Fernando Ortega is one of those anointed singers, those whose lyrics and voice seem to find the center of the spirit, bringing hope and healing. There are other singers, more noted and more known, singers of dynamic, pulsating music. Music that touches a different part of me. I admire their voice, their talent, their technical skill. None of that diminishes Fernando’s gift. His voice, his talent, his skill are impressive. But the reason that I listen to his music over and over and over is that his music speaks to my inner person.

His music reaches through the debris of the day, the emotional lingerings, the twistings of this life’s wasteland and touches my heart, my mind, my self. Whether in a folk arrangement of an old hymn with fiddle fills and cello leads or a new song created in his living room on his piano, I listen and am comforted.

There are many incredibly gifted people in the world. Some whose gifts have given them more wealth than nations, some whose gifts have brought them fame and acclaim. But whether shared on giant flat screens in arenas and stadiums or on the back porch on a summer day, those whose hearts and hands are anointed of God bring into our world a blessing of sharing.

Such gifts are not measured in units sold, tickets purchased or Nielsen ratings; they are measured in the soul.

H. Arnett
11/19/09