So Matt won the X Factor over Rebecca. But for me there was a sense in which Rebecca was the real winner. The judges called her attitude 'low self-esteem' to be overcome by 'believing in herself' whereas scripture would I think call it 'modesty' and commend it. Throughout she conducted herself with grace, restraint and humility. And this set her apart from many other candidates.
The greatest contrast was with Christina Aguilera on Saturday night. The latter wore what was effectively buxom underwear and performed on her own a routine that would have felt at home in a pole dancing club. Rebecca however, dressed in a long dress and let her voice alone be what wowed the crowd.
People are very ready to criticise the show and there are a number of distatesful aspects to it - not least the dancing that the many primary aged children who watch then aspire to. However, it is refreshing to see a role model who holds her great gift so lightly. I only hope she is not now ruined by the music industry and media.
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful." (1 Peter 3v3-5)
The 'M' Factor
| In Culture
