Hardly Famous

By Paul Stanley

It has been a while since I wrote anything here, but on my behalf I have been very busy with church and trying to accomplish some personal goals. So with those done, I can get back to things like this.

I read yesterday that the musician named Prince died. I was not really a fan of his music but the man did have undeniable talent as a songwriter and musician. I read of his struggles with religion and God and he seemed very confused about most of it, finally settling, so it seems on being a Jehovah Witness.

All that aside, I found it curious that a week ago, you read nothing of Prince in the news or on social media, but once he died he suddenly became everyone's favorite musician and his musical brilliance has not stopped scrolling across the screen. Around the world purple lights are on, masses of people coming together to cry and dance and sing his songs, and even the president of this country has paused long enough to mention his passing.

I am not taking any of this man's accomplishments, my point is I wonder if people showed him any appreciation while he was still alive. I think maybe a week ago, many would have considered him a thing of the past, maybe even washed up. And it makes me think that maybe we treat many folks in our lives the same way; taking them for granted, not bothering to show any love or appreciation, or even telling them how much they mean to us.

I suppose if any lesson is to be leaned here it is one of expressing our appreciation for others while they are still alive, and not waiting until their funeral. If they really mean that much to us, they should be on the front of our mind and not stuck in the back somewhere, only to come out as a memory at some memorial service.