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H. R. No. 50 *HR43/R70.1* ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2
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To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026
By: Representative Nelson
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 50
A RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING MAY 18 AS "HEAL MISSISSIPPI DAY" 1
IN RECOGNITION OF JAMAL ROBERTS' INSPIRING PERFORMANCE OF HIS SONG 2
"HEAL" ON AMERICAN IDOL AND DEDICATING THIS DAY TO PRAYER, 3
REFLECTION, UNITY AND RESTORATION. 4
WHEREAS, on Sunday, May 18, 2025, millions of viewers tuned 5
in to watch the season finale of American Idol and were captivated 6
by the performance of a supremely talented contestant from the 7
State of Mississippi, Jamal Roberts; and 8
WHEREAS, Jamal took the stage to perform the song "Heal," and 9
with a new verse of his own powerful lyrics, he transformed the 10
Tom Odell song into an original work of art; and 11
WHEREAS, these lyrics stunned the crowd as they witnessed 12
Jamal call out to the Lord, "the only one that can heal," 13
proclaiming the great need for restoration and salvation from 14
sickness and depression; and 15
WHEREAS, beyond showcasing his incredible talent, Jamal's 16
performance released a prophetic sound of healing that resonated 17
far beyond entertainment, as it stirred hearts, inspired hope and 18
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echoed the need for spiritual, emotional and communal healing 19
across our beloved state; and 20
WHEREAS, at the end of the season, Jamal was crowned as the 21
2025 American Idol winner, bringing immense pride and honor to his 22
hometown of Meridian and the entire State of Mississippi, and his 23
historic win marked the second time a Mississippian has achieved 24
this national title; and 25
WHEREAS, Jamal's American Idol victory fittingly came eight 26
years after the first Mississippian won the competition, 27
evidencing God's perfect timing, as the number eight often 28
symbolizes new beginnings in the Bible; and 29
WHEREAS, this moment carries both cultural and spiritual 30
weight for citizens across the great Magnolia State, presenting us 31
with a divinely appointed opportunity to set the tone for 32
something greater than us all; and 33
WHEREAS, we know that the Lord brings comfort, peace and 34
healing to those who suffer, in accordance with the words of Psalm 35
107:19-20, "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he 36
saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed 37
them; he rescued them from the grave"; and 38
WHEREAS, a testament to the power of this scripture and the 39
nation's desire for divine healing, Jamal's "Heal" debuted at No. 40
1 on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart, and Jamal's journey from 41
a middle school P.E. teacher in Meridian, Mississippi, to a 42
performer with a national platform is proof of God's unceasing 43
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ST: "Heal Mississippi Day"; establish as May
18th.
faithfulness to those who use their talents to bring Him glory; 44
and 45
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to 46
recognize and celebrate outstanding Mississippians, especially 47
those such as Jamal Roberts, who uses his wealth of God-given 48
talent to spread the Lord's divine message of hope and healing, 49
and it is most appropriate to honor and reflect upon this message 50
by designating May 18 as "Heal Mississippi Day": 51
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF 52
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby 53
acknowledge and recognize May 18 as "Heal Mississippi Day" in the 54
State of Mississippi in recognition of Jamal Roberts' inspiring 55
performance of his song "Heal" on American Idol. 56
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That all citizens of Mississippi are 57
encouraged to observe this day with reflection, unity, prayer and 58
restoration in every home, school, church, ministry and 59
marketplace across Mississippi. 60
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be 61
furnished to Dr. Kathy Amos and to the members of the Capitol 62
Press Corps. 63