Thought for the
Week - 4th November 2007
 I have to admit to being a fan of the ITV television
programme 'The 'X Factor'. I wouldn't say that I was a
compulsive viewer, although I do watch it most Saturdays. I
think my interest centres around the concept itself and
trying to understand the motivation of those who audition,
sometimes totally undaunted by the humiliating remarks made
by the judges, and still determined to argue that they 'have
what it takes to be successful. What I find most
staggering, is that I had simply no idea that there were so
many thousands of people who are so desperate to succeed,
even to the point of being delusional and 'in denial' of
what their true talent might be! It is quite shocking how
much anger and abuse this can precipitate in the case of
those, albeit the few, who simply cannot accept, not just
criticism but the truth about their musical ability,
presentation or even their appearance. In a seemingly
bizarre reversal of thought, the judges, professional and
experienced, become those who know nothing, whilst the
participants, who often know nothing, become the gifted and
wise, shouting threats of succeeding when, quite
frankly, there would never by a hope of that being
realised.
Just broadening our thinking a little, the programme's
search for a star goes beyond the possession of musical
ability, an attractive personality, or dogged determination
in the pursuit of fame and fortune. The 'X Factor' is about
a presence of mind which spurs someone on to succeed in the
face of criticism, difficulty and disappointment. It is
that part of us, that presence of mind, which exhibits
courage, and focuses on the perceived goal.
November, in the church, is generally known as the month of
remembrance, beginning with All Saints' Day on the 1st,
moving past Remembrance Sunday, and ending with St. Andrew's
Day on the 30th, which is the final day of the church year -
a time to look back and reflect. Those whom we remember in
the various feasts and commemorations, the Saints who fought
for and witnessed our faith, those who gave their lives
in conflict and war, and the earliest apostles through whom
the truth of God was revealed - all had the X Factor. Their
qualities are not derived from ability, training,
personality, or even the determination to achieve anything
for themselves. What they did, often courageously, even
anonymously, was for those they knew, for us and for
generations yet unborn. They believed in the things which
matter, not in personal success, but in truth, integrity,
honour, justice, loyalty, service and love. In life, sadly,
so much of what they believed in is set aside in favour of
personal achievement and status.
It seems to me that participants in 'The X Factor' who fail
to achieve their dream, might reflect well upon those whose
dream was not in wealth or success, but in service, not
in the entertainment of humanity, whom the world will long
remember, I am sure.
Return to the Thought for the
Week main page
|
