I have
written a number of blogs which had as their focus the life of the late great Elvis
Presley. And while my current reflection uses Elvis as an example, you will
find I have a greater focus than one man; as famous and beloved as he was.
I listen to
the Elvis Channel on Sirius radio virtually every time I get behind the wheel
of my 2015 Nissan Altima. You may find it rather strange, (or not), depending
on your point of view, but I find there is an almost spiritual quality about
the “King of Rock ‘n Roll’s” music; at least some portion of it.
And I think
I love the interviews by George Klein, the king’s childhood friend and current
DJ, even more than the music. He has been known to reminisce with the old
Elvis’ “tag-a-long’s” like Sandy Martindale and ‘Red’ West on a frequent basis.
However,
just the other day George shared his own personal reminiscence about having
accompanied Elvis to an engagement in Ottawa, Canada. It seems the crowd of
young people at the club was larger and friskier than usual, and Elvis’
security team just knew there would be trouble before the night was over.
Unfortunately,
their prophetic musings proved to be correct. While one of his entourage
encouraged Elvis to “get it over with” in short order, he was loathe to do so;
as if offering his audience an extended show might somehow mollify them.
However, as the night wore on, Presley realized his Canadian fans might rush
the stage, and literally strip the clothes off his back, something which once
occurred in another venue, and which found him hiding in a bathroom stall; by
that time wearing only his skivvies.
Pt. 2
And thus,
after about an hour Elvis made his goodbyes short, and rushed out a stage door,
which led to the alley behind the stage; where a police car and his limousine
were waiting. Of course, the majority of his “fan club” were right behind him.
Having had
twenty second’s head start, and fully understanding the dynamics surrounding
him, Elvis jumped into the back of the police car, and laid down on the floor.
Meanwhile, George Klein and a couple of musicians had piled into the limo.
By now, a
couple hundred teens and young adults filled up the alley behind the club, and “the
Memphis Mafia” feared for their safety. Suddenly, the police cruiser pulled
away; leaving George and a couple of band members in the limousine. It was all
too obvious the throng thought Elvis was hiding in the vehicle, and they set
about rocking the expensive black automobile back and forth; side to side.
It was then
that one of the more daring “fans” took out a pocket knife and walked the
length of the limousine; leaving a nasty gash behind him. A couple more
teenagers began prying the Tennessee tag off the back of the car. Of course,
young George decided he’d had about all the fun he needed, and ordered the limo
driver to, “Get us outta here and do it NOW!”
The man
wearing the chauffer’s hat didn’t have to be begged to “put the pedal to the
metal” and off they went; oblivious to any damage they might do to the hoard of
human flesh in front of the automobile.
And while nothing particularly calamitous came out of that night's work, it could have fallen together much differently.
And while nothing particularly calamitous came out of that night's work, it could have fallen together much differently.
Pt. 3
Now, if you
happen to be a well-known entertainer, much less Elvis Presley, you can just
about “buy into” the notion that there will be times when you will be called to
“put your life on the line” in tribute to the music which stirs the emotions
and fills up the wallet. (And based on the antics of some, they may even be
said to have deserved their fate).
However,
(and it’s a crucial “however”) unexpected and potentially dire circumstances
are not limited to country singers and movie stars. (No, they’re not).
There’s a
poignant New Testament scripture which I have committed to memory.
“My brothers, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you
are sufferings, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1st Peter 4:12)
Our brother, Peter (how I love to
refer to members of Jesus’ inner circle with this prefix) was all too familiar
with suffering, and history tells us that, ultimately, he was martyred in the
same city as the Apostle Paul; while being crucified upside down.
Far too many times in my own life I
have endured the unendurable, while at other times escaping almost certain
death; whereas, some of my peers were not so fortunate.
Divorce, financial issues, a mentally
ill child, cancer, broken bones, betrayal, vocational challenges, the death of
parents and loved ones, (and the list is too long to recite).
There’s another poignant verse which
puts it all into perspective, and there’s a wonderful story surrounding it.
A few years ago, I was watching an interview between an
anchorman and a priest on FOX news, and the topic happened to be the late Pope,
John Paul II, who had only just passed away.
The priest began to speak about the sufferings of the pope, how that after the assassination attempt he suffered pain the remainder of his life, and as John Paul aged he developed Parkinson's Disease which proved to be extremely debilitating, as well. And yet for all his suffering, this priest among priests continued to travel, and minister to his people.
Near the end of the interview, the Catholic cleric quoted a verse from the first chapter of Colossians.
The priest began to speak about the sufferings of the pope, how that after the assassination attempt he suffered pain the remainder of his life, and as John Paul aged he developed Parkinson's Disease which proved to be extremely debilitating, as well. And yet for all his suffering, this priest among priests continued to travel, and minister to his people.
Near the end of the interview, the Catholic cleric quoted a verse from the first chapter of Colossians.
“Filling up in my own body the unfinished sufferings of
Christ.”
And the newsman responded,
And the newsman responded,
“I don't understand. What is unfinished about Christ'
sufferings?”
To which the kindly priest, with a sad twinkle in his eyes, responded.
“…Our Participation.”
To which the kindly priest, with a sad twinkle in his eyes, responded.
“…Our Participation.”
Afterward
“Filling up in my own body the unfinished sufferings of
Christ.”
Well now, I think for believers that throws a whole new
light on the subject.
I have often told anyone who cares to listen that,
“The closer I get, the easier it becomes.”
We have been given the inestimable privilege of suffering
with Him. Not that we seek it out, nor play the part of a martyr. But when it
comes to realize whose we are and to Whom we owe. And at all times realizing
how momentary a life we live, and with the sure knowledge of the inestimable
reward which awaits us.
By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary" Vol. 54. Copyright pending
If you wish to share, copy or save, please include this credit line.
By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary" Vol. 54. Copyright pending
If you wish to share, copy or save, please include this credit line.
***********
If you would like to see the titles and access hundreds of my blogs from 2015 and 2016, do the following:
Click on 2015 in the index to the right of this blog. When my December 31st blog, "The Shot Must Choose You" appears, click on the title. All my 2015 blog titles will come up in the right margin
Click on 2015 in the index to the right of this blog. When my December 31st blog, "The Shot Must Choose You" appears, click on the title. All my 2015 blog titles will come up in the right margin
Click on 2016 in the index to the right of this blog. When my December 31st blog, "Children of a Lesser God" appears, click on the title. All my 2016 blog titles will come up in the right margin
No comments:
Post a Comment