{"id":53745,"date":"2014-09-20T02:08:52","date_gmt":"2014-09-20T06:08:52","guid":{"rendered":"\/news\/?p=53745"},"modified":"2014-09-20T02:08:52","modified_gmt":"2014-09-20T06:08:52","slug":"danny-gokey-and-hope-in-front-of-me-rising-music-star-affirms-that-every-life-is-worth-living","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archive.liveaction.org\/news\/danny-gokey-and-hope-in-front-of-me-rising-music-star-affirms-that-every-life-is-worth-living\/","title":{"rendered":"Danny Gokey and “Hope in Front of Me”: Rising music star affirms that every life is worth living"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Perhaps best known for his third place finish in the eighth season of American Idol, singer and songwriter Danny Gokey knows the value of life – no matter how long or short one life may last.<\/p>\n

Gokey’s first wife – and high school sweetheart – died after a heart surgery<\/a>.<\/p>\n

His wife Sophia encouraged his dreams and urged him to audition for American Idol. Just a month before his audition, Sophia died unexpectedly after what should have been a routine heart surgery. The couple had been high school sweethearts and Danny was devastated. Yet in the midst of his sorrow, he honored Sophia\u2019s wish and auditioned for American Idol a month after she passed. He advanced through the competition. Viewers were touched by Danny\u2019s story and the depth and power of his voice made him a fan favorite.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In Sophia’s honor, Gokey started an organization called Sophia’s Heart<\/a> that aids “children and families who have been touched by poverty, sickness, disease, broken homes, and broken dreams.” Clearly, Gokey has a pro-“whole life” take on his ministry and work.<\/p>\n

Gokey started off, after American Idol, as a country artist. At one point, he was touring with Taylor Swift and Sugarland, and he set a record for a debut country male artist. Now, he’s taken the Christian music world by storm with his hit single, “Hope in Front of Me.”<\/p>\n

Not only does “Hope in Front of Me” have beautiful lyrics, but it also portrays a vividly life-affirming message in Gokey’s official music video. The star of the video is a young woman, obviously pregnant. She also obviously intends to keep her baby. At many points – nearly every time you see her full body on screen – she is seen with her hands protectively guarding her unborn child.<\/p>\n

But here’s what makes this music video extra incredible: As we watch the video, we learn that the woman is a victim of rape or sexual abuse. And still, she is choosing life – and hope – for her unborn child and herself.<\/p>\n

It’s clear that this mother isn’t certain of what her future holds. But it’s also clear that she knows who is in her future – her baby and the God Who always offers hope. Life<\/em> is up ahead, in front of her, and she can see it with hopeful eyes.<\/p>\n

Gokey also purposely includes a message for those considering suicide, those addicted to drugs or alcohol, and anyone who has been victimized and abused. His message is simple: every life, no matter how difficult or painful, is worth living<\/em>.<\/p>\n

What a beautifully heart-rending message, poignantly communicated through the art of music. As Gokey’s bio<\/a> confirms:<\/p>\n

Each song reverberates with the emotional honesty and life-affirming messages that have become hallmarks of Gokey\u2019s music.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Let’s hope this young artist – who has walked through the fires of life and death on a very personal level – keeps creating this kind of life-affirming music. And let’s hope the world keeps listening, hearts wide open, and hope in front of them.<\/p>\n