The Taylor Swift Effect: Validation
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man called by the name of Zaccheus; he was a chief tax collector and he was rich. Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and he was unable due to the crowd, because he was short in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up a sycamore tree in order to see Him, because He was about to pass through that way.And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” And he hurried and came down, and received Him joyfully. When the people saw this, they all began to complain, saying, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner!” But Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I am giving to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone, I am giving back four times as much.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Luke 19:1-10 (NASB)
Fans of Taylor say they feel seen and heard. She “gets” their pain and she shares their struggles. She validates their experiences so let’s look at what VALIDATION means:
The action of making or declaring something legally or officially acceptable.
Recognition or affirmation that a person (or their feelings or opinions) are valid or worthwhile. (Oxford Dictionary)
How grievous (even debilitating) is the heart disease called “unworthiness”?
PERSONAL SIDEBAR: I’ve battled that feeling most of my life. In my mind, I know Christ makes me worthy, but my heart has been harder to convince. Or perhaps better said, my old mindset haunts me– when I don’t put on God’s Helmet).
Regarding the faithful fans of Taylor, Psychology Today puts it this way:
“The experience of being human brings with it a survival-based need to be seen, understood, and validated by others; and to have a community, a tribe of like-minded people.” *
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Jesus validated those who sought Him. No matter their sin. No matter how bad. No matter their wealth, health (or lack thereof). His fanbase was seen and VALIDATED!
The state of lost lambs, aka YOUR fans, is a critical, life-and-death mission. The size of your audience doesn’t count. What does count is seeing them like God does.
Because they matter immeasurably, pass along your Father’s validation!
The Taylor Swift Effect: Validation (Part 14)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.
LINKS, NOTES & THINGS TO CONSIDER
* Why Taylor Swift's Fans Love Her So Much | Psychology Today Canada