by Joanie Butman
“Mom! Mom! Mom! Look at me! Watch this!” When vying for a parent’s attention, I vividly remember doing this to my own mother as much as when my own children did it to me in their youth. It seems people never outgrow that innate desire to be seen and affirmed. Isn’t that the purpose of social media? People of all ages screaming “Look at me!” with the number of likes and friends determining their worth.
Nothing screams “Look at me!” louder than creation at this time of year with its cacophony of color and the aroma of pumpkin spice and burning wood wafting through the air. Fall is my favorite season. Creation is God’s social media account announcing His presence in this world since the beginning of time. “Look at me! Watch this!” Who else but God could make death beautiful? Trees are at their most beautiful just before their dormant season.
God’s got more likes and followers than even the most popular influencer. We can attribute those numbers to the original Christian influencers, and all those that followed and continue to follow their lead. As Christians, we’re all influencers for Christ regardless of the number of followers we have. Technically, an influencer is someone who has the power to affect the purchasing decisions of others because of his or her authority, knowledge, position, or relationship with his or her audience.* Being a brand ambassador for God, we too have the opportunity to affect the choices others make. Choices more crucial than any fashion or beauty tips, though being clothed in Christ’s righteousness and radiating His love could possibly be the most valuable fashion and beauty advice available. Christian influencers don't want you to follow them. They want you to follow Christ. I was reminded of this truth at a memorial for a close friend last weekend.
Carlos’s funeral was a long time coming since he passed away in April of 2020. Due to the pandemic, his service couldn’t be held until it was safe to do so. When I was sitting in church, I couldn’t help but look around to observe the enormous amount of people whose lives were blessed by Carlos. The massive church was packed. It was the personification of his likes and followers. The fruit of a life well lived. In fact, I learned later that it was the largest attendance at any mass at St. Ignatius Loyola since before Covid.
Not that Carlos was interested in numbers. The only ‘like’ he lived for was Christ’s. As a chaplain at Memorial Sloane Kettering and Lenox Hill Hospital, he was in the business of walking people home with grace, compassion and above all – love. He was active in his church, and one of the staff encapsulated Carlos in one line: “Carlos had a passion for Jesus and for sharing Him with others.” That description summed up his whole life. The attendees were the recipients of his passion in the best possible ways. Whenever I left Carlos after one of our many lunches, I always felt like I had just spent the afternoon with Jesus. He wasn’t technically my spiritual director, but we had deep spiritual conversations that strongly influenced my relationship with Christ and others.
Carlos had an impressive resume from his youth in Columbia, to finance, to ministry. His accomplishments were many, but it was his enormous capacity for love that was memorialized - along with his infamous hugs. Even Pope Frances was engulfed in a hug when Carlos met him. His humility was his super power. Carlos knew it wasn’t about Him. He chose to live his life as a signpost to Jesus and, as such, inspires us to do the same.
Finally, I have never been to a memorial service before where the deceased received a standing ovation. Nor can I think of a better testimony to the legacy of love Carlos bequeathed. Moreover, I’m convinced he was received into Heaven the same way – with a host of angels applauding and Christ embracing him while proclaiming, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Carlos knew He didn’t have to vie for Christ’s attention because as a Christian, it was his birthright. Jesus is waiting to give you His full attention and affirmation as well, but you need to choose to send Him a friend request because He won’t go where He’s not invited.
Choose wisely!
In loving memory of
Carlos Cuartas
The life once lived cannot be unlived.
In one of Carlos’ last texts to me he quoted Paul Thymich’s poem, "Komm, Jesu, komm," which Bach eventually used for his funeral motet. Carlos died the way he lived - with Jesus in his heart and by his side.
Come, Jesus, Come!
My body is weary,
my strength fails me more and more,
I am longing for your peace;
the bitter way is becoming too difficult for me!
Come, I shall give myself to you;
you are the right way, the truth and the life.
Therefore, I put myself in your hands and bid goodnight to the world!
If my life's course hastens onto the end, my soul is then well prepared.
I will rise up to be with its creator for Jesus is and remains the true way to life."
Paul Thymich (1684)
*https://influencermarketinghub.com/what-is-an-influencer/