Kellie Pickler's Story

Kellie Pickler, small town girl gone big. And like any celebrity, she has her slew of fans and critics. She's as cute as a button and a little less sharp than a tack. You just can't help but laugh at some of the comments she makes. Just take her appearance on the show, "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?" for example. I watched it twice just for a few more laughs...boy, it's funny.



But if you ever care to peer below the surface of what appears to be a simple and shallow new celebrity (and not many people do), you'll find something not real extraordinary. In fact, you'll find something that's a lot more common than we ever like to think - a heart filled with great happiness accompanied by deep personal pain inside an amazing person.

Kellie's mother abandoned her at age 2, and her father spent time in and out of prison. Kellie grew up under the care of her grandparents until just prior to appearing on American Idol. Her dad was released from prison just one week after she was eliminated from the show. Now, a few decades later, the pain from Kellie's past still rises to the surface of her bubbly care-free exterior from time to time. And understandably so...



Amidst all of the fame and newfound fortune, I wonder if anyone has really helped Kellie work through a past that still has a hold on her present. Imagine what might come through an already incredibly talented individual that has experienced the transforming power of forgiveness and surrender. Then imagine how many more people like Kellie you talk with each day.