In 1928, while on his only concert tour of the USA, the composer Maurice Ravel met George Gershwin at a party given to celebrate Ravel’s 53rd birthday. Both composers were well established at that time and admired each other’s prowess. Ravel was astonished at the capability that Gershwin had to scale formidable technical difficulties and the way that he weaved complicated rhythms and melody. Gershwin was always wanting to learn new styles and techniques and asked Ravel to give him lessons in composition. After serious consideration, the French master is reputed to have said ‘Why be a second-rate Ravel when you can be a first-rate Gershwin?’
Drawing inspiration from others is a part of how we develop, but I am sure that I’m not alone in profoundly disliking the current obsession some people have with mimicking a particular celebrity or experiencing the latest TikTok fad just because it’s the thing to do. Many people experience the disabling effect of trying to act in a particular way or to present a particular façade rather than being their true selves – the fulfilled person God wants us alone to be.
As we prepare to remember Jesus’s birth, the incarnation of God’s perfection, let’s cast away the things that prevent us being ourselves, whether that’s our own or other’s expectations or cramping of our true selves. It’s only when we are true to ourselves and the self that God wants us to be, that we can, with our whole selves, show the glory of God and the love of Christ.
Jeff Claxton
