Magic 8 Cube

Hello, world. I've decided to take on a new blog after a 3 year hiatus from the world of e-journaling, and my first post is going to be about Michael Phelps. I mean, who isn't writing about him these days? 8 for 8 in 08...that's some "magic" at the Water Cube.

They say fame changes people. I've seen it when following various up-and-coming celebs through the news. You have to wonder if they are changing who they are all on their own, how society responds to them is what's changing them, or are they finally showing their true colors? I hope and pray that this amplified fame experience does not change who Michael Phelps is. I know that he is a great person who is unbelievably passionate and has a big heart. Still, I'm sure all of this celebrity treatment is a lot to take in, and I have been praying that he remains humble. I think he will.

I've had the pleasure of seeing Michael Phelps swim at two Missouri Grand Prix meets at my alma mater of Mizzou. I also got to hang out with him once...definitely a life highlight. Anyways, watching him swim at the Olympics has been unreal. NBC has been doing a great job of providing hours and hours of fantastic coverage--I'm sad it's almost over! I've enjoyed everything I've read on NBC's Olympics page about Phelps. I wish I could say the same for some of the entertainment sites I've stumbled across. It's disappointing to me that the very field I aspire to delve into, is still responsible for producing some tasteless content. Michael Phelps' goal is to change the sport of swimming, and we've already caught a glimpse of that (I know there's much more to come). I dare to say my goal is to change the image of entertainment news.

The point of this leads to the recent speculations in the media about whether Phelps is single or who he's dating. I mean, really?? As much as I would admit to being curious, the media should just leave his personal life alone. Rumors have surfaced about Phelps and Lily Donaldson, Amanda Beard, Stephanie Rice, and Lindsay Lohan (I read this hilarious bit by KVV of the Baltimore Sun, responding to the text message Lohan sent about wanting to meet Phelps. And I quote, "Memo to Lindsay: If you really did send that message, you're about four years too late. And you're nasty. Enjoy your increasing irrelevancy." I'm sorry, it was funny.). One article I came across that I thought was well-written comes from the Baltimore Sun (appropriate because it's his hometown, and you'd hope they'd be respectful). Curious if Michael Phelps has a girlfriend?

Dear entertainment media, instead of focusing on his love life, what about reporting on his good deeds? Like Michael Phelps giving back to the community or volunteering his time for a good cause. And my personal favorite, being a hero to little kids. Those are the stories that touch people's heart, move people to tears, and give people a glimpse of his even greater potential when God is his guide someday. So I keep praying...for God to stir in Michael's heart, burdening him to seek, find, and be the light God has created him to be. The 8 golds are amazing, the accomplishments are almost unbelievable, and the fame is great. But the abilities are God-given and in the end, no matter who you are, all that matters is your soul.

"I don't wanna gain the whole world and lose my soul." (from Toby Mac's song "Lose My Soul", with inspiration from Mark 8:36 and Luke 9:25)