'The homeless man with the golden voice' is NOT inspiring!

1-11-10 Update: Here is the show we did to follow up on this blog:

 

Right-click to download

 

Leave a review in iTunes

Free Agent Underground Show - "'The homeless man with the golden voice' is NOT inspiring!"

 

More Free Agent Underground podcasts

The media is awash with warm and fuzzy stories about the inspiration of "The homeless man with a golden voice."

Folks, it's not inspiring! It's despairing. People report crying when they saw the video. I cry at the Humane Shelter at neglected puppies, but it doesn't inspire me.

Let me explain:
Chances are you saw the video (here it is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6kI_u3ho_c), which is absolutely entertaining. Homeless guy with an unreal radio voice. And now he's gotten a job and it's this Cinderella story. People ran to it because it was interesting, just like the rubber neckers on the interstate with a car wreck.

Now, I will give some credence to the story of grace. A guy who declined with alcohol and drugs, now gets a second chance. That really is good for him, and a neat story of grace.

But what did it leave YOU with? Millions of folks got entertained, but how is it inspiring for your life? The root definition of the word 'inspire' is:
To influence with an idea or purpose

What idea or purpose were you influence with? All we got is that there was some regular guy who went to school to develop his voice, and was good at it. He let drugs and alcohol wreck his life and he's been alone and homeless. For years he was alone and bereft from his family, serving no one.

Now maybe he will, and again…wonderful for him and for those he can now bless with his good fortune.

But you. Chances are if you're reading this, you're not a drug addict or alcoholic. You're paying your bills and hopefully serving humanity in some way. But you probably don't feel you have some amazing talent like this guy.

So where does that leave you? How are you inspired.

You're not.

Let me give it a shot though.

You've GOT to dispel the belief that some people have great talents, and you don't. That does not mean that anyone can train enough to have a great radio voice like Ted the formerly homeless guy. You may not have been created with the vocal chords for that. I wasn't. But you were created with something else. If you can take the leap of faith to believe that, you've just made 80% of the necessary progression. Whatever Ted did not have in self-discipline or personal image value...he at least believed enough in the quality of his voice to write on a scrap of cardboard that his voice was a 'God given talent.' Now that...I like.

Once you can believe that you have some great talent and gift within you...you need to discover what that is. And that's not easy. You probably won't figure it out alone, but will need help. It can be done though. My good friend Jonathan Pool is a master at doing this for people.

Then, you grow that inherent ability. I'm naturally a good athlete. Good coordination, natural muscle development, high pain threshold. I excelled as a pro cyclist because of that. But I probably haven't ridden a bike more than 100 miles total in the past few years. I couldn't keep up with your basic weekend warrior cycling hobbyist today. The great talents on American Idol haven't been dormant, but they've been working their skills for a long time. The show is just giving them a format to showcase what they have discovered and developed within them.

So, we've got to figure out what you have, get you to work refining and growing it to something of true merit, then finding an opportunity will be much easier and sensible than waiting till you're an old man with a cardboard sign on a street corner in Ohio.

Ready to discover and hone the gifting that you have in you (and help you even believe you have anything?)??

Tell you what, let's do a survey. Not some slick little button submission though, tell us and be real…share a bit. Let's see what we've got. Choose one of the five options below and leave a comment. We'll discuss it live on Monday's 'Free Agent Underground Show' at 9:30am MT here on our LIVE page: http://kevinmiller.typepad.com/my_weblog/live.html

1. Honestly, I don't really believe I have some 'great talent' within me (state it, let's talk. It's an honest feeling and you are in good company…it's OK. But let's talk)
2. OK, I can believe that, but I have zero idea what it might be (good, belief is the most important part)
3. I think I may know what mine is, though I've not developed it much (tell us what you think it is)
4. I know my gifting and am actively working to grow it (tell us what it is)
5. I'm living my talent (tell us what it is)

Comments

[Teri]

It inspired those who have made some poor choices in their lives to not give up. Things can turn around.

[Ted Yoder]

#5

Kevin,

It took two years of hard work and battling the doubts but I'm here now doing music full time(since Sep 2010) and I have a family of 6. For me, I'm still honing my gift but most of the battle was with the lies and doubts that I had to face and eventually just go out and try it. I would rather turn 50 or 60 knowing that I did my best and just wasn't good enough than to always look back and wonder "what if".

There are always new obstacles/opportunities that come and I'm facing a few right now but we've worked through them before and we'll get through then again.

[Jim Henry]

I know you know this but I'll say it anyway. I love the way you think. Millions watched that video. Most of them are probably sitting on their backsides doing little to impact their world.

I also can't believe you wrote about inspiration. I was on a call with someone on Dec 30th and came away about midnight with the following for myself in 2011: "My purpose in life is to stay inspired, inspire others, and together impact our world." I know this will get tweeked some in the weeks ahead but it really does describe that last 35 years of my life - and fits with my present call to make The Life Givers Network a reality.

I'm so looking forward to our visit next Friday!

[Jason V]

#2/#3: I know what some of my talent(s) is/are, but only using some of it and feel like I can definitely explore / apply my talents in a more useful way and make more of an impact on the world around me.

[Archie Winningham]

I think you're right Teri. There will be some folks that have been down the same road, that may possibly be inspired. That's a good thing.
Ted, man, you have been inspiring me for some time now. I've watched you go from great, to greater and finally the greatest National Champion Hammer Dulcimer Master. Dude, I'm glad I play guitar and bass, because if I played the same instrumemnt as you and had to compete against you, I'd never have a chance to win!

Kevin, here's mine:
#2) OK, I can believe that, but I have zero idea what it might be (good, belief is the most important part)
Of what you know about me, having no college or virtually no technical skills, what do you think? Sure, everyone tells me I inspire them, but where could that take me?
I look for forward to your show on Monday to see what you come up with.

Thanks Kevin, and you DO inspire me as well.

[Jack]

Kevin, I have to disagree with you on your statement that the homeless man's story was not inspiring. On the contrary, I was both convicted and very inspired. Here's why. Ted Williams is a guy with a remarkable, God-given voice. At one time, he invested in that gift and took voice lessons and actually did some work in radio. Then he made some poor choices, his life headed south and his gift was buried for a long time. However, he did know enough to know that his voice was a gift from God and he acknowledged that. His voice was his glory and when he revealed it to the reporter who stopped to give him some money, the reporter, Doral Chenoweth, was blown away. In fact, Doral later went back to shoot that now famous video. Doral is like a modern day Good Samaritan, a Christian who has served others many times prior to Ted. So now Ted is being recognized, sought after and wants to use his gift. Here's the thing I found convicting. It's like God asked me a question: "So what are you doing with the gifts and talents I've given you?" My answer is not much. And the thing is we all have God given talents and gifts, but so often we buy into the lie that what we have isn't all that special so we don't do anything with it. But when we acknowledge our God-given talents and gifts and begin using them like God intended, I think those around us will be amazed and astonished, just like we all are with Ted Williams. So Ted's story has inspired me to uncover the gifts and talents God has given me and start using them for His glory. We've all heard the quote, "The glory of God is man fully alive." When we become fully alive using the gifts and talents God has given us, God will indeed be glorified. Oh, one more thing. The actions by Doral Chenoweth also inspire me to reach out to those who are less fortunate and to remember the poor as Jesus commands us. Who knows, the person you help just might be the next Ted Williams. That's my take.

[EdFinnerty]

I've been developing my coaching practice. It started as a financial coaching bhsiness but I've career coaching and life coaching the last two years. I've enjoyed being able to serve others and help them reach their goals.

[Keith Dugger]

#4

I believe I was made to extract potential from young men through their discovery of identity, development of vision, and pursuit of adventure.

I have started an internship at SummitTrek, a business coaching and consulting firm here in Boerne. I am also continuing a volunteer role with Boy With A Ball, a youth development non-profit organization in San Antonio. And lastly, I am dabbling in t-shirt design that supports these pursuits, as well as, gives me an outlet to be creative.

Oh yeah, I am digging deeper into the phenomenon that is Free Agent Academy!

[Rob]

Kevin - I would say that my opinion is a bit different - I actually do think it's incredibly inspiring. A guy who lost everything was given a second chance by pure serendipity and grace. He didn't do anything to get it, did nothing to deserve it. Ted is an extreme example of what hundreds of thousands of people are going through regarding jobs. He's got talents - so do they. He has an opportunity now, and many people have other opportunities, just not on that scale. It's all about drive and determination. This story inspires me also because people, despite their best efforts to destroy themselves are never given up on by God and sometimes God likes to make a big example. My hope and prayer is that he makes the most of the opportunity and that is where I find the most inspiration. Redemption, second chances. It's up to him now that he's got his chance and I'm pulling for him big-time. This could be a very hard time for him, I hope he crushes it. This also applies to me in that I have chances in front of me to maximize opportunities and make the most of it, so I can relate. It may not be as grand as a shot as the voice guy for the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they have the ability to make substantial impact in my life too.

[Slumbersixcon]

I'll say I'm a #2. I know I was created for something. That something though, I do not know. I feel like I've lost my dreams, followed what I was told would bring in money, and now I feel like I've passed on things I could have done. But I'm trying to feel out my abilities and passion. I know I'm young and have plenty of time. Knowing that there's more out there just makes me restless.

[Deb Ingino ~ Strength Leader]

I am inspired by the story of Ted...here's why.

He had a strength that he clearly was 'wired' with.
He used it.

He succeeded.
He failed.
But he kept on using his strength.
Had he not, the reporter wouldn't have created a story because it would have been another bad luck story.

But its' not.

It should encourage people to know that no matter their personal cirucumstances or obstacles they should lean into their strengths...even harder.

What inspires me is that sometime we need to move through dismal circumstances to have 'luck' (opportunity meeting preparedness.

Just sayin'
Deb

[Don McCallum]

I agree Jack. I've been homeless myself (though I wasn't an alcoholic or drug addict). My situation was brought about through other people's wrongdoing. Still; God has taught me to respect the value of people. God made them all, and He wants all of them to be saved. They have to choose to follow Him, though. I've been trying for quite a few years to get a music ministry going, but, I'm not there yet. Ted William's story encouraged me, because it showed me that God is able to bring someone into your life and it will change it for the better. So, I would pick #4, "I know my gifting and am actively working to grow it." I am also a 48 Days.Net member.

[Chris]

2. OK, I can believe that, but I have zero idea what it might be (good, belief is the most important part)
3. I think I may know what mine is, though I've not developed it much (tell us what you think it is)

I think I have a creative ability to help write advertising, come up with slogans for people's businesses, and created an LLC six months ago. Fortunately my first client is a friend (a very patient friend) that has worked with me while I learn the business along the way.

And I'm still not completely sure that this is the area I'm gifted in, I've had some limited success with it.

[Raven Burnes]

#4 - I have a great eye for fashion and design. I have a 2-year plan to develop my skills and create a business. I only started sewing a few months ago but I am taking to it very well and, more importantly, I really feel like I am doing what I am supposed to do. I also have writing talent so I started a blog a few months ago and have been contributing to it faithfully. Once I get my skills up to par, I'm still a bit hazy on what my business will actually look like, but I know I'm moving in the right direction. My only problem is that I am unemployed and don't know what job to take in the meantime. I have been interviewing for retail jobs but have not landed one yet.

[BeADaddy]

Kevin,
I'm going to have to disagree, as some others have. I totally understand where you're coming from, but to those who might have formerly had some successes in life but faced huge setbacks I believe that he would be VERY inspiring. Is his story going to inspire everyone? Absolutely not, but it will some.

On your list I'm mostly a #2. Depending on the day and circumstances I might waiver as low as a #1 at times, or as high as a #3.

Thanks for the great post...even if I did disagree a little bit. It made me think.

Ryan

[Dan Powell]

I agree, Kevin. It's the worst thing in the world for a teacher like myself who works his a** off everyday encouraging kids to work hard and progress toward their goals and say that if you're not willing to work, you're finished. And THEN have a trio of kids come into school the next morning boasting about how they're going to be homeless people! "Oooo...epic failure Mr. Powell! You got owned by a homeless man!" (Real quote). Thank you Pop Culture! Thank you Media! (By the way...if he was sober for two and a half years, why was he still on the street? Something is fishy.) Although,through all this, I still hope he suceeds and stays of the hooch.

[Brent]

I see your point on the use of inspiring and really made me think. Maybe that is the wrong way to put it. But then I love to discuss and argue semantics.

I would say I found his story very uplifting and touching. Perhaps that would be the better wording.

Personally I would say I am in the #3 area, though could be #2. I do believe we are all given certain talents inherently. May be one, may be 20.

I have always had a creative pull and wanted to figure out a way to make a living doing something creative. Just never had the faith to pursue figuring out how to make that happen. Because of my upbringing and lack of encouragement in pursuing my dreams.

Thus I have spent all of my adult life trying to make a living (never very successful) at something that would hopefully be bearable and then just pursue creativity in my hobbies, if there was time.

Now I am pursuing what I believe fits my talent But there are still many days that I question if this is "it". Or is it just in the ballpark and there is something else similar or extra.

Thanks for the post. Very thought provoking. Really looking forward to hearing what is said on the show.

[Scott]

Kevin.... I get your point but the story is inspiring to me in the following way. Yes, he'd been lost in his addictions for 20 years. Everything in that is sad and dark and desperately in need of hope. No inspiration in that, for sure.

Here's the part of the story where I find a redemptive spark. For two years he has been sober. Gives the credit for that to his new found faith. Not sure what that is but it helped him come out of the darkness. So, sober and homeless, he only had one thing left and that was his voice. So, he scrawled a sign on a piece of cardboard and stood by the road and waited for opportunity. That's the inspiring part for me. As if he said, " all that i have is one thing that I do well and I'm going write it on a sign and tell everyone about it." What else could he do?

And "grace" cheered loudly at the scene.

[Christina]

4. I know my gifting and am actively working to grow it

I'm confident I have a gift in writing. I took the two-year apprenticeship course through the Christian Writers Guild, and now I'm getting my M.A. in Journalism. I don't have a clear cut plan, but I'm committing it to God and focusing on making the most of every opportunity.

[Christina]

Raven - thanks for sharing. it's encouraging to hear about someone who is confident in their talents, committed to developing their skills and is working toward their goals.

[Scott]

Number 4 - I believe I know what my unique gifting or calling is. I seem to have the ability to take any number of unrelated things and make a story out of it. I am currently working on making a livelihood out of this gifting.
I do understand your point in the story of Ted - amazing voice - Williams. It does appear that the world at large, a la American Idol, does think that some people just have this gift or talent. Like an overnight success, instead of recognizing the real work and effort that is hidden, back stage as it were.

[Jason Garey]

Hey Kevin. I also get your point, but I have to agree that Ted's story WAS inspiring. Otherwise, why would over 12 million people have watched, then shared that video? The question is "how many people were or will be moved to action?" And how do you measure that? Why are we drawn to such stories in the first place? And then feel compelled to share them? I think it's because we thrive on hope. Even in a dark world, our Creator's influence to share hope and good news is strongly present in us, even for those who don't acknowledge Him as the Source.

For many, just the watching and sharing may be enough. It renews their faith that Good still exists. But in today's culture, I think it is fair to say that the inspiration, hope or faith that stories like Ted's creates or affirms, goes largely to waste because most people will not be compelled to help someone else's dreams come true, nor reflect on their own state and believe that they too can live with power and purpose. Sadly, I think it's like what happens in many churches on Sunday mornings. Tremendous worship music and a stirring message is given...some are even moved to tears and a decision for Christ. But what happens AFTER all that ends is where the true test comes. How many will hold the door open for someone or let somebody take cuts pulling out of the parking lot? Without a conviction and deep gratitude to serve others...to accept the great trust that God has endowed on us, what good is any of this?

[Justin H]

I'm gonna disagree with you Kevin. I believe you do find it inspiring, and my reason is your post here.

No, it did not inspire you to change. However, it has reinforced your belief in your message. Had you found no inspiration in that video, would you have written this post? I think not. You would have had no inclination to do anything as a result of it, yet here you are.

I watch that video, and what I see is someone who after working to develop his talent brought himself low with bad decisions. Now that he has cleaned himself up, he did what to try and restore himself? Panhandled.

It "feels" to me as though he rolled the dice on restoring his life. What if that man hadn't videotaped him? What were his plans? I'm speculating here because I don't know enough of his story to know whether he had other plans than talking to the people on the street.

But in the end, it is a story of grace and we have a choice on how that video affects us, just like we have a choice on how other stories of grace and hardship affect us.

[Cameradan78]

I'm in awe of people who know themselves and their God-given talent / purpose.

Incredibly, this 50 year old is sometimes a 3 and sometimes a 2 on your scale. Each year that passes makes that fact more pathetic, I know. More depressing, too. When I think I'm heading in the right professional direction, I can't seem to settle on something long enough to study it, pursue it, live it.

There are some things I'm naturally good at, like photography, writing, even my IT job, but each of those has been a disappointment in one way or another over the years. How can any of those things be profitable, sustainable and meaningfully useful in the service of my God, my family, and my fellow man? I can't help thinking that I was built for something else, something that will really fire me up, something that will make a significant difference.

[Bob]

Thanks, Jack. Well stated.

(Kevin, have you seen the "Debbie Downer" character on SNL?)

[Teri Miller]

Okay, love, I DO think it is inspiring...in the sense of holding onto hope despite making lotsa bad choices, life falling apart, etc...but the opportunity, the chance, the miracle, the prodigal-son GRACE to have a do-over. Wow. Inspires me to have HOPE for others: for my brother, for Scott's little brother, for Earlene...for myself, with my every-day screw-ups, and His new mercies every morning.

So. This will make you fume...but totally, completely, honestly - I believe #1. I think I have some decent talent, sure. Some gifts, some light, for my little corner of the world. But GREATness? No, not really. I can huff & puff, and act all confident, but deep inside, I think I've got a few talents maybe a hair above mediocre, but nothing extraordinary.

Every once in awhile, I think maybe God has used me, and I've been able to shine some of His GREATness. I see glimpses of it in our kids. I've felt His glory a rare couple of times onstage with Worship Dance, or singing. And a few years ago, when I got to do that 'modern Mary' role in the musical. But deep down? I honestly think I have no more GREATness than a thousand other moms. 'Course moms have lotsa greatness just in the art of motherhood!! But me personally? I might can be a big fish in my little pond, but I'm really just a little fish. Really.

[Will]

I'm somewhere between #1 and #2. Most of the time i don't think I have some great talent, I am just a regular guy who has had no really great accomplishments, nor any really spectacular failures. I am on track to lead a comfortable life for myself, but not really making any significant contribution to my fellow man.
If that's my destiny, it seems inadequate, I don't want to have to explain to my creator that I lived an "adequate" life. I have always had my eyes open for discovering what my true purpose is, but I just don't seem to be figuring it out. I don't know if I just need to be patient and wait for it to appear, or if I need to be more actively looking for it.

[alison]

Kevin, I was happy to see this post, because I felt the same way that the man with the golden voice story was NOT inspiring. I see how others find it inspiring, but I feel the inspirational story is a few years away still. Many long-time homeless people cannot fit back into "normal" society, and I believe when the process was not organic (i.e. he gets instant fame, instant job, instant house rather than moving towards his glory over time and being prepared to accept it), the chances of success are lowest. If he had been sober 2 years, why was he still on a street corner? Why was he still out of contact with his family? Why hadn't he been able to take any steps towards rebuilding his life on his own? I do hope for his long-term success, but I will not seek my own inspiration from him.

(PS - survey response. . .I'm at #3. . .helping businesses analyze their markets & think strategically about their business. Still cannot articulate this well to the outside world, though. Have currently put this on pause for the next ~6 mo. due to a big move.)

[Carolyne Jimenez]

I don't believe that I could have a talent, I am unshakably certain that God has placed His piece of Glory uniquely inside each one of us. No two of us are alike and how many billions of people have been made since the creation of the world. Even identical twins, created from the same egg the same sperm, have different fingerprints-that's amazing! Once we get that begins the journey to "remember it" In the movie The Legend of Bagger Vance, bagger talks about our unique gift from God being something that cannot be taught, cannot be learned, can only be remembered. At first I was puzzled by the word remembered, I thought it should be found because remembering would indicate I once knew. But, if I was born with it then once I can see it it'll be remembered as if I knew it all along. I get it now.
I gather two points from from your saying this story is not inspiring. First, I think those who have not experienced very deep devastation in their life like drugs and alcohol actually might not be inspired by Ted's story. Honestly when you haven't suffered great great tragedy you don't truly understand the climb out. Second,if you don't know your God given gift instead being inspired you'll feel left in the dark.
So, I am inspired by his story and hope he doesn't allow the media to ruin it, but I also understand what you are saying here.

[Dave Posner]

I'm very happy for this guy in getting what amounts to a second chance. I hope he uses this opportunity wisely. I agree that seeing someone like him and this situation gives others hope. However, the story did not inspire me. Other than being noticed by someone who had the right connections, what did he do? From the stories I've heard, he did not use his talents to help others, taking care of his family, etc. He was at the right place of the right time. Heart warming, yes. Gives Hope, yes. Inspirational, not really.

[Howard]

I have to agree with Jason and others that the story was, if not inspiring, at least heart-warming. But on the cynical side, I'm almost surprised that some of the corporations haven't offered Ted a job as CEO since so many large corporations (actually companies and organizations of all sizes - even churches) often hire or promote individuals on their ability to talk or sell (salesmanship or charisma) whether or not they have any real substance or talent. They'll pay an individual $100 million a year to run a company into the ground, give him a golden parachute, and hire a new guy to totally undo what the previous one did. I guess the moral of the story is that "sheeple" tend to blindly follow good story-tellers.

[Mike Hirst]

You must have filed this post under the "Negative Headline" category you mentioned before. Haha, loved it as always. For me, #4.9 - Music. Have a plan and working on momentum to quitting my day job someday. I'm at least half way there.