Pain happens to everyone. To grow up, to fulfill your potential, to develop into what God wants you to be-this process takes support. No one succeeds alone.

I know that I've got big ears and a big forehead and that my hair sticks up, but I'm happy with myself. I'm not necessarily trying to win a beauty pageant here.

I decided to study special education and fell in love with working with individuals with autism. That's what I planned to do with my life.

The message I'll share...is that inclusion is extremely important for kids with and without disabilities.

A song can be more than words and music ... when sung with soul a song carries you to another world, to a place where no matter how much pain you feel, you are never alone.

I like to talk. I'm a terrible dancer. I love my hometown. I have freckles and oversized ears. I'm a geeks. I have tried not to hide who I am or what matters to me.

Well, fortunately we found out that the runner-up our particular year was going to get a record contract also. So it was kind of a - it was bitter sweet but it was an opportunity.

It doesn't really matter to me how I make a difference, I just wanna make sure that I do.

I know this is going to sound cheesy and like I'm trying to be Miss America, but the most important responsibility a celebrity has is to set an example and be a role model.

And I think that when I finally decided to let go and let God and allow that to happen, I became a lot more successful than I could have done if I had planned it all myself.

I went to school for special education. I always assumed when I had the opportunity I would love to try and help kids with disabilities.

A good story cannot be devised

God already knew the ones who would be saved, even before their birth

Many of the women in Los Angeles are part of the notorious gang culture, and they will forever have my gratitude for, you know, letting me live.

I am as I am, and that's all there is to it, I can hardly take a pair of scissors to myself, and cut out a different person...

The goal is to live with God like composure on the full rush of energy, like Dionysus riding the leopard, without being torn to pieces.

I am plain-speaking out of both sides of my mouth.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.

It is because the spirit is inestimable, that the lifeless body is so little valued.

Sooner or later usually means too late