“So, what’s your claim to fame?”
That’s what the guy from GoDaddy asked me, while we waited for some adjustments to be made to my account.
“Um, well…I don’t know…I mean…,” I replied, in a sad and halting fashion, before I was spared the pain of finishing by the completion of his task.
I hung up the phone feeling shocked by how much that simple question had rattled me, ashamed that I didn’t have anything really “big” to offer…feeling that I should. Did I really believe that somehow I would have more value, or greater significance, if I achieved some elusive level of greatness and left an indelible mark on the world? And who sets the bar for these things, anyway? Who determines how “big” is “big enough?”
Since that conversation, I’ve been examining not only myself, but observing the world around me. It doesn’t take long at all to become aware of how we, perhaps more than ever before, are almost desperate to make a mark on the world. In one way or another, we strive and work and climb, climb, climb to make sure the world knows who we are, knows what we’ve accomplished, knows that we matter. Older people scramble, frenzied, with the realization that their days are far fewer in number, while the younger ones are embroiled in fierce competition to get their name on top.
What in the world are we doing? And why?
I’m humbled at these words…
For all people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of the Lord endures forever.” 1 Peter 1:24 NIV
Perhaps it’s not our name that we need to be worried about.
What about you? Have you experienced the “pull” to “fame?”
This is such a great post Melinda and speaks volumes…Something I think we all struggle with unfortunately…I pray my “claim to fame” is less of me and more of HIM….
It IS a struggle, isn’t it? An interesting topic to delve into…planning on doing just that, so stay tuned! And YES – less of me, more of HIM. Love you friend!
the answers to these questions could fill a book. lady, I’m telling you my time on Twitter and the blog world has awoken this in people and slapped me silly.
great questions!
love you,
rachel
Of course…anyone who has been called to speak or write has been captivated by ‘fame’. It it such an elusive thing and in many cases, it just isn’t what it is cracked up to be. Privacy is lost and that would frighten me because I like my privacy. Also the responsibility is huge. People look up to you and Lord, have mercy, I mess up way too often for much of anyone to be looking up to me.
Bless you friend. Your claim to fame is that you love Jesus and all His girls!!
Just recently I had a similar situation. AFTER the fact I wish I’d been better prpared to give a reason for the hope that is in me. Such probing questions deserve a ready reply. Then again, it’s quite often I say to myself: “Oh snarl. I wish I’d said this, or that …”. Someday the question and my response will come at the same time.
My claim to fame? I’m from royalty; the daughter of a King.
P.S. OK, so I’ve been know to be a bit sassy at times. I would dearly love to whip up a whopper and tell the fame police: “Oh, I’m surprised you don’t recognize my name. I’ve published 14 books, written the screenplay for Kevin Costner’s upcoming movie, been recognized for my prowess at chess by the Queeen of England, and actually got an invitation to Kates & Will’s wedding.” hehehehehehe
I love Kathleen’s answer, “I’m from royalty; the daughter of a king.” Remember how your dad would always remind you before you went out not to forget you were a King’s kid. Good post!!
Hey Melinda, glad I saw your link on facebook. I had subscribed when you changed to your new site but for some reason stopped getting notification in my Google Reader that you were posting. Have subscribed again so hopefully I can keep up with you a little better now. Blessings to you!
I CAN NOT WAIT 🙂 to see where this journey takes us 🙂
xoxo,
pat
A thousand times over…
My thoughts have shifted in the last year. As I’ve stood on the edge of my mortality, I’ve come to the conclusion that whatever “acts” of goodness that remain for me, I apply myself to them with the eternal result in mind, not the temporal one. I sure don’t want to get home to Jesus and not have something to place at his feet. Who cares what is place at my feet?! Seriously, it’s all about Him and the seeds I’m planting for the kingdom.
God is our claim to fame! I know you get this.
Love you, sister.
peace~elaine
Have I felt it? Oh my, how I’ve felt it. And it’s not just the BIG fame, it’s the small stuff too — I want to people to like me and that’s a type of fame.
Thanks for the reminder… I need to seek only Him, not the applause of man.
Miss Melinda,
How I have missed you! I am ever so thankful to find my way back here. You talk plain Truth and weave it into the fabric of our lives. This topic is very timely for me. Thank you.
Blessings,
Simply Darlene
(Simply Country Girl)