Ok, so I’m 44, male, often to be seen sporting the stubble look and not so designer clothing , with a figure which has lost it’s six pack appeal , living in a small town in England, where very few people have heard of me. While Britney is 26, some would say attractive, a famous singer living in the USA. She has had various hit singles and a lead role in a movie called “Cross roads” mingles with the who‘s who of the modern music /celebrity world, and is followed by the paparazzi wherever she goes.

It’s true, that at first glance the connection is not obvious, but as I listened to a song by a band called Casting Crowns, (Does anybody hear her) posted on u tube, and linked to pictures of Britney‘s recent past , I began to see some similarities.

Like Britney, I enjoyed Friday or Saturday nights out with friends, a few drinks, a party, a chance to chill out let your hair down and be seen with the right crowd, listening to the right kind of music. And when all the fun was over hope that you would meet Mr or Mrs Right, rather than Mr or Mrs Right Now. Someone you can build a life long relationship with, someone to give meaning to life.

Maybe for some people this sounds a little extreme, but I’m sure we all pin our hopes somewhere. A successful career, a hobby or interest, a relationship , friendships, family, money, fashion or music. How we are seen and perceived by others drives us forward. From street gangs to the board room the need to prove ourselves and belong is equally strong.

Sadly for Britney, those pictures of her recent turbulent past , show, what I can only imagine has been a most emotionally distressing time, for a young woman in the public glare. As her relationships break down, and custody battles for her children are discussed in the courts, she is ridiculed and judged by others in the media spot light, who stand on the outside looking in.
All of us have been judged and have judged others at some point, because it’s a lot easier and safer to point a wagging finger, or make a comment to a friend, about someone else’s behaviour than consider your own. Unlike Britney however, we don’t have global interest in our mistakes and faults.

When those things you pinned your hopes on let you down, when you have failed, or others have failed you where do you turn? I remember travelling at 100mph in the wrong direction, and the thrill of the ride lost it’s appeal long before I couldn’t keep running. When deep inside you ask where do I turn next? you can rest assured that one person knows exactly what you have gone through and has been there waiting to hear from you.
Jesus Christ has travelled every step with you in the wrong direction, waiting until you and I are ready to say to him “Can you help me”

Fame, money and celebrity status, with all the trappings, do not provide lasting happiness any more or less than yours truly’s situation. No fame, a lot less money and a celebrity status, that stretches as far as my nineteen year old cat who thinks I’m great because I feed him.

A relationship with Jesus Christ however, provides a lasting relationship which never fails, because despite all our faults and failings, he NEVER gives up on us and NEVER stops loving us. From the USA to England, singer or social worker , Jesus welcomes anyone, who asks for his help from their heart.