It appears that every star has at least one follower. Critics believe that followers are only there for the money, but that does not explain relationships that go on for years, even decades. The contrast between the people surrounding a pop star and those with England’s Queen Mum is an example of how different things can be.
On one hand, the people change from day to day, and the time that they are involved is often measured in hours or days. They take on interesting titles, business manager, representative, or special representative. The titles never quite convey the relationship, but then that is part of the game. Monies exchange hand that is tied to the stars earnings, not to the contribution of the person alone. When the money dries up so does the relationship. It is just business as they might say.
The Queen mum lived through the twentieth century. She saw the birth of radio, then television, and finally computers and the world-wide-web. Phonographs were a novelty items that became radical and new, as was rock and roll, which then transitioned into compact disks, mini-disks, and MP-3 players. Through the years people came to love her for reasons that far transcended her generosity. There is no other way to explain things. Her peers had longed since passed and her close friends were children and even grandchildren of those with whom she had grown up.
What did they admire? It was certainly not her position, money or power. People talk about her wit, dedication, willingness to take risks for the common person, ability to listen, and most of all the gift of a smile and laughter. She proved that the fact that “lots of people flock around a generous person; everyone’s a friend to the philanthropist” (Proverbs 19.6) may not be a bad thing.
I see a God many do not recognize. I find compassion, mercy, love, acceptance, and friendship as the most prominent characteristics. Soon after that I experience humor, warmth, and openness. God is cool, hip, and relevant. Check him out while you can.
