* Jonny Diaz, Review and Giveaway *

I had been hearing the song on the radio for several weeks now, and as a woman in eating disorder recovery, as well as a professional counselor who's expertise is with adolescent girls, the lyrics grabbed my attention:





Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine
Says she wants to look that way
But her hair isn't straight her body isn't fake
And she's always felt overweight

Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see
That beauty is within your heart
And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair
Are perfect just the way they are

[Chorus]
There could never be a more beautiful you
Don't buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

Little girl twenty-one the things that you've already done
Anything to get ahead
And you say you've got a man but he's got another plan
Only wants what you will do instead

Well little girl twenty-one you never thought that this would come
You starve yourself to play the part
But I can promise you there's a man whose love is true
And he'll treat you like the jewel you are

[chorus]

So turn around you're not too far
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It's not too late you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear they can all be washed away
By the one who's strong can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light He will show you truth
And again you'll see through the eyes of a little girl


Because I was so drawn to the song, when Ino Records contacted me, asking if I would do a review and giveaway of Jonny Diaz's CD, I was thrilled! What greater joy is there, than helping to promote an artist that can speak to this generation and their issues through music? Johnny has that ability with songs such as Stand for You, a song that contains the determination to speak what is absolutely true in a ". . . world that tries to water You [God] down/where beliefs cannot be spoken too loud. . . " and additional songs that speak of being satisfied only with God, such as One Thing and Soon Will Fade.

The song that I most enjoyed on this Cd, other than More Beautiful You, was Waiting Room.

Here in this waiting room yearning for You to say go
And though I’m convinced that a yes would be best
This time You’re telling me no

It’s not that I don’t have an answer
It’s just not the one that I’d like
But through this time Lord I must keep in mind
You’re always wiser than I

You have a much better purpose
And You have a far greater plan
And You have a bigger perspective
Cause You hold this world in your hands

The things that I seek are from You
Like the strong healing touch of your hand
But when You say no help me trust even though
There’s a reason I can’t understand

When that miracle comes cause Your answer is yes
I will praise you for all of my days
But when Your wisdom declares that a no is best
I will praise You just the same

Jonny's music is mostly pop with the slightest, reminiscent feel of country music. While his lyrics would seem to indicate a more serious, quiet type of music, the opposite is true. Jonny incorporates serious messages into a style that will appeal to the adolescent and college-age generation, right up into older aged adults.

To learn more about Jonny and his music ministry, visit his site.

There are five CD's up for grabs, thanks to Big Honcho Media! To enter this giveaway, leave a comment--with your email--on this post. (Contest ends October 31st at midnight. Winner will be announced Monday, November 2)

Additional entries can be earned by (posting separate comments):

1. Going to Jonny's site and finding a song that speaks to you. Come back here and tell me which one and why (clips are available and lyrics are too, if you click the song titles)

2. Linking to this giveaway on your blog

3. Placing this blog's button on your site

4. Become a follower of this blog

5. Rec'ing this post at a site of your choice (i.e. Digg, Stumble, etc) using the share button at the bottom of it.

6. Tweet this givewaway.