I wrote my family’s holiday newsletter today. I rationalized that my letter isn’t that late if you include Presidents Day in the holiday season.
They say Otter’s will perform when they have an audience. When no one is watching they become rather lethargic. Of course, I wonder how this can be proven. Obviously they perform when they have an audience (I’ve seen their antics at numerous zoos) but when no one is watching – well, how do we know what they do? This is not the paradox for which the title of this entry refers.
The paradox is one of promotion. In the newsletter I promoted this website. I told everyone about this site and in a minimalist way directed them to it. Hardly a 60 foot billboard but the boldest step I’ve taken so far in publicizing it. Most people that I work with don’t even know I’m a writer, and those I’m closest to have never been to this website. I did have two teachers I used to work with tell me that they had found my site and read some of the articles – it was very flattering (thanks Leann and Mrs. Houser).
My instincts are to downplay whatever I do or write. Maybe its fake humility or a lack of confidence. What I think it is, is my philosophy of writers and thinkers in general. Often the more one clamors to be heard, the less they have to say. Take for instance Howard Stern. Whereas truly original thinkers don’t need to tute their own horn. Or at least that is how I see it. But is that true? Isn’t there a balance between the vain and the vague.
There is a proverb that goes “let another man praise you and not your own lips.” But in this day of rapid self-promotion, press releases and spin it seems like the humble only eat the left over pie.
So is all self promotion bad? If not, what is an appropriate amount? Obviously telling my family and friends about my website is not akin to writing my link on the sphinx.
Yes, that was a sad rhyme, but it is something I will allow from time to time.
I have no answer. This entry is more rhetorical. It merely reflects some of my thoughts and concerns as I venture further into the rabbit hole that is the modern media. I think that I have a unique perspective and may contribute some insight and humor into the social dialogue. If I force myself into the spotlight then it cheapens what I have to say, but if I never reach the stage then any wisdom I may have shared is lost all together.
Ultimately I believe that it is God who exalts and humbles. The question is what role do I play? God exalted David with the slaying of Goliath, but David was no wallflower either. He pushed ahead and asked for the opportunity. Elijah on Mount Carmel was not at a loss for words. Jesus went to the Temple AND the crowds followed him into the wilderness. Paul visited the Synagogues throughout the Roman Empire.
For now the question is moot, but in time I know that I will have to promote my ideas, scripts and myself and I don’t know how comfortable I am with it. I would love for my talents to make a way for me without me having to lift myself up. But … I just don’t know how practical that is in this day and age, and more importantly I don’t know what God’s perspective is on this.
I’ve seen too many sincere Christians become idolized, and then start to believe in their own exalted state. I’d much rather be like the missionary couple (John & Betty) that I know. Both of them are approaching their 80th year, with over 50 years each of active missionary service in Asia. Their lives, attitudes and demeanor are an example to me of true greatness, and true humility. They refuse to promote themselves. I asked if I could write a biography about them and they at first refused. They are considering it now but not for their own glory but so that their grandchildren and others could know of what God did.
Maybe this will be the death knell for my historic identity, but I’d much rather faulter on the side of obscurity then on obtusivity. Okay… so I just made up that word. Shakespeare did, but he got away with making up words because he was… well, he was Shakespeare.
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