Silke Jasso
Cristi Ford Brazao, a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, recently posted a video on Facebook explaining her decision to sing at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Videos by Rare
The group has found itself in the midst of controversy over their acceptance of the invitation to perform — a petition has been filed demanding that they change their decision, and one member of the choir even quit in protest. However, Brazao, who has been a member for seven years, is defending her choice to attend and sing at the inauguration, and she’s invoking Jesus himself to do so.
“I can’t speak on behalf of everyone in the choir, but for me, my mission as a singer has always been to soften hearts, to bridge gaps, to make connections and also to make friends,” Brazao said in the video. “What I’m trying to do as a person is to be like Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ associated with prostitutes and liars and thieves, and while he did not endorse what they were doing, he still didn’t hold his mission from them. And my mission is one of love, peace and hope, and I want to share that with others, even in the face of ridicule, because that’s what Jesus Christ did.”
She also said that while the United States is currently very divided, she hopes music can help bring us all together.
“In this country where people are so divided and people are hurting, I truly believe in the power of music,” she continued. “It can heal hearts, and I want to contribute to that healing and also to bringing people together.”
Brazao’s video has been viewed over 153,000 times, and many of those who commented left sweet notes for the singer.
“Love this! Thank you for your shining example of the Savior!” one wrote.
Another said, “More of us should follow [your] wonderful example. I am in awe of your words. Thank you.”
