You Are Famous

The movie credits splash the names of the stars across the screen. We know who they are; they are the people who producers depend on to get us into the theaters. The biggies.

But you know, I’m more intrigued by those whose names show up in smaller fonts. The actors whose parents lean forward in their red cushion theater seats and squint their eyes to watch for their son’s or daughter’s name roll up at the very bottom of the list, long after everyone else has left the theater.
Sally Jones…Townsperson #1
Ruth Peterson…Bystander #2
Mary Monson…Pedestrian #2

The friends and family cheering and applauding for Sally and Ruth and Mary are just as excited for those actors as the families of the star of the show. Probably even more excited.

The same scenario plays out in real life, doesn’t it?

The business owners, social media favorites, big-named authors, pastors, and musicians stand out above the rest. They’re famous. “Everyone” knows their names. And for those doing good things for the greater good, that’s great! We should know their names.

But I’m also interested in the woman who doesn’t have the platform, the presence, the accolades. I’m interested in the woman who shows up, using the gifts God has loaned her for this time. She is influencing her family, community, church, and her friends, by doing what she can do. Her name is more important.

I think that woman is you.

People become famous because they’ve done something that had a big-deal influence on something else.
Someone has noticed the thing. It’s had an impact.

You are famous because you do big-deal daily things in the lives of the people you care about.
And those people have noticed. It’s had an impact.

YOU, my friend, are famous.
YOU have a special way of engaging with people. A unique way of showing up. Your gifts and talents come alive with your own personality and style.

When you show up and do what you know you can do – however small or seemingly effortless – it makes a difference.

The poet Naomi Shihab Nye wrote this beautiful reminder: I want to be famous in the way a pulley is famous or a buttonhole, not because it did anything spectacular but because it never forgot what it could do.
When my sweater needs to button up? I need a buttonhole.
When something heavy needs to move in a new direction? I need a pulley.
The buttonhole and pulley are famous in those moments.

When my heart is heavy or my soul is tired, I don’t need the star who is better, bigger, or more well-known to show up. I need someone who is willing to show up and fill, support, or complete my picture. Someone who will stand or sit or be just where my life needs them to be. That friend becomes famous in my heart.

It’s the people in my daily living who my heart needs. I want Townsperson #1 and Bystander #2 and Pedestrian #3 in my life. I may know them as Sally, Ruth, or Mary. Because these are the people that make my story – my life – complete.

Your role may seem small, but your impact is significant.
The rest of us need you to remember what you can do.
Then show up. Just doing your ordinary.

You are famous in the best way.

Would you like a little inspiration from me every day?

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Comments

  1. Gaye, I love your perspective! We’re all a part of God’s big picture aren’t we? Like you always say. “You are significant” Sending love & hugs to you, my friend.

You are Extraordinarily Significant!