GONE!! Oh Too Soon!

Prince died, and just like that our whole world took a spin dive into “Oh no, what a shame!” spiral. The news media started twenty four hour coverage and everybody did overkill on the ‘awesomeness of this icon, this very talented person who we shall miss dearly.’ Until next month maybe—“Let us see how much coverage we can get out of this event.”

All early deaths, all deaths really are sad, tragic and what a loss of a unique wonderful gifts of God that we probably take for granted until they are gone. Anybody talk about Prince prior to his death? The media did the same with Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Elvis Presley ---well anyone whose music and talent gave us great joy and entertainment while they were among us. I have two thoughts about all four of the above mentioned names. They were talented, awesome, humans, hurting obviously or why else did they like so many end up with the need to “kill the pain.” We all are human and definitely are in need of understanding and of prayers.

It does sadden me though to see that we are lifting up for the youth---a hero—a person to be idolized that may not be ‘hero-idolization worthy. I have been told that Prince converted to Jehovah Witness and changed his lifestyle, and gave away anonymously millions to those in need. THOSE are awesome examples of how belief in God and coming to Him can change anyone---therefore let us hope the media really plays up that part of his life, the AFTER GOD part. Hopefully too, the media will also address the fact that a common reoccurring theme in most celebrities’ lives is how fame tends to give them too much too soon and they find it hard to deal with. In the New Jerusalem Bible, Psalm 49 verse 12 said it best.

In prosperity people lose their good sense, they become no better than dumb animals.

¹³ So they go on in their self-assurance, right up to the end they are content with their lot.

Justin Bieber is one who we hope returns to God, along with Miley Cyrus---both raised in Christian homes. Maybe there is something to be said about the judge’s argument that affluent teens do not know what is right or wrong. Hmm is that the premise behind the Prodigal Son parable?

The one last thought that I had about all the media coverage over Princes’ death---are these the same people who criticize Catholics for their love of the Blessed Mother and the saints? Let us pray these people gain some wisdom on the subject of ‘too soon gone, and oh will they be missed.’

By the way here is a song written by Prince after his conversion entitled the Cross. Too bad you can’t hear the words listening to the song.

Black day, stormy night
No love, no hope in sight
Don't cry, he is coming
Don't die without knowing the cross
Ghettos to the left of us
Flowers to the right
There'll be bread for all of us
If we can just bear the cross

Sweet song of salvation
A pregnant mother sings
She lives in starvation
Her children need all that she brings

We all have our problems
Some big, some are small
Soon all of our problems
Will be taken by the cross

Black day, stormy night
No love, no hope in sight
Don't cry for he is coming
Don't die without knowing the cross

Ghettos to the left of us
Flowers to the right
There'll be bread for all, y'all
If we can just, just bear the cross, yeah

We all have our problems
Some are big, some are small
Soon all of our problems, y'all
Will be taken by the cross. The cross, the cross

Yes that is right, Prince wrote that song. There is hope for all who sin and fall away.