The question is one that has been asked for ages. What's it all about?
Back in college, my husband and his friends were published in the school newspaper with one of the two winning answers to the reporter's question, "What's it all about?"
My husband's group's response: "Alfie-ness"
Some of you may be old enough to remember the inspiration for their answer - the theme song "What's It All About, Alfie?" from the movie "Alfie".
Alfie was all about himself, his desires.
Driving past this store last month, I just had to stop to take these pictures.
"It's All About Me!"
Deeming that this sign sums up so much of our culture today, I looked down my sanctimonious nose at the owners of this store. Until it dawned on me that I'm as guilty as anyone of living in my "all about me" universe.
Recently, I had a few situations where due to MY actions or suggestions, something positive happened. Yet afterward, when the story was retold, MY contribution (which made it all happen, people!!) was omitted. Uh, hello???? Remember me? The suggestor? My inital annoyance eventually receded as I slowly realized that the main thing was the positive result itself, not MY contribution to it. It is not about ME.
Last summer at a writers' conference, a lovely new friend, Lisa, at my dinner table described her book project. She could have been reading MY notes aloud. After picking my jaw off the table, we started to share our vision for our similar projects. By the time dessert ended, we grasped that our projects were not ours at all. They were God's words, His work, His vision. We prayed together and accepted that whether it was her book or mine that was published, the main thing was that His word would be shared, that women would be encouraged, that the message would be delivered. What did not matter was WHO was the deliverer of that message. Our calling was to be obedient to the heavenly vision, and to allow God to take care of the rest. It is not about ME.
The summer before that, I saw Alan and Denise Jackson on the Today show. Not much of a fan of country music, I had no idea of his music or their story. High school sweethearts, Denise's life was dedicated to her husband and his growing career. The years sped by, and eventually, Denise lost herself in Alan's world. Her life was "all about him." Eventually, she rededicated her life to God and wrote a book titled "It's All About HIM." Her life no longer about "him" (Alan) anymore, but about "Him" (Jesus, her Lord and Savior).
Alan wrote a song to go with Denise's book. Here's part of the lyrics:
it's all about Him
and the love that He gives
redemption and hope
for all who have sinned
you can walk all alone, never find your way home
till you see deep within
it's all about Him
its not about ego
or things you can hold
its not about power, or silver, or gold
not who's at your table
or where you lay down
it's not about spreading your wings on the ground
or where you lay down
it's not about spreading your wings on the ground
so look in the mirror
and look at your life
it may seem perfect, but just don't feel right
lay down your fences, and let the love in
right there beside you,
it's all about Him
What was the other winning answer back in my hubby's college days?
It came from a rare Christian on that campus, "It's all about Jesus."
It's not about Alfie.
It's not about me.
It's not about him (or her).
For generations past, present and future, it's all about Jesus.
What's it all about for you?
Susan
7 comments:
Oh, Susan. I'm so glad I popped over to visit you today. These are wise words, indeed. And I love your spirit of humilty with the friend who has the same vision as you for her book. Perhaps you should co-author???
I had a funny experience several years ago. We were at a wedding, and the organist got lost on the way. She called in tears, but was an hour away. The mother of the bride stood up and asked, "Is there an organist in the house?" I poked my husband, a pianist par excellence. "Go help them out, Honey." He resisted, saying, "But I'm not an organist; it's much more complicated than playing piano." As the minutes ticked away and no one else volunteered, I kept nudging him to go, and he finally relented.
At first he played gingerly, not too sure of himself. As the wedding moved along, he became more confident, and by the time of the recessional, he was revelling in his newfound talent, playing like a pro. He had saved the day and became an instant hero.
At the reception, nearly everyone came up to congratulate him on rising to the occasion, applauding his last minute save and beautiful playing. He beamed, saying, "Oh, I was happy to do it," or, "No problem," while I got left in the dust!
At first I was miffed. "WAIT! What about MOI? If it wasn't for ME, that wedding would've been music-less!" Now I can laugh about it, realizing that it doesn't matter who gets the credit, as long as the end result occurs.
Blessings on your writing and your life, my dear,
Jen
Audience of ONE
Great post, Susan! In this human flesh it's hard to finally get the fact that it is ALL about HIM! Thanks for this great reminder. We need to get off the throne and give it back to the rightful Owner!! Blessings for a terrific weekend!
I appreciate this message. We have a pre-school in town named "It's All About Me" and I find that title so grieving/annoying. See you soon.
Good stuff. Thanks for sharing!
Happy weekend,
Karen
Susan:
This lesson is so important in our walk to Christian Maturity. The Apostle Paul said it best,"More of Jesus, less of me."
"All about Jesus!" Yes!
Thanks for sharing! Love you!
Hi Susan -
Thanks for an excellent post. I pray the Lord will help me to keep the focus on Him.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Post a Comment