I’m always amazed at how what I do affects other people.  In my life, I’ve had my actions picked apart by those who might seek to tear me down in an effort to make themselves look and feel better.  I think everyone has dealt with that at one time or another.  I’m also pretty sure that most folks also have had moments when their actions have affected someone for the better…a helping hand lent at the right moment or a timely word given in a tough situation.  I’ve had the benefit of having people tell me that they find my voice beautiful and sometimes they tell me that they feel uplifted by a performance.   I know that I do my best in every circumstance and hope that the things I do on stage and off are meaningful to someone.  However, I’ve never been so touched as I have been since Hold On (to Love) has been released!  I’ve recently been blessed to have folks contact me through the website or the myspace page and let me know how the song has affected them.  One lady told me that she and her husband have been separated due to some baggage they had each brought into their ten-month marriage.  Turns out, they decided to seek individual as well as couples counseling, but were still struggling with their issues.  This precious lady was feeling so defeated by her past and was seeking God’s answers for her life (yay!!!).  It was during this time a few weeks ago that she heard Hold On on the radio, thanks to Scott Innes and WYNK.  She wrote to me and told me of her issues and that she felt that God was blessing her with the song, showering her with His peace.  In recent days, her husband has come home and they are working toward the renewal of their marriage together! WOW!  Another lady from Lafayette also heard the song on the radio on her way home from work and had been praying, crying to God for help for her finances and other issues.  She had asked the Lord to speak to her reminding her of His presence and when the song came on, she felt His peace immediately and began to see His blessings in her life.  Again, WOW!  I’ve gotten case after case like these in which folks are saying that they feel God blessing them through the song.  These are the times when I have to say a) thank you, Lord, for allowing me to be your instrument and b) my job is done!  All I ever wanted for this song was to let folks know that you aren’t alone, that God loves you, and whatever you’re going through, with His help you will get through it!  Love conquers all!  It’s amazing the number of folks who tell me “I’m singing it around the house!”  one of whom is a friend who is an up and coming opera star at New York’s Metropolitan Opera!  It’s such a blessing and so humbling to have this kind of attention, to have something that was part of my heart for so long reach out and touch people this way.  To my friends, family, and fans: thank you for the opportunity to sing to you in your time of need or to just give you something fun to sing around the house.  I’m humbled and honored to be counted a part of your lives through this song.  Many blessings this week~ang