Season 9-American Idol Ministry Resource…
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010Every year I always tell the Lord, I will obey. If you want to use me to bear fruit for your Kingdom here on earth and for eternity…I’m in. I don’t go looking for AI contestants, I just stay F.A.T. Faithful, Available and Teachable. Even though I am giving my body to Science (my last Kingdom Assignment on Earth) I do want a Grave Stone somewhere and I want it to read: “She was so F.A.T.” :-)
This season started unexpectedly early. I received an email from good friend Mark Joseph who had passed my info on to Byron Spradling who passed my info to Shelley Vance out of Little Rock, Arkansas and the Mother of Songbird Charity Vance. She needed a place for her husband “Vance” to stay while Charity was in Hollywood Week. I called Shelley…we talked, got to pray with Charity and my love affair with the Vance family began. Charity calls me Miss Leesa…gotta love that 
Just say it to yourself in a cute Southern accent and well…it’s just really cute, especially since I have not been a “Miss” in over 36 years. Shelley invited Denny and I to Hollywood Week auditions and it was such a joy to attend. When I first met Shelley and Charity face to face. I immediately gave her a AI Ministry Resource standard, made by my friend Deborah Harder, “Sterling Grace” Silver Bracelet which read Jer. 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans not to harm you, but to give you a hope and a future. I’ve given the bracelet to several of the AI players and have worn them on the Show, Katharine McPhee, Jordin Sparks (Jordin wore hers on every show until she won at the Finale), Paula Abdul, Kristi Lee Cook, Syesha Mercado now Charity Vance. God’s word as a constant reminder of His love and plan for them. Two kids that had a special place in my heart also made it to Hollywood Week and we were able to cheer them on. Colin Benward…He calls me his CA Mama, and has worked for me at the Award Shows, Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmy’s and others. He did so so good and he was just darling…spoken like a Mom huh?! But so true. As I held his Sisters had as the Judges said; step forward, step back we knew he would make it past the first round. He didn’t…whaaat?! My theory on that is 1) He looks just like Lee and 2) He’s from Nashville like Di Di, it definitely is not because he wasn’t good, because he WAS GOOD! Not all the best voices make it to the top. It is a reality show and they have many things to consider, especially giving every state someone to be proud of and vote for. The other favorite and friend was Michael Castro. He is just so talented and has grown so much in the last year. Surprised he didn’t make it further, but he made it a little further than Colin, Group Night. Big Mike was in his group and Little Mike did great, but sadly was sent home. Michael was so gracious, I was really proud of him.
Now on to Charity…
But hold on…off to tonight’s viewing party at the Dixon’s. Pics and her story when I get home
