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 It's Time To Embrace Recently, the entertainment world was seemingly rocked to its core as hip-hop star Mase retired from the rap game to follow God. There was once a pervading thought that entertainers only turned to God in an effort to kick-start a fading career. However, in the case of Mase and other well known public figures such as Woody (formerly of Dru Hill), Lauryn Hill, and most recently Dave Hollister, failing  careers were not part of the picture.
So one might ask, why would people of this
stature openly confess a relationship with Christ? Why would
these stars, some of which are household names, risk their
livelihoods by declaring a genuine love for God?These are questions that I’m sure have been asked by members of both the secular and sacred communities alike. Many can’t possibly understand why anyone of their celebrity status would risk it all to follow Christ. I offer to you that we as the gospel community should spend less time questioning their motives and more time embracing them. I believe that the reason that many can’t believe that these celebrities would make this bold step is because many of us, if put in the same position, would decline the offer. It’s true. Many of us work 9 to 5 jobs only dreaming to have the prestige, fame, and  money that has been heaped upon these
public figures. There is this belief that believers and
non-believers alike have arrived when we’ve achieved a certain
financial status. Few of us would be willing to give it all
up to follow Christ. That’s why many Christians are in the
financial state that they are in. God knows that some of His
children love money more than Him and before He takes the
back seat to money, He’ll just opt not to give it to you.
That’s what makes these celebrities so special. They were
willing to turn down more money in favor of answering the
call of God.Somewhere in the course of life, we forget that celebrities are people like you and me. All of the money, publicity, and fame does not erase a man’s soul, accountability, or responsibility. In the heart and soul of every man lies a desire for right  relationship with God. We were created
with the specific design to be in intimate relationship with
God. In our search to find this bond with God, many people
turn to many options. However, it is their heartfelt goal,
consciously or unconsciously, to be one with God. The Bible
supports this by stating, “All creation anticipates the day
when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from
death and decay.” (Romans 8:21 NLT) These celebrities also
long to know God. They long to be with God is a special way.
Only God can fill the void that rests in the lives of
these individuals.I applaud my sisters and brothers for their holy boldness in expressing their relationship with God. Woody’s resignation from Dru Hill, Mase’s retirement from rap, and Lauryn Hill’s scripture-laced acceptance speeches on recent awards programs are far from publicity stunts. Many Christians today are scared to openly declare Christ in their own churches, let  alone to a media world that
views God as an anomaly and social deviance as normal
behavior. It takes a lot for these artists to openly
profess Christ. While many of us may fear one or two
people ostracizing us, these stars put their livelihood
on the line for their love for God.This is the type of Christian that God is looking for. He needs a bold soldier who knows his or her purpose and is willing to fulfill it. Perhaps Lauryn Hill put it best, in her speech at the recent Essence Awards. She said, “I realized that my purpose is to be a servant for Him. I want to let young people know that it’s not a burden to love or represent God.” As Christians, the time has come to embrace our new brothers and sisters in the Gospel. Many may have issues with this. However, I encourage you to be careful that in your hesitance and reservation that you avoid acting as some Jewish Christians  did in the days of the early church.
Remember that Jesus Christ didn’t die just to save you.
He died for Lauryn, Mase, Dave, and Woody too. They have
the right to be heirs and joint-heirs, just as we do.Don’t forget that it wasn’t all that long ago that many of us started down the right path. Let’s not be judgmental. Indeed, it is time to embrace. Dave, Lauryn, Mase, and Woody, welcome to the family!!
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