Red Carpet reality

Last Friday I received an invitation to attend a red-carpet award gala.  It is in Hollywood and could potentially include some very high-profile guests.  I was excited and set to calculating whether or not I could afford the travel/lodging part of the trip. 

I thought through the potential for meeting people of importance in the “industry” and how it could be a good stepping stone for future professional endeavors.  Many friends weighed in on Facebook to share their opinion about if this was a trip worth making.

Then, last night, I watched the Golden Globe Awards with my husband.  I went to bed saddened and dismayed about our society and the celebration of actors, programs and movies that promote raunchy sexuality, drug and alcohol abuse, and the obsession with wealth. 

To be fair, the award gala I had been invited to is designed to stand against those very things esteemed by the Golden Globes.  This “alternative” seeks to promote faith, family, patriotism and justice (all qualities that seemed to be trampled—even mocked—by the Golden Globe selections.

Yet, I understand the pull of Hollywood, and why so many good intentioned individuals get sucked into that culture.  It all has to do with worth.  When something we write, act out or create gets noticed, it’s a source of pride.  The praise of others can be addictive. 

My speculation is that we all are striving to feel a sense of worth.  No matter how self-confident we seem, we long for someone to see us and acknowledge our accomplishments.  In a planet occupied by billions of people, we want to know that we are unique and that someone really cares.  At heart, we are all that 5 year-old kid pulling on our mom’s arm saying “Look at me!  Look at me!”

I really had to check my heart about why I wanted to go to the gala so much.  Part of me does desire to rub up against someone “important” and to make a connection that would be personally/professionally beneficial.  But, to what end?  Even if I became the next big name in the industry, I doubt very much that my involvement would have much impact on the eternal value scale. 

On the flip side, there are many Christians working in a variety of fields in Hollywood.  Their prayers, boldness and faithfulness have gotten results.  I’ve heard testimony that through their influence, on-screen vulgar sexuality has been reduced, harsh language has been tamed and pro-faith and pro-family messages are gaining tremendous traction at the box office.  Over the years, I’ve heard many accounts of how God has used these people where He’s planted them.

So where does this leave me?  Prayerful.  If I go, I want God to be the one to set it in motion.  I want Him to place my steps.  I want my heart right and my focus to be on Him alone.  He’s reminded me time and time again, through His Word, that He sees me.  My worth needs to be found in Him alone.