What I Learned From Sarah Horn

Sarah Horn (l) with Kristin Chenoweth

I don't know Sarah Horn, but on Sunday afternoon a Facebook friend said that Sarah had sung a duet with Kristin Chenoweth at a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, and he posted a video of it.



I clicked on the video. Here was a young woman, chosen randomly from the audience by her musical hero, Kristin Chenoweth, to sing a duet with her -- the song "For Good" from the musical Wicked. She was totally enjoying herself on stage, singing her heart out, and bringing down the house. I don't know Sarah, but the video -- recorded on the cell phone of her friend Mike Kestler -- brought me to tears.

I've watched it several times, helping skyrocket the number of YouTube views to over 2,645,000. And I've watched the closer view video a couple of times. And I've read articles online about Sarah, including her own story written when she got home that evening.

So even though I don't know Sarah Horn personally, I feel like I have gotten to know her a bit these past few days. And I have learned a thing or two from Sarah.

1. Put your heart into what you do. Sarah loves music and began voice lessons at age 6. She sang "For Good" 100 times in her bedroom, she told someone, singing Gilda's part the first time through then singing the part of Elphaba. Music is her life, whether she is teaching voice at California Baptist University, directing music at Riverside Youth Theatre, or leading worship at her church. God gave Sarah a strong and beautiful voice, but she has done a lot to train it.

2. Be ready; you never know when you will be called into action. The apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to be ready in season and out of season, in this case to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others (2 Timothy 4:2). We should be ready to use our gifts and callings whenever there is opportunity.

3. Shine. It wasn't just Sarah's bubbly personality or her musical prowess that was shining through her performance at the Hollywood Bowl. Her spirit shone through too. She enjoyed every minute of this dream-come-true, and she was completely winsome. When you get called into action, enjoy yourself, thank God for the opportunity, and bring him glory!

Wishing you all the best, Sarah!

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Here's a fun song that Sarah sang at her Graduate Voice Recital in 2012.