by Joanie Butman
As is often the case, this week’s topic came to me on the Peloton bike. Yesterday I chose an Earth, Wind and Fire class and was surprised how many great songs they had. Having never been a true fan, I didn’t realize they racked up nearly a dozen gold and platinum albums, not to mention their numerous Top 10 singles. Their most successful was Shining Star, which achieved number one on the Billboard singles chart. The song sounds more like a hymn to me, though I would not have appreciated their lyrics as such in my youth. I read that the inspiration for Shining Star was gleaned from thoughts Maurice had during a walk under the star-filled skies.”*
During my research I discovered that Maurice White, like many other ‘stars,’ “began singing at age six in the church choir.”** White intentionally referenced his beliefs in his songs - quite unique given most of the lyrics I hear today in pop music aren’t fit to print. Shining Star is exactly the kind of light Jesus wants to imbue in us. We just need to embrace His vision.
You’re a shining star
No matter who you are
Shining bright to see
What you could truly be
Shining star for you to see
What your life can truly be
One band member described recording the song as "a spiritual experience." He went on to share, "when Maurice played us the finished mix … I thought we sounded like angels. … It was as if God had been guiding us." **
Earth Wind and Fire had more hits than I realized – and so do we in a sense. In much the same way I was surprised by the number of successes EWF accomplished in their long career, I’m sure we will be even more surprised when Jesus reveals some of our own ‘hits’ we never even knew about. Times when some small (or big) gesture on our part inspired or encouraged someone when they needed it most. A kindness, a listening ear, a helpful hand or maybe a thoughtful note received at just the right time. We are God’s shining stars, sparkling with unique gifts and talents to share with others. The secret to keeping that twinkle alive is choosing to plug into its Source daily. Only then can we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us to those who can use a dose of Divine glitter.
Earth Wind and Fire’s music stands the test of time because their message of peace, spirituality and love transcends generations, race and religion. Maurice White was a shining star in the truest sense. Most of us won’t make it into any Hall of Fame like EWF, but we are guaranteed a standing ovation from our audience of One when we choose to follow His lead. Will you choose to be a shining star for Jesus?
* https://www.earthwindandfire.com/history/biography/
**https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/earth-wind-fire-12-essential-songs-26670/thats-the-way-of-the-world-1975-29074/