My time has been pretty much occupied lately with the editing of my novel, Persona Non Grata, which goes to press in May. But in the midst of that “busy work” I have made a little time for a few important things. And by important things, I mean genuine “people” things that have nothing to do with fiction. Things that are real life. Lindsey Stirling pays a lot of attention to the real things of life. Whereas most of us are pretty wrapped up in what I call “the thick of thin things”, Lindsey takes the time to get involved in “the thick of thick things”.
For example, last month on March 21, Lindsey contributed her talents to “One Night for One Drop”, a benefit performed by Cirque du Soleil to promote and support worldwide access to water. The single evening performance, held in Las Vegas, was a dazzling philanthropic event that raised both hundreds of thousands of dollars as well as public awareness that we do indeed live in a thirsty world. Lindsey was there, playing the violin and dancing for many of the nation’s wealthy ‘crem de la crem’ assembled in the Michael Jackson ONE Theatre. It was a gala event and all who were there donated their time and gifts to a worthy cause.
But the day before, Lindsey was donating her talents in another part of town, far from the bright lights of the strip. Answering a quiet invitation, the dancing violinist appeared at two schools for special needs children on the outskirts of Las Vegas. She showed up without fanfare, without publicity and without her band. Just a girl with a fiddle and an ipod to plug into the sound sustem. And she played and danced. Children who’s needs are simple and whose hearts are huge listened and lit up like sparklers on the 4th of July as the miracle of music touched their souls. The hip-hop violinist spoke in a magic language to probably less than a hundred special little people who found joy and applauded with smiles and light hearts. That is enough ovation for Lindsey Stirling on such occasions. She loves these simple and wonderful venues.
One week ago, Lindsey came home for a day. The event: a special fundraising event in Mesa, Arizona for a good friend, McKindrie Patton, who courageously struggles with an expremely rare blood disorder. Lindsey performed for an hour. When the applause was done, and she stepped off the makeshif platform that had been her stage, she was exhausted, and overjoyed that she had the opportunity to give in a world where God has given her so much. But that is the way Lindsey’s brain and heart work. She lives fully, she loves deeply, and she shares freely. God has given her much, and life has been a blessing. She is keenly aware and profoundly grateful for that. And so she gives in return. Lindsey Stirling is the real thing.
Now that is just absolutely touching!
All I can say is Lindsey is very lucky to have you, Mr. Stirling, as her father!
Amen, that’s the way it should be. I’m glad that she can be a strong example of Christ’s love.
The last line says it all. Lindsey Stirling is the real thing. Nobody knew it better than my wife who passed away unexpected less than 3 weeks ago. She loved Lindsey as I do. At Nita’s service there were two pictures of Nita and in one, she ‘s wearing one of Lindsey’s Tshirts. I had already 2 tickets to Lindsey’s show here in Houston for July 10th and now, just not sure what I’m going to do. We were not able to afford the VIP passes. Much of my time alone is spent listening to music and much of that time I listen to Lindsey’s music. Sometimes it comforts me and other times rejuvenates and motivates me to keep going and keep living the way I know my wife would want me to.
I hope this reaches you sir and you have my utmost respect as a man and a role model. Thank you and Diane for raising Lindsey to be the wonderful loving lady she is today.
Hello Mr. Stirling!
I (m, 20j) want to say a few words about what just entered my mind reading this short article:
I think Lindsey has the power to make the world a better place on her fingertips. Unlike most of us she lives up to the responsibility that comes with the gift she holds and shares it with the whole world, literally.
She is an absolutely vibrant and inspiring person and an idol to me. Now I know what it means to be send on a mission by higher powers (in whatever shape or form) and taking the step to actually live your life instead of just existing.
Thanks to Lindsey, one day I will be truly alive and taking on the world, making it a better place knowing who I am, just like she shows us to do.
Thank you for reminding me <3
Good luck and a happy time, Sir
totally agree with you, like the way you said it.. “Lindsey Stirling is the real thing”
In addition, she displayed more of the same sort of character at South by Southwest in Austin. The night before she performed at the Texas music festival, a drunk driver had crashed through the barrier set up to protect civilian traffic on sixth street, injuring fourteen people and killing two. Her heart was affected by this, and at the performance I attended she asked for a moment of silence for all those affected by the tragedy, and then proceeded to dedicate her cover of “My immortal” for them as well. I was extremely touched, as were many others. The nice thing about such a light is that is it is highly contagious.
That’s because you’ve raised one amazing woman. She’s someone who has deeply changed my life, and I intend to pay it forward 100x
Honored to call her a friend, and you sir should feel very good about your parenting skills!
- Peter Hollens
Just a casual appearance by THE Peter Hollens, no big deal. Such kind words too. Congrats on your shiny new baby!!
One of the things that drew me to Lindsey – aside from her music- was her spirit. I’ve always wished I could sit down and chat with her about her faith and philosophies on life – since this is something in my life that I struggle with and am constantly searching for answers. As a father it must be so strange to have to share your child with the world and have so many people feel like they know what kind of person she is. You’re very lucky because you know her best and she loves you most.
That last part gave me goosebumps. Lindsey is truly the most charming girl I’ve ever known and she deserves every single thing she has achieved, I really hope fame and success never change her, though I know they won’t because she’s not only beautiful, she’s very intelligent and I know she’ll keep her feet on the ground.
Ya know where she gets her awesomeness from… her MOM!!
Dear Mr & Mrs Stirling,
Many thanks for your post here “Lindsey Stirling, the Real Thing”.
It spells out clearly the heart & dedication of this wonderful person we ‘think’ we know; as Lindsey Stirling.
However you two do know her, in all her humanity & all that that entails. It must be so heartening to see your children each growing & developing their God-given skills attributes etc, & moving on in life. But from her many fans internationally spread like icing all over the place, she is a human dynamo of incredible talent compassion Joy & Love. As so many will echo, she has touched the lives of so many. This I thank God for, as the Love & Compassion that flows through her is I know from our Heavenly Father, & His Touch upon so many lives through Lindsey & those who work & support her, is because she is willing. What a Blessing to have children who know The Lord & their Heavenly Father.
Thank you for raising up such children as these. God Bless
Hy.
That’s so beautiful and interesting. I already knew that Lindsey does a lot of things for people who aren’t so lucky (who needs help). But this was new for me. You’re absolutely right. Lindsey is the best person in the whole world. I’m so glad that I found her in the internet and that I’ll be able to meet her in Cologne, Germany this October. I’m doing the best I can to support her.
Greetings from Germany