I used to have this attitude of, “we should pray for celebrities because of their influence, imagine how many hearts would turn toward God and the church!” Of course that was mixed in with a genuine concern for these people and how the pressures of fame damage them, mind/soul/body…
But God has been working to rectify that desire in me, because praying for them in this way is still “use of the other.” That is not love.
Rather than genuine love for the person, there is still too much focus on what they can do for us, and God knows, the last thing famous people need is another person looking for a way to use them.
This weekend I saw Doja Cat and Post Malone perform live and it reminded me of this moment I had a while back. I was listening to “I Like You (Happier Song),” hearing both of their voices and just feeling the Father’s love for them. Regardless of what they were singing or how they were living, I sensed the joy of a Father delighting in His children. THESE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD! I thought to myself. And for the first time, I saw them that way, as little children whom God loves so intensely, not wanting to condemn, but desiring so deeply to call them back to Himself.
God loves you Amala and Austin.
Here is One Person Who doesn’t want anything from you but your love. He just wants you.