We tend to underestimate the power of the press these days. When just over
75 years ago, the newspaper world could make or break you. Police chiefs in Los
Angeles and other major towns were elected by the press, putting men in places
where they could control them, and the future of the city. And I guess it is
not much different today, based on reports that the IRS targets conservatives,
then lies about it, and many fall for it. We get only the news that we they
want us to get, and as far as reporting, it all has become one huge bi-polar
editorial. Where at one time, the New York Times was the bastion of news
integrity, boasting “all the news that’s fit to print,” today with its shrunken
readership, and smaller size paper, and obviously biased stand, it is more like
“all the news that fits we print,” referring to size, declining readership, or
position on any subject. Just a few words change their motto to a new found
reputation, which may not be new at all. But we read on, stumbling through
editorials, sound bites, photo ops, looking for the truth, and like Agent Mulder
told Scully for years, “the truth is out there.” Just cleverly covered by a
lie.
But although a bad report, or movie review can make or break a career,
whether it be show biz, sports-which is really entertainment, think about it, or
politics-not very entertaining, the power of the press is still evident today.
With editors or publishers manning the city desk barking out orders on the type
of content they want. Today it may be e-mails, or a quick text, but someone is
still calling the shots. And in this world of word searches, and glancing at
headlines rather than reading the article for content, we have succumbed to
dumbing down, a rewriting of history, or a coerced writing of it, loosely based
on truth, or perspective, which many times replaces reality. Polls, and
feelings replace facts and figures, and how and where the interviewer’s
questions are asked can mean the difference, and be a heavy persuader. And if
you just remember anything you say will be twisted around and used against you,
then you can weigh your words better, at lest making it harder for the lie to be
perpetuated. And the war battles on...
If you have never gone to Hearst Castle, it is a must see, and a good
excuse to ride Highway 1. As if Highway 1 isn’t a good enough reason. Now a
state park, its value was inestimable and since no tax could be levied, it was
donated to the state of California. How do you tax priceless? If you go, do a
night tour-where docents appear in period costume as if living there for the
night, almost too real, but very cool. and see the opulence and self effacing
ego of one man and his memorial to himself. A man who raided historical
treasures from other countries, building his own museum rather than leaving them
for their own. A man who once was known to demand that a certain antique of art
be found and purchased at any cost, only to find after months of searching it
was in one of his warehouses. Such a big man, yet so small. So rich, yet so
poor, and about to play an important part in Christian religion in the 20th
century. WHAT!
Two words were given by Hearst to his newspaper chains, about an up and
coming evangelist who had been drawing sparse crowds. A previous editor of an
LA paper once accused Billy Graham of being the anti-Christ, that he himself was
Jesus, to which Billy replied, “then show me your glory, for Jesus Christ comes
in glory.” And the battle was on, until in 1949, one W. R. Hearst sent out a
two word message to the editor-“PUFF GRAHAM.” In other words, hype Billy and
what he does. Oh the power of one man and his empire, being used by God, for
God. When a small tent had been erected in LA for Billy to preach, the crowds
soon went to 3000, then 9000, then over 15,000. His three week agenda was
changed to eight. And when the reporters came to interview Billy, and he asked
why they came, they told him “you have been kissed by William Randolph Hearst,”
and soon it spread nationwide, and all around the world, with Billy and Ruth
being treated like royalty, welcomed and respected, and taking the gospel around
the world, evangelism as never seen before. Meeting with Presidents,
dignataries, and celebrities, God used Billy to share Jesus with an audience of
a size never done before. Answering a prayer Billy had, and a vision given from
another man about him in a way no one could ever foresee. But that is our God,
and we need to remember that. He does things His way, in ways we cannot see,
and uses all things for His glory. And when He says all, he means ALL! Not
just the good things we see that we think indicate God’s presence, but all the
tough times we endure building a testimony. Something to consider when things
don’t go our way today, or when we reflect on our current conditions-God has it
under control, and can use all resources to His benefit-even unlikely ones like
Hearst. Who would have placed Hearst in the history books with the likes of
Billy Graham-only God. And although Hearst “puffed Graham,” Billy used the
opportunity to “puff Jesus.” Who are you puffing today?
Today leave the things of the spirit to God, not looking in the physical
for a physical answer. Don’t limit God by your short sidedness, but trust Him
in all things.. For ALL things work together for those who love the Lord, and
are called according to His purpose. Be part of His purpose today, share Jesus
with someone, showing love. And if you need to, use words. Remembering the
power of the press, but also the awesome power of a loving God. From one man’s
prayer that God would raise up a man and bring revival, a loving God made good
on His promise. The power of the press, when used in the hands of a loving God
is amazing. Proving all the news about Jesus is fit to print, even in the lowly
NY Times. If God can use a heathen like Hearst to fulfill a vision, imagine
what He can do for you. PUFF Jesus today. And find all the treasures hidden in
the warehouse of your heart. That have been there all the time.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com