‘We are one’

Gonzales youth inspires with social media performance dedicated to essential workers

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When the Beatles wrote the song “All You Need Is Love,” it had a tremendous impact on fans who wanted the Vietnam war to end. 

But it also sent a message to people worldwide that love isn’t a one-way street. In order to get love, you have to give it as well.

Now in 2020, it seems we are at war again, being attacked by an invisible, yet realistic enemy.

Although the “Fab 4” are no longer an active group, their philosophy in that song, as well as many others, remains a staple of their determination to bring people together.

Sixteen-year old Grace Morgan is no different.

It should come as no surprise that Grace, the daughter of Rebekah and Bobby Morgan, is once again doing her part in inspiring the Gonzales community to stay together in tough times.

Many in the community may remember Morgan from her fundraising ventures with Gonzales Christian Assistance Ministries (GCAM) when she was a child, saving her money to provide other kids with Christmas presents.

Now, at age 16, she continues to inspire others with her newfound philosophy that teaches others to not only be grateful for Christmastime unity and spirit, but also a day in and day out awareness of humanity and its natural way of bringing us together, especially in times like these.

In a recent Facebook post, the current Miss Gonzales County queen gracefully interrupted much of the typical partisan fussing over who is to blame for our current pandemic by performing her rendition of the song “Nothing More” originally recorded by the group “Alternate Routes.”

Morgan took a route of her own, which offers a trickling vocal vibrato that sends tingles up your spine like ripples caused by skipping flat rocks on a lake in mid-summer. Her rendition of the song, while different in terms of inspiration, echoes the same sentiments of its predecessor. 

During her recorded performance, which as of press time has reached nearly 2,000 views, Morgan is featured strumming a beautiful Taylor guitar made of Koa wood. She made it clear that her main inspiration came from her paying tribute to her friends, family, medical professionals, school staff and local business owners.

“My mom says that I used to sing in the car when I was three and [that I would] make up songs about how green a tree was, just anything I laid my eyes on.” Morgan said. “I listen to many different genres of music but I [especially] like the artist Benjamin Francis Leftwich, and a lot of classic bands.”

When asked how music, whether it's communicated through social media, a record player or the radio, give people hope and inspiration, Morgan said that everyone can relate to a song in some form or fashion.

She quoted 19th century author Hans Christian Andersen, saying, “music is another language that we can all understand - whether we speak the same language or not. ‘Where words fail, music speaks.’”

Indeed.

Despite the fact that this is a tough time to be making such predictions, Morgan says she is optimistic when it comes to her future. 

“I’m planning on going to college at either Texas A&M or Baylor,” she said.

And when it comes to giving advice to our families and friends on how to be responsible, and stay safe with our current pandemic causing so much trouble, she simply said, “Stay aware of the ongoing situation, wash your hands, and above all, pray.”

I don’t know if John Lennon could have put it any better. 

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