Fan Musings: Blessed Both Ways
When fandom is done right, it's supposed to be fun. You go to a concert which might be close enough to you, put on an artist T-shirt, get into the music, maybe get a little silly. In these past few months I have truly seen the special relationship between fans and the artists we admire so much. It shows itself in the people who have become bound together at first through their love of the music. Then, like a blooming tree, it branched out to other areas. To more than just talk and sharing about the music. It turned into prayer, encouragement and standing for one another in the trials and the triumphs of each others' lives. And it didn't always need face to face contact in order to happen.
One of the most special blessings for a fan is to be able to reach out to an artist in that same spirit of support and encouragement as for other fans. Many of us have seen this become reality. In order for this to happen, there must be an absence of barriers. I have met performers who speak as warmly to you as they would a friend or acquaintance when meeting you. I've also met those who give off a certain persona on stage, but hide behind brick walls when it comes to one on one contact.
My friends, warmth and kindness can't always pass through brick walls. Now, I realize some performers face circumstances where a certain guard may be necessary. Unfortunately, that's part of the world we live in. You may also hear the expression "it goes with the territory." But that is where careful discernment comes into play. My fellow fans, we must be careful that we are not laying the foundation for those brick walls by our actions, our expectations and our daydreams.
--Wendy V