I asked Christina Perri this, and she answered.

*With the inspiring and super talented singer/songwriter, Christina Perri.*

For my 30th birthday, I received the gift of watching three talented female music artists LIVE all in one night.

Rachel Platten (“Fight Song”)
Colbie Caillat (“Bubbly”, “Lucky”)
Christina Perri (“Jar of Hearts,” “Thousand Years”)

*Rachel Platten performing her hit, "Fight Song", based on her own life story of living her dreams.*

Despite having their own unique sounds, I discovered that night that what each artist had in common was the long and unpromising journey toward living their dreams. They inspired me, as I too am on that journey.

Their stories are weaved into their music, and if you’re fortunate enough, you get to hear it from them directly.

I was fortunate enough.

30 minutes before the show, I stood in line with my red Christina Perri wristband on, ready to meet her, in the kind of heat where you sweat…while doing nothing.

The tour staff told us “no autographs.” In other words, make it quick. That explained why I only saw folks walking up, hugging, taking a photo, and then leaving immediately.

But in that moment (I don’t know where this idea came from), something inside me wanted to ask her a question.

*Colbie Caillat performing her powerful hit song, "Try", written for the messages she received as an artist in the mainstream world.*

If you know me, this is a bad idea.

In school, I was the student that the teacher trusted to watch the class while he left the room. Rules were not meant to broken in my book. Ntxhais tsim txiaj ALERT.

In the 30 minutes I had to wait, I tried to talk myself out of it. I didn’t want to miss Rachel’s opening act. I didn’t want to impose anything on Christina. I should just be like everyone else. Make it quick, and go.

So I thought I settled it.

25 minutes later, my turn came. As I walked up the stairs, smiled, hugged, and took a photo with Christina, my mind was shouting...

“Ask her! The question! It’s now or never! This is your only chance! Do it! Ask!”

“Christina, do you have one piece of advice for an aspiring singer/songwriter?”

I thought to myself, “Thov txhob muab kuv ntaus os!”

Graciously, she replied,

“Well, I have lots actually. But one…? Hmm…

Never give up. Just when you want to, go through with it. What you fear is exactly where you need to go. Never give up. On your way, you’ll realize there will be less people where you want to be, because they gave up too soon. Never give up.

And say ‘yes’ to everything.”

She said so much more, but that’s all I could remember, because I was telling myself to go before someone kicked me out from the backstage.

I left forever touched.

Throughout the evening, that message was delivered by each artist. Christina would share it again on stage as she performed, giving me an extra push to never give up.