The devastation in New Orleans and the surrounding area has been devastating to watch. And, right in the midst of perhaps the greatest natural disaster to have ever happened in the United States; when our television screens are filled with human misery and pain; and as we watch roving armed thugs robbing, raping, killing and even preventing needed humanitarian care in Louisiana, NBC Premiers a show of hope. What a contrast. If there ever was a time for a show like the, now is it.
Right now we need this show.
This show points to the better side of humanity. Three Wishes is about granting people their wishes, in terms their need. Here is a reality show that is positive, outreaching, and heartwarming.
Recently, members of the press where given the opportunity to speak with Amy Grant about the show that she hosts.
How did you get involved in the show?
I am not looking for a career in TV. My sole reason for being on NBC is this concept. I think the germ of the idea was birthed at NBC. And I got this call while I was on the trip with my son—I was spending some time with him in the way it would be exciting to a 17-year-old. It was NBC and they said they had this great idea for a show and they wanted to interview me. As it turned out I was going to L.A. anyway. So it was perfect.
Everybody on the show is going through life altering events. You have been through several such things: a divorce, remarriage, crossing over from Christian music to secular music. Some in the press have severely criticized you. Do you think these things have helped shape you in terms of your faith and being able to do this show as effectively as you do?
I guess I was born an optimist. I have a four-year-old who named her hamster "Rainbow." And I could totally relate to that. There have been many things in my life that have built my faith, but none of the things that you mentioned. It's everything in life. Even when I wake up feeling useless, there is always something in a day that helps me.
In terms of this show, I think everything in my life has been leading a to this. In my concerts (for example) because of some of the songs I sing, people feel like they can share their life with me. I had a girl come up to me and she told me how she had been sexually abused. And she wanted me to sing a particular song.
In Three Wishes when needs are met, walls come down between people. When needs are met people allow themselves to be vulnerable. Because they are not being taken advantage of. Things are happening that are important and necessary.
Are you involved in the selection of the people that are helped on the show?
No, and I'm so glad that I am not.
Are there any plans to incorporate your music into the show?
I did not want to capitalize on the show. You know, like an info commercial. So I had them take that out of my contract. But when we did a show from Sonora we set up a free concert. It seemed like half the town came out. So I asked them if I could close the show with a song. So it worked out. A man told me that even though he didn't get his wishes granted, at least the got to see a free show!
BOTTOMLINE: This show is about helping others. Freely you have received, freely give in return. Changing the world one person at a time.
—Comment on the blog