REPOST: Winning Gold

Just met an amazing friend for coffee. He's recently lost his wife and continues to care for two wonderful daughters, one of whom is severely challenged with learning difficulties. It reminded me of a blog from 2012, which I re-post in his honour:

Her name is Rebecca and I saw her on Saturday. She is maybe 9 or 10 years old, but I guess with a mental age of an infant. Her chair was amazing. It kept her body from twisting and held her head upright. There was a big smile on her face as her father teased her and tickled her and cheered her on as she ate.

Her name is Jessica and I saw her on Saturday. I guess she’s in her 20’s. Her race was amazing. She pulled away from the opposition to win the heptathlon gold. There was a big smile on her face as the crowd cheered her achievement.

Jessica has her gold medal. One day so will Rebecca.

Leona

I remember writing on these pages a year back that I thought Leona Lewis would be something of a star- which can't be said of most of the X Factor/Pop Idol talent show winners (remember the MacDonald Brothers anyone?!)

Well, I've been listening to her first album 'Spirit', (yes I know I'm sad) borrowed from my daughter, and I think it's great. She has an amazing voice. Interestingly she also seems to have a Christian faith. The first 'thank-you' at the end of the album notes reads 'Thank you to God for all of the blessings you have given me and for the opportunity and gift of singing and song. Thank you for the love, comfort and strength you have given me.'

In addition, one of the tracks is called 'Footprints in the Sand', based on, I guess, the Christian poem. Intriguingly that particular track is co-written by Simon Cowell, and the only one that is. Hmmm.

Famous for a minute, known for a lifetime

"In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes". So said Andy Warhol. And it's becoming true before our eyes- Big Brother, X Factor, Apprentice (I like that one!), House Swap, Stars in their eyes, Fat Club, thin club, slim club, cook club, Beenthereseenitdoneit club... Fame for everyone. A fleeting glance at celebrity. But it is so fleeting. I remember who won the first Pop Idol and even who came second and third (shame on me), but who was it who came fourth, fifth etc? Fame for a moment. Not really fame at all.

The Bible tells us God has a design for our lives, planned before we were born. In fact before the world was made. (Check it out: Ephesians 1: 11). We read that God has planned our days, written them down (Psalm 139: 16). Finding out why I'm here gives the best purpose of all. The fact that God thinks I'm 'famous' is better than Any Warhol's 15 minutes could ever be.