By Tyrone Reid, Staff ReporterSCHOOL AND singing sit atop the agenda of potential gospel diva Sandy Smith. However, that does not mean that they are living in unison. As a matter of fact there is a power struggle ensuing.
Sandy is a first-year student at the School of Music, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, where she is pursuing the certificate course in Popular Music Studies.
Sandy is also a budding singer. She had plans of releasing her debut album soon, but her demanding school schedule is putting that on hold.
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Sandy shot up the rungs to stardom via the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's Gospel Song Contest. In 2002 her original entry I Found You did not place in the top three, but it was one of the most popular entries. In this year's staging of the competition her persistence paid dividends, as she copped second place with Crazy.
Although the stress of school life puts a strain on Sandy, she took time out to answer seven questions from The Gleaner.
TR: Which one word would you use to describe God?
SS: Forgiving.
TR: What is your favourite book in the Bible?
SS: Psalms. Because you can always look in the book of Psalms for songs, you can get inspiration through that book even though I am not a songwriter as yet. Also, most times in the Psalms, David, when he falls pours out his heart to God for forgiveness, so it is also a book of repentance which shows that as Christians we are not perfect but we are moving unto perfection and the book of Psalms is a guide as to how to go to God in reverence and ask Him to forgive you.
TR: If you could be one character in the Bible (gender is of no significance) who would it be and why?
SS: King David, because he was close to God's heart.
TR: What is the hardest obstacle you face as a young Christian woman?
SS: Trying to stay away from parties. Most of the times when friends who are not Christians are going out and having so-called fun, sometimes I feel like I want to go, but you have to know that you have a different calling and my life must be an example. So that to me is the hardest obstacle right now.
TR: Have you found 'Prince Charming' (husband-to-be)?
SS: I am waiting on the Lord. Maybe there are guys that I admire and find attractive and stuff like that, but you have to ask the Lord for guidance. So even if there is a Prince Charming you still have to ask the Lord for guidance, because you might pick a partner but yet still that might not be the person God has chosen for you. I am young, so there is no rush.
TR: What is the one attribute that your Prince Charming (husband) must possess?
SS: I think we must have music in common. He must have a love for music.
TR: What is your view on kissing outside of marriage?
SS: Well, if you and the person are dating it is because there is an interest to get married. The Bible states that you should not have sex before marriage, but it did not say that you cannot kiss. But, at the same time you are a temple and you should live holy, so whatever you are doing make sure it is modest and if your conscience convicts you, just abstain from doing it.
