Friday, October 19, 2012

Of Muhammad Ali, Kadaffi, Tiger Woods and Lance Armstrong [or the danger of 'Idol'atery]

I've been following the fall of Lance Armstrong.. and reading all the interesting reactions of his fans,  the members of his foundation and the sporting world. Barely one week after a report stating that

"The evidence shows beyond any doubt that the US Postal Service Pro Cycling Team ran the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sport has ever seen"

Lance Armstrong has gone from Idol to almost ragdoll. Not only has he lost contracts with reputable the Nike, he has had to step down as the Chair of his Livestrong Foundation. I read a funny article this morning of persons cutting up their Livestrong  wristbands.

No, this is not just a Lance Armstrong story.  Few months ago I had a chance to catch glimpses of Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxer who ever lived.  The one who will "Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee". It was a wow moment for me, to see him like this:

Ali  could no longer walk without assistance. Without much analysis, it is clear that no longer can he float like a butterfly, but he CERTAINLY could not sting like a bee.

The other image that comes to mind is that of  Moammer Kadaffi. I cannot bring myself to post the image of his dead body on this blog, or that video of him begging for life, or his body being dragged ont he streets.  So I am posting his "Greated UN photo".  I watched him live, give a speech in New York, "thrashing" the United Nations and literally thrashing the UN Charter.
 The list is very long.. of people rising and falling.. idols becoming ragdolls, stars that you revered turning out to be just ordinary morally-bankrupt individuals.

No wonder the Bible talks about not trusting in men, the sons of men.. and not worshiping any other  gods outside The Maker..

How many sports, cinema, fashion, religious or political "idols" have not crashed in our life time?  How many are yet to crash?  

My friend, NEVER trust anyone to be infallible. Simply put, remove all the IDOLS from your life..

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