I made a dismissive comment yesterday about the Super Bowl halftime show being “stupid”. I didn’t realize at the time what a brouhaha the halftime show was on social media come Monday morning. My comment came mostly because there are so many other things all that money could go to that would benefit so many people in need. 

I am not going to get into all the political discourse over the performance because I honestly was snuggling babies and just barely watched any of it. That being said, I do have a little trouble with the whole dichotomy between protesting sexual misconduct and flaunting sexuality in front of millions. I say this as I watched my little great granddaughter “shake her booty” as she watched the screen. The messages we send are being absorbed by little minds.

Aside from that, the final minutes of the game were exciting and I loved watching Andy Reid getting dowsed with the celebratory shower of Gatorade. He’s worked long and hard for this and it was wonderful to see him in that moment.

None of that really interested me. There was one performance that was perhaps overshadowed by all the hoopla and that one was my favorite.

Demi Lovato.

Hers is a story of the phoenix rising from the ashes. Her struggle is ongoing and real. And here she was…standing in front of the crowds…in front of millions watching online….once again doing what God made her to do. 

Sing.

I was so proud for her. I know from personal experience how hard it is to come back from an overdose. The judgement you face. The criticism. The sense of disappointment felt from others. The sense of disappointment in yourself. There are choices you have to make…constantly. It’s a struggle to pull yourself up by the bootstraps. It isn’t easy to lean into God for the help you need to be successful.

So, yeah…I’m not a big football fan. And I think there’s a lot of wasted money, time, and energy when it comes to the Super Bowl. But my hat’s off to Demi Lovato for showing us how it’s done…with grace and humility.

God Bless You, Demi.

❤️

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.””

Joshua 1:9 NIV