Into the Fire

Some people are unfazed by actors. Others make them idols. Some actors are extraordinary people. Others rank with the dregs of our society. Some are celebrities and others are working class trying to stay employed in one of the most fickle businesses in the world—kinda like publishing.

I happened to love Paul Newman. I considered him one of the greatest actors of all time. Much like Johnny Depp, he didn’t intend to be a “sex symbol” when he did his job, nor did he consider himself one. It’s just that some people—male and female—carry a certain sensuality with them minus the lusty attitudes and conduct. Paul Newman married Joanne Woodward and stayed that way for over 50 years until he died the other day at the age of 83. His famous line, “When you’ve got steak at home, why go out for hamburger?” was a classic any wife would love to hear her husband say. He proved over the years that he wasn’t just being clever. He must’ve truly felt that way.

Paul Newman had 83 years on earth to consider where to spend eternity. He wasn’t without pain—he lost a son to suicide. I don’t know his personal decisions about Jesus Christ or what he believed about the spiritual realm. He employed some godly principles by being charitable and generous with much of his wealth, but good works don’t get people to heaven. My hope is that I can meet the man in heaven.

Gifted by God to perform, his skills were appreciated and enjoyed by many. He’d earned respect in his career of choice, his efforts with car racing, and his philanthropic endeavors. He stayed humble and grateful for his success.

I just hope he knew who to thank for it.

Father, I pray for the Newman family in their loss, that they would turn to you for their comfort. He will be missed by many, Lord. You know where he will spend eternity. Help us all to remember there are life and death, heaven and hell decisions to be made before we leave this earth. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.