Chewbacca Mom Candace Payne Uses Joy to Inspire Worship
By Movieguide® Contributor
Candace Payne never thought that she would find her voice using a Chewbacca mask and her laugh, but in 2016 her life changed forever.
Candace Payne told Worship Leader, “Call it intuition, a dream, or holy discernment, but somewhere in my highest hopes and hidden corners of my heart, I knew I would be known for my voice. And, honestly, growing up as a church kid, I felt a little bit of all three gave me such brazen confidence. In an era of pop culture films showing the overlooked and undervalued, skittish girls transform into diva popstars amongst their peers, even if only for one night of their high school prom, I knew this must’ve meant that I needed to become a singer. So, I began to sing.”
“Soon, private porch worship sessions gave way to leading my peers on Wednesday night services and the occasional summer campfire moments that would define encounters with the Spirit of God,” she expressed. “Eventually, I would get invited to lead at events and weekly in my home church as a paid worship leader. And, each week, each moment ushering what had been done in private, felt as though I was following that call to share my voice, knowing there would be a promise to be “known” from its assertion.”
However, the more time that passed the more Payne doubted her ability to make it big.
“I came to terms with letting go of my hope and dream,” she stated. “As I continued to follow Jesus and submit to Him, my heart became more humble, and I developed a desire to serve in humble places. Even small moments of happiness brought me great joy and purpose. I realized that my childhood calling and faith were not immature or naïve but rather meaningful and purposeful in their own way. What’s truly beautiful is that I’ve found contentment in my purpose, being used by God, and having a voice to give Him praise, no matter who is listening. That is why what happened to me and the entire world watching on May 19th, 2016, is so surprising.”
It’s been seven years since Payne’s rise to popularity in a majorly viral video.
In May 2016, Payne filmed herself in her car after purchasing a Chewbacca mask from a department store. The mask, which she intended to be a birthday gift for herself, featured a sound chip that made authentic Wookiee sounds when the wearer opened their mouth. Her infectious laughter and genuine joy while trying on the mask quickly captivated viewers. The video went viral almost instantly, amassing millions of views and reactions on social media platforms.
The viral success of her video led to numerous media appearances, including interviews on television shows and invitations to various events. Candace Payne’s genuine and heartwarming reaction to the simple joy of the Chewbacca mask resonated with people worldwide, making her an overnight internet sensation and a symbol of positivity and happiness.
Candace expressed much gratitude for what God had done in her life.
“Knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t trade a single moment of being a worship leader or learning the ways of those who sow tears in lyrics and powerfully private musings that can only be expressed through songs. I have now harvested a crop of joy,” the worship leader said.
She added, “Unmasked, fully awakened to the call God began in my life at such a young and vulnerable age, I use my voice in many ways. You’re experiencing it through reading what I wrote while eating carnitas tostadas off the summer breakfast menu at a local brunch hotspot and sipping a cup of iced coffee. Others encounter it through the stages and events I find myself at when I preach and teach the Word of God with authenticity, hilarity, and boldness. Some experience it in the alto harmony I offer on a Sunday worship team at my local church.”
Since her viral fame, Candace has continued to share her positive and inspirational messages through her social media presence. She has also written a book called “Laugh It Up!” in which she shares her story and encourages others to find joy and laughter in life’s simple moments.
Movieguide® previously reported:
Speaking to a crowd of young people at a recent Christian conference, Payne said the following about moments and the Lord’s timing:
“Don’t rush into ministry or a good opportunity because it looks shiny, wait for the voice of God to direct you. And, the third thing is the biggest thing…have obedience. When He tells you move, move. When He tells you stop, stop. When He tells you to indulge in the delights of my table, indulge, but when He tells you that’s not yours, you can’t have it, step away. Do not try to make a name for yourself; His name will always out-shadow yours.”
The world and all its so-called “motivational” and self-help gurus bark at us to hustle, to chase, to replace sleep with caffeine and relaxation with more work, to strive for success – whatever that means – and not to stop working until we reach it. As a result, many of us are so wrapped up in the rat race that we forget to wait upon God and the opportunities He has in store if we’ll only be patient and trust in His timing. Along with our workaholic mentality, we often forget to enjoy simple pleasures and to be on the lookout for moments of blessing and joy and goodness in the seemingly silly and mundane.
Mrs. Payne may only have 15 minutes of fame, but her infectious message of joy is something that we can help perpetuate as we seek to share love and laughter and the light of Christ with those around us.
“A joyful heart is good medicine” – Proverbs 17:22, ESV
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