P: Since then, your video has gone viral and you’ve
written music that empowers and brings people
together. Why did you choose to use your incredible
voice to spread such powerful messages?
s: In a sense, I don’t have a choice. I have a responsibility and
a conviction to continue to use my voice in this way, because
it is what people need. It is what our country is crying out
for—hope, love, unity and healing. I want this gift that God
has given to me to help bring these things to our country and
our world by way of music—the universal language.
P: Your voice and song inspired hundreds of
Mandalay Bay staff members at the 2017 ISPA
Conference & Expo who recently saw first-hand what
hate can do. What was that experience like?
s: That was an amazing experience that touched my heart so
much to the point where I had to swallow tears. To see the men
and women who had to experience such a tragedy was
humbling. They reminded me of exactly why the song Together
as One is so necessary. There was a wonderful connection
made from my heart to theirs in each word of the song.
P: What would you consider to be the hardest part of
your musical career? How do you overcome these
challenges?
s: Right now, the most difficult part of my musical career is
having to juggle my career in education along with music. My
time is divided right now between the two, and there are some
weeks where my days and nights all run together. There is a lot
of sacrifice of time and energy in order to do what I love, but it
is all worth it.
P: What is the most rewarding part of your musical
career?
s: The most rewarding part of my musical career is
undoubtedly the lives that are touched. Bringing hope, healing,
encouragement, happiness, or peace through the gift of singing
that God has given me is an amazing opportunity. Knowing
that you helped someone want to live again, or believe again—
that is a priceless reward. n