Several years ago, Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) was riding a train, on which my friend, Alan Nagle, was also riding with several of his college buddies. Alan and his group were in a back car playing cards when Ali, heading to sign for his first fight with Sonny Liston, sauntered through. He stopped to visit with the card players, and they invited him to join them. Ali had a couple of things he needed to do first, but he did return and play cards with Alan and the rest of them.
In casual talking as they played, Ali came across as “low key,” polite and interested in the others. Not really self-absorbed at all. Because that puzzled Alan, he asked Ali about the “brashness” that seemed to be his image. Ali said it was all an act, and went on to explain there were two ways to get a crack at the championship. One was to take on all opponents, and eventually earn a shot at the championship. That would take time. The other was to be so cocky and “stand-outish” that people would demand a showdown. That was the route Ali decided to take. It was all calculated.
However, something happened along the way. A twist. Ali actually became the image he wanted to portray. Oh, he wasn’t a bad guy. People still either loved him or hated him. But, eventually, he did become brash, arrogant, and all the things he purposely did to get a shot at the championship. That’s what can happen with false images.
Sometimes they turn into realities.
I figure it pays to do a little soul searching once in awhile. What is the image we want others to have of us? If we focus more on how God sees us, and what He wants us to be, perhaps we would more consistently be that person.
Wouldn't that be a great twist?
That was My Turn. Now, it’s Your Turn to let us know what you think of how images can affect us.
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