TheDiscipleMD
I don’t know why it is, but when someone famous passes away, it sets me into a pensive mood. Pensive, because when I hear of their passing, famous people are often cited for their body of professional work. A businessman is acclaimed for his industry. Someone from the arts for their creative mind or acting abilities. Athletes for their sports accomplishments, a singer for their songs, etc, etc., etc. A few years ago I heard over the radio that George Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees, passed away at the age of 80. I only met Mr. Steinbrenner once, in 1985. He was the featured speaker at an conference I attended. He was full of life and lived up to his brash image. I noted that the stations that reported on his death highlighted his seven championships and his demand of excellence. He was known by his players as just “The Boss.” I really don’t know much about Mr. Steinbrenner’s life. I only know what I read of him in the papers. I understand he was very generous and helped many a troubled ballplayer. Some former players even said they felt he was a father to them. To me, those last qualities speak more of who he was than seven championships. And that is why the deaths of such men as Mr. Steinbrenner always put me in a pensive mood.
I am reminded of a friend of mine who upon burying his mother had this to say while at the cemetery. “My Mom lies here in this ground, a common woman with no notable accomplishment in this world, other than being a mother. Yet, as I stand here I can see the gravestone of one of the most influential businessmen of our time. They lie together, same ground, same fate.” And that statement is what comes to mind when I hear of a famous person passing. In the end, even the most powerful, famous and wealthy person, ends up equal to the most lowly of traveler who has graced this earth. They both lie in the ground, stripped of all earthly titles and wealth.
In leaving this world, you take with you nothing but who you really are. Often, even those closest, don’t really know who that person really is! So, again, I am moved to ponder the meaning of life. This to me is why religion is so important. This is why the understanding of “who we are” is so central to our happiness. This is why I am brought to ponder on such occasions. Because I know in my heart that “The Boss” is the boss no more. He is simply a son of a loving father, like all the others who have gone before. But the simple title of “A son of God” holds a lot more power and prestige than the title of “The Boss” ever will. More importantly, it’s a title that you hold onto for eternity.