The same pain that gripped my heart, simultaneously numbed my emotions. It was also the same searing feeling, that would ironically block my tear ducts. Yet I was determined, to hold it all together. Personally vowing, to be brave one more time. At least for my father, I would.
As the mournful sounds around me swelled, a vapor-like sensation filled my head. A rush, that seemed to be occupying a cranial vacuum. I wanted so much, to bury my head inside my hands and bawl.
However, the spirited and grieving crowd, gave me a reason not to succumb to sorrow. Unbeknownst to them, their presence, recognition of due honor and acknowledgements, seemed to infuse life and hope inside of me, once again. The thought that people could remember, tell and cherish even after death has occurred. A life that had influenced and impacted them, was invigorating to me, to say the least. So the world did indeed, have the capability, to recognize good and proceed to laud it. I could not only live again, but I could also run my race, howbeit with a positive platform.
Just last week, a man dubbed America’s Pastor, passed away. Based on his life’s message and quotations, he would probably tell you, that he did not die. He would say, that he merely stepped from the earthly realm, to a heavenly one. How could he make such a bold and confident claim, years before it happened? How can his family, believe the same rhetoric? And then proceed, to show with an unshaken assurance, that they would meet with him again. I guess the answer lies, in the life he lived, his messages and indisputable influence.
What is influence? Or better still, what does it mean to be influential? The Webster dictionary, describes the word 'influence' thus: The power to change or affect someone or something : the power to cause changes without directly forcing them to happen. : A person or thing that affects someone or something in an important way.
Interestingly, in this definition that I consider, most accurate. Two words stand out, because of their suggestion of impact and value. The words; change and important. That means, for something to really affect us and bring right, positive and lasting results. It must have the power to change us from the inside out. And ultimately, alter our life's destination.
So what is the power of influence? Really, what is it? Is it what we define it as today? Is an 'influencer', the one that bares it easier and quicker? Or the group, that is most militant? Or just maybe, its is the one that is not only open to any vice, but embodies it. We are often told, that sex, foolishness and debauchery. Will sell you quicker, than you can blink. The sleazier the risk you take, the most raucous of intentions and desperate attempts at fame, will gain you just that and fortune too. And of course, render you an influencer for our time. Right? Okay, let's think this through.
Scaring enough, I am writing this blog in the year 2018. And I should be afraid for my life, fame and fortune. (Yeah right!). I am so scared, I might use the wrong words. Then politically, scientifically, biologically and/or anthropologically, offend the nations. But here goes my theory, anyway. This is a time and age, when being influential, an influencer and influencing people. Means getting them to merely be a source of profit, 'to whom it may concern'. The influencer may lie, deceive, corrupt, mislead, misinform, incite and ultimately destroy by falsehood. Yet their value inflates, with the most casualties. And in most cases, like I have observed. The so called influencer, may by their own expressions. Be crying out themselves, for an alternate influence. A real case of the apparent giver, being in desperate need of what they appear to be giving.
Billy Graham, was said to have affected or maybe visited as much as 185 countries worldwide. He was said to have been influential, in affecting the redemptive decisions, of over 215 million people and counting. I have read as a fact, and I will put the quote in here: “As of 2008, Graham's estimated lifetime audience, including radio and television broadcasts, topped 2.2 billion. One special televised broadcast in 1996 alone may have reached a television audience of as many as 2.5 billion people worldwide.” I guess in today's language, we can say his social media following, surpasses those of the most followed of us.
Now that is influential and that was an influencer indeed! I was touched, by the crowd that showed up to honor him, as he made his final journey to his birth place. My daddy’s crowd, was not as large. However, the legacy of his influence, as recited by those that were deeply and positively affected, made me proud and encouraged. By this blessed experience, I know it will feel the same, for the ones that survived the great evangelist.
No I never met him, nor did I visit any of his crusade. But I knew of him and I saw, his television broadcasts. I recognized him, as a kindred spirit. Not because I am a man, older or white. But because I am, 'just as I am'. And we are connected by Blood. Therefore, think with me today. Now that I feel like using my head. Let’s just forget the ‘hokey-pokey’, for a minute.
What if, just what if Billy Graham was on to something? What if, there was indeed a way to redeem all this mess…..?
“My home is in Heaven. I'm just traveling through this world.” Billy Graham.
