A woman named Susan.

If I had written this post a couple of weeks ago, I suppose that very few people outwith the West Lothian village of Blackburn – and that would have included me – would have any idea as to the identity of Susan Boyle. Yet, after her appearance on the Britain’s got Talent Television Show, she appears to be known by at least half of the world’s population. The YouTube video of her performance, singing I dreamed a dream from Les Miserables has been viewed over 50 million times (and counting!); she has been fêted by such well-known figures as Oprah Winfrey; directors are clamouring to cast her in films; promoters are preparing bids to lure her to Vegas.

So what’s the big deal? Simply that she has a voice that is totally belied by her appearance. I don’t watch the show, but I am one of the folk who has helped amass that amazing total of YouTube hits and I heard the comments, and saw the faces of the audience when this 47-year-old spinster came on to the stage. However, I have also watched the dropped jaws, the saucer-like eyes, and the standing ovations – even from one of the judges (and this was before Susan had finished her song!).

I was reminded of the old adage that “Beauty (the physical sort) is only skin deep”, and its close relative “Beauty don’t last, cookin’ do” (yes, I am fully aware of the poor grammatical structure of the latter!). Susan Boyle may never be a regular “pin-up”, but she has displayed a beauty of personality that will neither fade nor wrinkle.

I was also reminded of some words of the Lord Jesus: “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” (Jn.7:24).

What the future will hold for Susan Boyle is something that only God knows. I just hope that this quiet, and apparently genuine, woman will not allow herself to be taken over by the “makeover brigade”, but that she will be an inspiration for the many who have a dream, but fear that their physical appearance, or lack of recognisable qualifications will mean that those dreams will never be fulfilled.

I hope, too, that more of us will be less eager to judge by appearance; and that we will follow all of the additional instruction of Jesus – especially that one that injures our pride: “You must be born again.” (Jn.3:7)