Celebrities

By Bob Hansen

A few years back, because of I book I had written, my wife and I attended the Christian Bookseller’s Convention in Orlando. It was one of the more unique experiences of my life.

The event took place in a huge auditorium filled with innumerable display booths belonging to various publishers and related companies. In an effort to promote my book we spent much time wandering around this area. I enjoyed the many hours spent in this activity, but my wife found that she enjoyed meeting the Christian “celebrities” even more.

I observed that celebrities come in layers. At publisher’s booths, authors were scheduled to sign books to be given away to bookstore buyers. (It is hoped these people will read and like the sample copies, then purchase great quantities for their stores.) These authors are at the lowest level of celebrity.

Around the perimeter of the huge auditorium are personality booths. This was where the mid-level notables are found. When their publicized appearance times came there were serpentine lines of expectant admirers. Each received a signed copy of a book. The fans with extra courage requested a photograph be taken with the author (as if there were long-time buddies).

My wife diligently cruised the auditorium watching for these celebrities. And, to her credit, she collected some valuable autographs. But that was not the highlight to the event—star-wise.

One evening, toward the end of the convention, the awards banquet took place. The additional financial commitment for this event was considerable, but my wife said it was well worth it because of the celebrities who had promised to attend. I might be accused of namedropping if I told you who they were, but you would certainly recognize these people as stars, upper crust stars. Even I had to admit that this would be the highest level of celebrity-closeness that I had ever experienced. We would really be “hanging with the stars.”

Actually, I was thrilled that my wife insisted we attend this event. I too hoped I might come into close proximity to a real, live famous person, thus changing my life forever.

The first part of the evening proceeded as expected. We had a fine dinner, which included more silverware than a person could possibly use in one meal—four forks, three knives, three spoons. The actual award ceremony and program followed. A celebrity made an appearance offering a short, but uplifting message. The female singing star sang a couple of songs (each of which ended with lofty, inspiring, high notes).

Then the program organizers trotted out a surprise celebrity, one of extremely high caliber. I don’t know if this is standard practice at these types of events, but it’s a clever trick.

This speaker offered words of encouragement from his lofty position in the entertainment industry. And, to think, all that while, we sat only yards away from him.

But, our brush with fame was not over. A half-hour after the awards ceremony we had another close encounter. We had gone to a nearby plush hotel. Not because we were staying there, but to use the phone. And as we waited in the lobby for our ride, who should appear out side the hotel but the singing star.

My wife fidgeted nervously.

In cool tones I said, “Stars are just people.”

Her look told me she doubted my statement.

When I suggested we go and say hi, my wife nearly fainted.

Eventually, I convinced her that we should move outside the lobby. There, while this famous person chatted with her entourage, we stood only eighteen feet, seven inches from her notable personage. We tried not to stare and I think I succeeded in appearing nonchalant.

Soon the famous one concluded her conversation with her backup singers and, all by herself, she walked into the lobby, disappeared from sight. There was no sadness in our hearts, though. For, if we did nothing else during the rest of our trip to Orlando, we had already achieved fulfillment.

I’m being a bit silly in my portrayal of our experiences in Orlando. In fact, there is something inside me that rebels against the entire concept of celebrity (though I was somewhat effected by being so near celebrities).

But, perhaps there is something to be learned from our reactions to famous people—a reaction that borders on worship. What if we, instead of having these desires toward notable people, felt the urges toward God? What if, in a metaphorical sense, we stood in long line to get an autographed copy of his book? What if our desire was to have our photograph taken with him—as if we were buddies? What if we planned ahead and arrived early at the banquet so as to get a seat close to where the Lord would be speaking? What if we saw Him in a hotel lobby and our hearts raced with excitement because we were so near Him? Maybe we even wished we were included in His entourage so that we might communicate with Him as one does with friends.

Good news! All these things are possible!

Bob Hansen writes from Chehalis, Washington. bhansen6@juno.com