ELVIS & THE CANADIAN MOB

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.

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.” (1^st 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.

“Filling up in my own body the unfinished sufferings of Christ.”

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.”

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. Copyright pending

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