NOT ALL THAT FAMOUS AFTER ALL

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 20^th century was about to give way to the 21^st. 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.” (2^nd 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