For many years and as often as possible, when a famous person or couple came to the USA, I would drop everything and go so as to photograph and cover the story. I certainly miss those days and events! And, I literally missed the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they came to NYC this week. I would not have been able to get very close, but I’ll tell you for almost certain, I would have had as close of access as the nearest fan because it would have been a waiting game of which I’ve always been willing to do and yes, I would have carried my ladder to get a head or two above the crowd.
When Queen Elizabeth II, William’s grandmother, the Queen of England visited William and Mary College a couple of years ago, I waited for hours and was able to be on the front line of access. With a long 400mm lens, I was able to capture some pretty good pics and even felt I got a “nod” and look from her. She was probably wondering about the ladder on which I was standing. Ha!
I read online comments about the Prince and Prince’s coming and one old grouch wrote, “Who cares they are here?” Another wrote “What difference does it make that they have come to NYC?. Some comments were positive and others grumbling about their power, influence and money.
There are some things we cannot change about ourselves. It is through God’s providence that we are who we are, born where we’re born and to whom we spend our lives. It absolutely does matter that these people of influence and power are here and it matters the stands they take on various causes. Why? Because just seeing the clamor of their coming to the US, we see the influence they have. Our prayer should be that they would highlight and be about God’s work in whatever endeavor they choose.
They didn’t eat lunch at a poor man’s house. They ate at one of the most prestigious hotels in New York City, The Carlyle, in honor of the British essayist, Thomas Carlyle (1715-1881). Other famous people have stayed at that hotel including former Presidents, wealthy celebrities and even Prince Williams late mother, Princess Diana. They did visit an educational center showing care for the less affluent and they mixed among those who enjoy basketball at the Barclays Center while the Nets and Cavaliers played. All of these visits are important as they play into the power that they hold in the life they have been given by God. (Nothing they could do, lest they boast).
Missed Seeing The Prince and Princess in NYC- Awe!
Photo Credit- Clarence House
Photo Credit-Clarence House
Is it William’s fault he was born to royalty? Is it Catherine’s error that she met and married a prince? Should they not use their wielding power to influence the masses? And how do we know they have wielding power? Well, for one thing, when they arrived at the Carlyle, the crowds had to barricaded away from the area to give them room to come in a motorcade, no less!
We too have a life. It may not be that of royalty in terms of a Monarchy but it IS indeed a royal life given to us by a Royal King who will one day set up His Kingdom forever. Hopefully, the royal couple of Cambridge takes their lives seriously and are using their wealth , power and influence for His Kingdom. We must do the same. Each of us have a fan base whether it be our brothers, sisters, children, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, etc. We should use all that is in our own power to promote the Kingdom of God and influence the masses for Him.
Josie
