Last week, my hubby Paul and I ventured north to Glasgow for a couple of nights. We had 2 concerts to enjoy, one I had purchased as a birthday present for Paul, the other was a Covid rearranged performance. I was excited to see Bearsden with Paul but was truthfully just being the dutiful wife when it came to concert number 2!

I don’t know about you but for me, the jury is out on concerts. I love seeing someone whose music I know well, songs I listen to regularly and can sing along to, but am never so eager to stand in a crowd behind the tallest person in the room and listen to someone I hardly know. Needless to say, I had mixed feelings about the rearranged show as I knew very little of his music. Brian Fallon for those of you who are interested. 

Also something I am indifferent to is the ‘support’ act having endured a few nightmares along the way.

Are you getting the picture? I love to listen to what I love and am very content doing that. However, Paul is always on the look out to discover a new artist or the next song that takes his breath away. Don’t get me wrong, I love music but for me, it’s all about quality, not quantity.

Anyway, I am sure you are delighted to hear that both concerts were fabulous, very different but equally enjoyable. Bearsden lived up to my expectations and even better, sang all my favourite songs.

The unexpected joy of the second evening made it seem even sweeter, and what I usually think of as a nightmare of 2 support acts turned out to add to the whole evening and provide me with food for thought.

One support act had great music, the second one was hilarious and Brian Fallon was a joy to watch. As I listened to each of them and their rhetoric in between songs, it struck me that how all 3 of them used their platform was very different and I found myself asking the question, how would use my platform if I had one.

Then I realised that I do have a platform, as do each of you, we just don’t think of things in that way. The danger is that we do not realise we have a platform and therefore our everyday influence could be something we do not want.

Platforms of home and work, time spent with family and friends, your teammates, platforms of everyday life and the people who cross your path.

Of course, we have the ever-expanding platform of Social Media where it seems people can choose to say just about anything regardless of how it may impact those around them.

Now you have been reminded that you have a platform, the next question is, how are you using that platform? We need to be intentional about the influence we have or the legacy we leave behind may not be what we want.

The words and actions of others have are powerful, they can produce many emotions within us, instilling you with confidence, feeling valued, inspiring you and propelling you into things you never imagined possible, they also have the power to leave you feeling useless, insignificant and worthless preventing you from stepping out into something new. How do your words make others feel?

Do you use your platform to join in with the gossip or character assassination of a fringe friend? Do you feel the need to tell someone every time they annoy you, is the soundtrack of your life one of complaining and criticism, things would be better ‘if only’, you rush to say the one negative word.

 Are you the centre of your platform?

I continually ask myself these questions, you see for me it is about so much more than somewhere to air my views. It is all about shining the light of the love of Christ in all I do, with each person I meet each word I speak, each glance across the room.

My thankfulness can allow someone to see something they can be grateful for.

My kind word about someone can silence the criticism.

My willingness to lean into a hurting soul and pause my agenda can be the beginning of healing.

My awe and wonder at creation all around can give someone a glimpse of the greatness of God.

My generosity can place value on someone who feels discarded.

Is this a platform?

Of course, it is, not in Wembley Arena but that’s not where I want my platform to be, rather I hope it is

sitting on a wall with one crying heart beside me and my arm around her,

speaking words of value when others begin to tear down,

seeing a new perspective when all a friend sees is hopelessness,

Bringing light in the darkness because I already know the Light of the World and it’s His light I want to shine on my tiny platform.