Homeless Man's "God-given gift of voice" Makes Room for Him
by Aimee Herd : Jan 6, 2011 : Garrett Downing – NewsNet5.com-
I know I've recently used this Scripture before in relation to a story, but it is just so fitting in this one, I had to use it again! "A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men." –Prov. 18:16
(Cleveland, Ohio)—If you've never understood the power of a "viral video" before, the following story is a prime example. And yet, as we know that "every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights," there's no doubt God directed each person's step in this situation so everything would happen just as it did. Read on, and you'll see what I mean…
Photographer Doral Chenowerth admits he sees a lot of panhandlers standing at the Columbus intersection of I-71 and Hudson Street, but one had caught his eye with an interesting sign, and earlier this week, Chenowerth decided to check it out. (Photo: Columbus Dispatch)
Ted Williams' sign may have been a bit verbose in description, but any doubts were quickly erased and the veracity of his information confirmed as soon as Williams began to speak.
"I have a God-given gift of voice," read the sign, "I'm an ex-radio radio announcer who has fallen on hard times. Please! Any help will be 'greatfully' appreciated…"
With a video camera running, Chenowerth pulls up alongside Williams and asks him to demonstrate his "God-given gift."
Without missing a beat, Williams obliges. "When you're listening to best of oldies, you're listening to Magic 98.9," he says in one of the most classically, smooth radio voices I've heard in years.
It obviously impressed Chenowerth enough to get out of his car and interview the man with the "golden voice." (Photo: Scripps Media, Inc.)
It turns out that Williams, who was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, had listened as a teen to one of the area broadcasters, and—on a class trip—had the opportunity to meet him. He was nothing like Williams had pictured him to be, but the idea of radio was firmly planted, and he pursued it in school.
Williams admitted to becoming sidetracked by alcohol and drugs, and eventually became homeless. But, as he proudly declared to the camera, "I've got two years clean, and I'm trying hard to get it back."
Williams added that he was hoping someone from one of the local TV or radio stations would need some voiceover work and hire him.
The video of the homeless man with the golden voice was posted on the website for the Columbus Dispatch, and immediately began to go viral; showing up on YouTube, Facebook and people's InBoxes.
Just a day after the video was posted, Williams accepted an invitation to join WNCI 97.9 DJs Dave and Jimmy on their morning show, and—between the video and the radio show—people were enthralled by Williams' story and his God-given gift. (Photo: WNCI 97.9)
The phone lines began to light up with job offers, and one of those was a big surprise to both Ted and the radio staff. A spokesperson with the Cleveland Cavaliers called in and offered Williams a full time job doing voiceovers for the team, and for Quicken Loans, and in addition, they would also pay a mortgage on a house for him.
Williams exclaimed, "That's the best deal ever!"
After the program, Dave and Jimmy posted the comment: "Today was the most gratifying show we've ever done."
As for Ted Williams, in an AP interview on Wednesday, he said, "This has been totally, totally amazing. I'm just so thankful. God has blessed me so deeply. I'm getting a second chance. Amazing."
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