Season fourteen of America’s Got Talent awarded the $1,000,000 prize to Kodi Lee. Kodi was born blind and autistic, a nightmare combination for any parent. At twenty-two years old he took the world by storm. He brought something to the stage that sent the Spirit forth. Standing with his mom and his cane, at his first audition, he was asked what he was going to do. “I want to sing a song for you,” was his reply. His mom helped him to the piano where, like a caterpillar being transformed into a butterfly, his disabilities disappeared and a magnificent master of voice and music emerged. No one had expected it. The watching world was in disbelief. At that moment I knew Kodi Lee was sent by Father with a message of innocence, love, and joy–childlike.

When he was asked what inspired him, he replied, “I just want the world to be a happy place.” “Therefore, encourage each other, and build each other up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Kodi Lee encouraged America with his miraculous voice and talent. By voting for him America built up Kodi Lee. After each win, including the big one, he would jump excitedly as if he were a child. When asked what he was going to do with the $1,000,000 prize, Kodi answered: “I’m going to buy a baby grand piano in every color!” Remember, Kodi is blind. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Kodi is so full of internal vision that he has learned to feel or sense color.

His mother, who beamed with pride through the entire competition–never taking her smiling eyes off her son–shared her fear when he was an infant. With two major disabilities, she had no idea how she would provide him with a quality life. But, Father had a plan for both of them, a journey of ups and downs that would sweep them into a whirlwind where they would stand together on the biggest stage in America. Her fear disappeared like a balloon popped by a pin, as America fell in love with her son. His dream was realized when he brought joy into the world through sharing his gift.

Michael W. Smith sings a song titled “Open the Eyes of My Heart.” Kodi may not be able to see this world but the eyes of his heart are open. When he plays the piano and sings his songs nothing can stop the beauty he pours out. He wants to be surrounded by what he loves, in every possible color. What would you do with $1,000,000?