Image Is Everything

Do they give an award for best lip sync performance?  Rumor has it that there’s more and more lip syncing going on in the world of musical entertainment these days, and it makes me wonder if the “art” of a “professional” (i.e. paid) singer pretending to actually be singing is working its way into acceptance.  I’ve read that the Grammys have a “no lip sync” policy, but if it is becoming accepted then it might not be long before it becomes competitive and then those who are best at mouthing the lyrics along with a recording would be recognized for their “accomplishments.”

Singers lip syncing on the biggest stages, in the biggest moments that come their way is a shame really.  In trying to reduce the risk of failure they lose the opportunity for something amazing, unprecedented, and unforeseen to simply happen.  Putting their performance in a manila folder and mailing it in like that will never be as stimulating as putting it all on the line for the chance that this might be the performance of a lifetime, where all past rehearsals and performances hit a new high, and a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime thing happens.  Lip syncing imposes a ceiling on any new highs.  It rules that out in order to play it safe, rest on past laurels, and take home the paycheck.

I would say that you and I don’t get to lip sync our way through, even if we want to.  You and I have to do more than stand there and look good.  You and I have to, or get to, go at it afresh each day, with all the uncertainties that involves, risking mistakes, embarrassment, and failure.  We also get to experience that which is way beyond the rewards of the paycheck, and that is the breaking of new ground, learning, growing, stretching, finding strength we didn’t know we had, and getting to bask in those moments that we can’t manufacture by our own efforts alone.  You know, those most memorable, “makes it all worthwhile” moments that just seem to happen.

 

Image isn't everything.  That's probably why that statement is nowhere to be found in the Bible.  The Bible is more interested in honesty and integrity than that.  Lord knows, real life is worth the risk.