lynnella, thanks for sharing your beautiful poem.
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bluesky said
Hello for just a minute… I am between trips and saw Bebereaders amazing post. Lovely, lovely, lovely.. and so true, so very, very true.
I was there. Those words mean something to those of us who were, whether by electronic connection or in person.
There is a teaching or proposition or offering in the LDS faith (as in many, many other faiths and beliefs). This proposal offers a life expanding opportunity: am I willing to offer up what means the most to me, what I have worked hardest for, and what I may believe is in itself, a gift I would not even have but for Grace? Am I willing to offer that up, put it on the table as it were, for the chance of reaping something even greater?
I remember when my youngest, my own David, was born. A crisis point was reached where I had to make a choice: am I willing to put even my life on the line for the hope of this child? This reward? Believing in the possible without knowledge of its certainty. I believe many mothers (and others who love) have a point at which the leap into darkness comes before the foot finds the path. That point at which the light inside has yet to penetrate even an inch of the night beyond. Yet the decision must be made. There are those decisions only we can make, alone in our hearts.
What I saw that night, standing in the balcony beside my son Jonathan, was just that leap of faith. And when the hearts of those assembled heard his spoken words, a flash of light, love and joy that many hardly understood burst upon us all instantaneously. I believe we got the chance to feel a portion of Gods love for DA. That that response wasn’t so much just from the crowd as from his own Heavenly Father using us, in part, to say: “See? I told you. It will be alright. This is a portion of the love you will feel as you work, as you sacrifice. And… this is a portion of the love that will sustain you and be waiting for you on your return. I am here.”
I was crying, Jonathan was crying. And it was bigger than us. We rejoiced yes, because we are of the same faith and understood his desire. But also because the love in that room filled us in some small way, as it filled him.
I believe that that love touches us all – everyone on the planet. I feel it also when I come here. Thank you, each of you, for just being who you are.
bluesky
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Angelica said
Bluesky, thank you. That was just beautiful. ♥
Lynnella, love the poem.
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Suzy-Q said
Cq, ALL LDS MISSIONARIES ARE REQUIRED TO GIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE AS PART OF THEIR MISSIONS.
OKLAHOMA CITY — LDS Church members and missionaries in Oklahoma are joining forces with members of other faith groups and community service volunteers to do as much cleaning up as possible from the most recent round of tornadoes to hit America’s Midwest before the next wave hits this week.
“Our missionaries are a mighty force when it comes to the work of salvation and also when it comes to the work of tornado relief,” said Nolan S. Taylor, president of the Oklahoma Oklahoma City Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “That’s a pretty powerful army to haul of limbs and branches and sift through rubble.”
For two weeks, Taylor said, “the missionaries have been involved on an almost-daily basis” with tornado cleanup. Last Saturday, the entire mission was concentrated in the Moore, Okla., area, where the greatest devastation occurred on May 20.
“The LDS members and missionaries have been part of an effective interfaith effort to reach out to those in need during this unusual tornado season.
“All the churches, it doesn’t matter what denomination they are, they are in it,” Sam Porter, director of Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief, told The Oklahoman. “That’s good to see. It’s just super good.”
“Doctrinal differences go away during times like this,” President Graves said. “We’re all just here doing what the Savior asked us to do in loving and serving one another. Our shared faith in Christ transcends any boundaries or barriers as we all just reach out and serve each other
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MT said
Bebe,
I hope you don’t mind that this is totally off topic, but I am obsessed with Barriers this week and I had to see him sing it. 🙂 I thought I’d share the smile it brought to me with you guys.
Credit: emilyluvsarchie
♫ And we just gotta’ stooooooppp … ♫ Gahhh … That voice! That charm! It just oozes out of him. He’s got a little shoulder action going on there too. 😀
Can you say STAR?
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kaycee said
(((Bluesky))) Your words gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes. Thank you.
“What I saw that night, standing in the balcony beside my own David, was just that leap of faith. And when the hearts of those assembled heard his spoken words, a flash of light, love and joy that many hardly understood burst upon us all instantaneously. I believe we got the chance to feel a portion of Gods love for DA. That response wasn’t so much just from the crowd as from his own Heavenly Father using us, in part, to say: “See? I told you. It will be alright. This is a portion of the love you will feel as you work, as you sacrifice. And… this is a portion of the love that will sustain you and be waiting for you on your return. I am here.”
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bebereader said
Lynella, Thank you for your poem!
Kaycee, You heard “Crush” and Tell Me? Were you in a mall? restaurant? I still hear Crush on radio every now and then but I’ve never heard Tell Me except when I play it myself.
Bluesky, Your comment is beautiful and brought me back to some of the lyrics from “The Riddle”, written by Five For Fighting.
“”I guess we’re big and I guess we’re small
If you think about it man you know we got it all
Cause we’re all we got on this bouncing ball
And I love you free
I love you freely
Here’s a riddle for you
Find the Answer
There’s a reason for the world
You and I… ”
MT#47 Thank you for that “Barriers” video. It’s always, always welcome here! 🙂
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Angelica said
MT, LOL, I was just last night caught in the Grand Rapids Barrier Vortex. Man, when he brings it, he don’t leave nothing home. I’m ashamed to say how many times I’ve watched that performance over the years. haha. (JK, I regret nothing.)
My husband took me to lunch today at The Old Country Store. Just 10 miles up the road on hwy 61, the old blues highway. What a great experience! The building is very old and full of wonderful memorabilia. Best fried chicken I’ve ever had and also got the warm blackberry cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! The owner is Mr. D featured on the Food Channel and he is the fried chicken king! Don’t let the video fool you, the place is usually packed.
Anyway he came over to our table while we were eating and said to my husband, “Something told me you were going to come in here today and bring a beautiful woman with you.” (hah) and then he looked right at me and sang this song so beautifully. Of course I couldn’t help wondering what David would sound like singing it. sigh…
What the Sam Cook ever happened to good music and especially Motown? I miss it. Maybe the soul man from Utah can bring it back?
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MT said
Bebe,
You’re welcome! Glad you didn’t mind. It made me smile. 😀
Angelica,
I’ve watched that Barriers video more than a few times, myself. 😉
Well, I’d say the cook at The Old Country Store obviously has good taste! And how great that he sang to you!
And THIS: ” What the Sam Cook ever happened to good music and especially Motown? I miss it. Maybe the soul man from Utah can bring it back? ” <<< Ditto, I'd pay good money (and then some) to hear AND SEE David sing that song. The guy would bring the house down. 🙂
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Angelica said
MT, good taste in music and food, yes. And he’s not just the cook, he’s the owner. Interesting thing, when he first opened 15 years ago, my husband and I stopped by for a bite to eat. He sat down with us as we were the only ones in the place. He talked about how he had taken his life savings and put it into that old store to convert it to a restaurant. His children were against the idea and thought he was crazy and he confessed he was afraid he would lose everything. But he told us it was his dream and if he failed, it wouldn’t be because he didn’t try. Now he’s a huge success, on national TV and the world has beaten a path to his door. Reminds me of how David always tells folks that if you have a dream, you should just go for it.
Everything reminds me of David. lol.
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ronaleem said
Bebe: Thanks for your article. By stating your experience with David’s mission announcement so honestly, you’ve inspired quite the conversation. Your comments and everyone else’s comments have helped me understand the place in your hearts you’re coming from when you talk about how much you miss David. I don’t miss him, because he was already “away” when he entered my life. Although it’s been more than five months since I’ve met David, I’ve spent that time catching up on his career, whereas you all were there step by step as he developed that career, so you’re missing daily contact with him. Now that I’m much more familiar with his music, his appreciation for his fans, and especially his character, I can see why there is a void in your lives. Fortunately, that void is only temporary and will no longer exist when he gets back.
To everyone else: Thanks so much for your comments. I especially appreciate hearing the first-hand accounts of the spontaneous outpouring of love and support that affected David so profoundly during his announcement.
Bluesky: Thank you for sharing your experience that night: “I believe we got the chance to feel a portion of God’s love for DA.” I have felt something similar about David. In the first few weeks that I was getting to know him, I kept having the sense that David was able to feel God’s love, and that he had the gift of transmitting that love to others through his music. I think I was right.
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betsy said
Just cuz
http://twitpic.com/cvnwof
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MT said
Angelica,
Oops, I kinda missed the “owner” part of your first comment. Sorry about that. This old brain seems to randomly keep whatever it wants and the rest gets lost sometimes. LOL Thanks for the clarification.
It took a lot of guts to do what he did, to risk it all for a dream. Luckily it paid off for him in a big way. If you have the determination, work hard, and have faith in yourself, doing what you love, great things can happen. It’s nice to sees a success story like his. Thanks for sharing.
Rona,
“I can see why there is a void in your lives. Fortunately, that void is only temporary and will no longer exist when he gets back.”
Yes. Can’t wait till he gets back and we hear that “Hey guys, It’s David here.” 😀
Besty,
hahaha Love the cat! And the guy’s twitter write up for himself is almost as funny.
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betsy said
MT – I just love that cat gif and I am not a cat person. But it’s great. 🙂 Also, LOVE that Barriers! He was on FIHAH that night. Best show I’ve ever been to.
I’ve come to the conclusion that David and Rebecca singing The Prayer is one of my top moments in singing. I cannot go a single day without listening several times.
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fenfan said
Thanks Bebe for sharing your feelings about the announcement. I didn’t watch the live stream of the announcement – saw the youtube vid later. I don’t re-watch it; it’s really too gut wrenching to see him cry. But I am glad he decided to go even though it means we don’t get to see or hear from him for two years.
The Riddle at #18 is divine.
That Everybody Wants to Rule the World – #37 – is delicious. After watching it I went on to the half-hour vid of the entire Hong Kong set and then the Thousand Miles vid at Fox International. His fingers on the piano were mesmerizing.
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ronaleem said
Angelica: Thank you for EWTRTW on #37! Of course I had never seen this before, and I loved it. I particularly like the acoustic accompaniment and the lack of screaming teenagers. What a voice that young man has! Wow. I found the whole performance, and watched that as well. This is what I mean when I say I don’t miss David—I’m still in the discovery phase, and every day brings something new and great. Lucky me!
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bebereader said
Ronaleem,
Thank you for understanding. It does feel like an empty space was left after David left on his mission. There’s nothing to fill the void because he’s irreplacable. I can’t imagine how it feels for you, coming onboard five years later but with the same intensity as the rest of us. Since you don’t really miss him you’re in a better place than we are because let me tell you, it’s painful at times. But so worth it! I’m very grateful we have each other and the chatrooms!
Have you seen this old video? (one of my favorites)
credit JR
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SandyBeaches said
Suzy-Q…
It is interesting to read that members of the LDS as well as other religious groups are assisting with the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts.
We have read articles for months from everywhere about the preaching or teaching and baptisms but very little about helping in emergency situations that have taken place. It is good to read about the religions actually helping when there has been a tragedy. Those articles or reports are meaningful because there are many natural disasters happening as of lately.
We are very familiar with the helping hands on a continual basis of the Salvation Army who assist in life threatening situations, but not enough is written about disaster relief in North America.
SB
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ronaleem said
Bebe: No, I hadn’t seen that interview—thanks for bringing it to my attention. David was totally adorable, in the sense that he was so young and sweet, with absolutely no attitude, calculation, or hardness. Love his laugh and spiky hair! It is incredible to me that he could be such an obvious kid, and yet have that magnificent voice and the maturity to accept all the sudden celebrity. He was thrown into the chaos, came up headfirst, and navigated his own course from the beginning.
MT: Me, too–I am very much looking forward to his first vlog after his return, since all I’ve seen so far are archived vlogs. This is what I predict he will say: “David here. I’m back! The last two years were AWESOME and I met so many AWESOME people and it was SO MUCH FUN! I’m sad to leave, but I’m glad to be home, too, if that makes sense. I want to thank all you fans for allowing me to have that experience. And I want you guys to know that I missed you and that I can devote my time to you now. You guys have been so AWESOME to wait for me.” Or something like that, with occasional lapses into Spanish.
Going back to #37 EWTRTW. His shirt is so nicely pressed—I wonder who did it? I’ve noticed that he always presents a neat appearance, which includes t-shirts without wrinkles. Does he do his own ironing?
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ronaleem said
I just became aware of the shootings in Santa Monica. I didn’t mean to be insensitive in a time of tragedy—I should know, I live in the town where the Virginia Tech shootings took place. My heart-felt sympathy to everyone touched by this event.
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betsy said
Rona – back in 2009, when David was on the road somewhere (I think he was in the UK on tour with McFly) he was fairly new to twitter. He started getting addicted quickly, and tweeted several times a day.
One of his tweets one night (very late) was (I’m paraphrasing probably, but probably I remember it exactly lol)
“Couldn’t sleep, so I decided to handwash a shirt. It really makes you appreciate it.”
He takes care of his own stuff. 🙂
I think another time he said that he simply boiled water and steamed the wrinkles out of a shirt. He’s too much. ♥
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jans11 said
Love “The Prayer”..could listen to it all the time. At work this week, I set my laptop to Unplugged and it seemed to be on the Christmas concerts a lot. I told the residents that I hoped they like Christmas music in June! 🙂 They did. Not sure about the people down the hall, but they didn’t complain, anyway. 🙂
Thank you Abrra!
Angelina, if Mr. D’s chicken is as good as his voice..he’s got a good thing going! Seems like a nice man.
#DA2014
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jans11 said
Whoops, there is no Angelina here…it’s Angelica! It’s been a long day! 🙂
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djafan said
Good morning!
Just got caught up with the thread and you people are amazing. The love for this young man is palpable.
Lynnella, what a beautiful poem.
Bluesky, where do I begin? I felt your words and the love David felt that night.
Angelica, that blue concert is pure heaven. I shared it with some co workers in preparation for David’s Christmas concert. One said she had to watch it a few times because she kept getting distracted by his face, she cried a lot through the concert, she couldn’t believe his voice and Ave Maria sent her over the edge.
Betsy, he is way to much 🙂
Ronaleem, I’m really enjoying your discovery of David. Please keep updating us.
David sure left a void but thanks to all of you and your continued support we are here on countdown mode, 9 more months!
Well I have a fun filled day of softball and baseball with grand kids. Four which have been with me while their parents took a trip to Jamaica. Other grandma takes over today so I sure plan to be in a much needed chat tonight 🙂
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Abrra said
New post ———————————————————->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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