A blind young boy brought the crowd to tears with an inspiring national anthem performance.
13-year-old Sawyer McCarthy sang the Star-Spangled Banner at a Columbia Fireflies game, touching the hearts of everyone present.
The video of his singing quickly went viral with over 9 million views on Facebook.
People from around the world, including South Africa, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, and Canada, were moved by his voice.
His mother, Brianna McCarthy, said, “Sawyer’s voice has had the ability to not just unite America, but nations. That’s so unique and that is Sawyer.”
This wasn’t the first time Sawyer sang for the Fireflies. John Oliver, the promotions and fan engagement manager, remembered Sawyer singing “God Bless America” the previous year on the Fourth of July.
Sawyer’s natural talent and the joy he brings to others made it clear to Oliver that they had to invite him back.
Sawyer’s parents believe his talent is a “gift from the Lord.” However, his journey has not been easy.
At three months old, his parents noticed he didn’t squint in bright light. When they went to the doctor, an MRI revealed that Sawyer was missing the middle part of his brain.
Further tests by an ophthalmologist revealed that Sawyer had Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. This condition often results in blindness, learning disabilities, cognitive disability, and loss of gross motor functions.
However, as his mother Brianna said, “Sawyer is just your typical 13-year-old. He does have some issues in those areas, but really just his personality outshines all of it.”
Sawyer’s father, Patrick McCarthy, noticed his son’s extraordinary musical ear early on. Even at three years old, Sawyer could harmonize beautifully with what he heard.
Patrick speculates that Sawyer’s blindness might enhance his hearing, allowing him to learn music quickly.
Sawyer’s love for singing is simple yet profound: he sings to bring joy to others. “I love singing for people and what can I say? Inspiring others maybe, yeah to inspire others, and to make people smile,” Sawyer shared.
Sawyer’s parents always sensed he was special, but they didn’t know just how much his voice would allow him to share God’s love with others.
Brianna recalls, “When I first held this little baby in my arms, I knew that he had a gift, I knew he was different. I knew he was set apart and this was before I knew he was blind, I just knew in my spirit that God had created him for something far bigger than we had ever imagined.”
Sawyer’s story encourages us to trust in God’s plan, even when things seem uncertain.
Despite his diagnosis, his mother trusted in God. She believed her child would become a blessing. Now, this is unfolding before her eyes as Sawyer’s voice brings joy and comfort to many.
Even before Sawyer was born, God had a plan for this child. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart.”
God often puts us in places where we can shine His light. When others see only our limitations, God sees our potential. He strengthens us to overcome any challenges we face.
Our God is faithful, and He has a plan for each of us. To see it fulfilled, we must trust and obey Him, no matter the storms we face.
Remember, God’s love and purpose for us are far greater than we can imagine.
WATCH: Sawyer Inspires Thousands with National Anthem
WATCH: Sawyer’s Inspiring Life Story
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Beautifully sung the way protocol says it should be sung. Protocol states that the National Anthem shall be played and sung as written, with no added flourishes.