Celebraties Can't Win

(copied from my 360.yahoo.com blog dated 2/7/08)

My mind has been dwelling on celebrities this week. I'm pretty sure there will be a handful of readers who totally disagree with me, but the title says it all. Celebrities can't win.

When I see Brittany Spears on the news again and again and again, with one problem after the other, my first instinct is to say, "Get it together, Chica!" But, then I just want to cry for her. Her problems may be self inflicted. But, then again, they may not. It seems like every time she acts out she is desperately begging for someone to help her work through some sort of deep hurt. And, although she is constantly surrounded by an entourage, I think she must be very, very lonely.

After Katrina, George Clooney was very public about his efforts to raise funds for the Katrina refugees. If my memory serves, he received a great deal of criticism and was even accused of stealing some of the raised funds.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have salvaged several children from a lifetime of hardship and have spent a good deal of time in Africa and other countries carrying out their humanitarian efforts. The critics say they only adopted the babies for the media attention. Give me a break! As I watch the paparazi videos they seem to take true delight in their children.

The Olsen Twins are too skinny and have problems with drugs. Well, maybe that's because they've been in hollywood since they were babies.

Susan Sarandon should mind her own business and keep her mouth shut when it comes to politics. Because she is a celebrity, her political opinion doesn't matter. And she couldn't possibly be intelligent enough to make any political sense.

Or the latest...Oprah endorses a presidential candidate. The media latched on to that one pretty quick. They started calling Obama's campain Oprahbama. As if, his success hinges on her endorsement, rather than his ability to lead the country.

Frankly, I don't think anyone has any business criticizing these individuals. We don't know the kind of pain a person could be going through. Every person should be entitled to their opinion...this is America. And, if you were suddenly blessed with a rich endowment, wouldn't you want to use it to make a difference in this world, especially in the lives of children.

My hope for today is that we all take a step back from our judgemental slants. Instead of criticizing these individuals and celebrities in general, try praying a blessing over their journey. If their lives are in need of change or their motives need to be checked or their hearts are in the wrong place, that has nothing to do with us and everything to do with their relationship to God. So, take all that time spent griping about them and get on your knees and pray for them. Celebrities have the ability to make real change in our world and bring glory to God if they choose.