I previously wrote a series of blogs about the famous people whom I have met, or with whom I have “shared the same airspace.” Some of these “meetings” were premeditated on my part. Some of them were strictly happenstance in nature.
While I was in college, I was privileged to attend a chapel
service in which ”Colonel” Harland Sanders, of KFC fame, was the guest speaker.
What a soft-spoken, fine Christian gentleman he was. Sometime in the next
several months, I literally rubbed shoulders with Rev. C.M. Ward of Christian
Radio fame, as he made his way up the stairs to speak to my New Testament
class.
When I was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, and living in
Tampa, I attended a Jimmy Swaggart crusade; (long before he gained nation-wide attention
for, well, you know). A year or two later, I sat in the audience, and watched
spell-bound as the very singular Kathryn Kuhlman intoned words about the beauty
of holiness.
I attended a George Beverly Shea concert, a Dale Evans Rogers
evangelical meeting, and a Ruth Graham conference; all in the space of a few
years, as the 20th century was about to give way to the 21st.
My wife and I sat just feet away from Roy Rogers’ wife, one of my childhood
television idols, and Billy Graham’s daughter spoke to me between two of her
presentations.
Once, as I was delivering UPS packages at the back door of a
local mall, a car pulled up, and, lo and behold, Cornelia Wallace, the former
wife of Governor George Wallace of Alabama, stepped out of the driver’s seat,
and we exchanged a few words. It seems she knew the owner of the store, and had
stopped by to see him. Of course, it was she who covered his body with her own,
after the attempt on his life, and as he lay badly wounded on the ground.
After I began my counseling career, I counseled a famous major
league baseball player, who was a standout in one of the World Series games of
the past; nameless here since I cannot breach his confidentiality.
Pt. 2
Speaking of my counseling career, I attended a conference
twenty years ago sponsored by my professional association, and “Focus on the
Family.” On the last night of the conference, I had the distinct pleasure and
privilege of speaking to Dr. James Dobson; the internationally known
psychologist. I had waited in a very long line in order to speak to him, and
procure his autograph. Seconds before I stepped up to him, his wife, Shirley,
her sandals in her hands, exclaimed, “Jim, I’m tired. We really need to go
home!” Of course, I will always remember that somewhat humorous scene.
Just over a decade ago, I planned a grave marking ceremony for
an ancient relative who fought in the American Revolution. Of course, I invited
a multitude of relatives to attend the poignant celebration. And among the
uninvited, (but most welcome) guests was Mr. Sonny Shroyer, (“Enos” of the
“Dukes of Hazzard” television series). It seems he lived in the area, and knew
a couple of my cousins. I snapped his picture, but failed to speak to him.
The grandfather of a well-known movie star, Taylor Lautner,
who starred in the “Twilight” series, attended my church. It so happens that my
pastor afforded me the opportunity to preach many Wednesday night sermons
there, and the actor’s grandfather regularly forwarded CD copies of my sermons
to his famous grandson. I like to think they had an indelible impact on the
young man.
Then, there was the long distance relationship between yours
truly, and the movie and television actress, “Mrs. Harriet Oleson” (the late Katherine
MacGregor) of the “Little House on the Prairie” series. What began as a single
fan letter evolved into a pen pal relationship of sorts, and lasted several
months. Based on the numerous letters we exchanged, I think Ms. MacGregor was
possessed of a personality somewhat like her television character.
Afterward
All rather famous, or at least very notable people. However,
it occurs to me that whereas they are well known, and well off here, there will
come a day when all the men, women, boys and girls of all the ages will, well, take
a moment to read the following scripture.
“For we must all stand before Christ to be judged.
We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil
we have done in this earthly body.” (2nd Cor. 5:10)
In that day, each and every one of us will stand at the same
level. There will be no famous or rich or notable. For fame and riches and notoriety
will be consigned to this earth, and will be left behind, and all the glory,
and wealth and celebrity there will reside in the lovely person of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Praise God!
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every
tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory
of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:10-11)
by William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending
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