Limelight

Being angry is exhausting. One becomes as tired from it as of it, especially when there is no genuine resolution available.

More often than not, what makes us angry isn’t going to go away or be resolved. At this point, the challenge becomes finding something through which to channel the anger’s energy into that which can produce positive results, be they for yourself or others. Or, as is ofttimes the case, both. Never discount the effectiveness of self-ministry in which the Spirit works through you for you along with using you to benefit those around you. (One of those rare situations where a lot of “you” isn’t an ego trip.)

Something that came to mind yesterday evening while working on diffusing (or should that be defusing?) the present anger over assorted life situations is this:

1. True artists graciously share the stage with others deserving a turn in the spotlight.
2. They understand the need to respect God’s gifts bestowed upon others.
3. Sadly, there are very, very few true artists in this world.

Let’s break that down a bit.

In this context, the word artist is not limited to those who create works of art — painters, sculptors, dancers, musicians, writers and so on. While it applies to people who individually or as part of an ensemble bring art into a tangible form and present it to others, here it is also used to identify those who hold positions of leadership and/or public visibility.

The true artist, the true leader, unfailingly acknowledge John Donne’s truism that no man is an island. There is not mere willingness, but rather compulsion to herald the ones who enable their appearance. Even an on the surface solo performer who’s caught the vision shares the limelight. They understand two principles: no one is genuinely self-made, and they’re not all that to the point where they alone warrant attention.

Note that acknowledgment is not the Mutual Admiration Society. Many people fool themselves and others into believing sucking up and being sucked up to in return constitutes spreading the wealth. No. Genuine sharing is done without regard to what the other person or group can do for you. Rather, it comes from a spirit guided by the Spirit, one that is compelled to lift up others infused and invigorated by the same Spirit so all can be blessed. Many parts, one body. Makes for a much better party.

Those who core message boils down to “look at me — SQUEE!” be they artists, businesspeople, or Twitter twits have nothing to offer. They may on occasion pay lip service to others, but their hearts are a million miles away from the belief that true leadership is found solely in service for Christ and those He died for. The true artist knows this, and lives accordingly.

Let’s be true artists. All of us.

P.S. Speaking of true artists, some Rory Gallagher for you.

[video http://www.diecast-dude.com/gac/rory_gallagher_a_million_miles_away.flv nolink]