WHEN THE ROLE MODEL FAILS

WHEN THE ROLE MODEL FAILS

A Reflection on Fame, Faith, and the Mirror We All Face

It’s disheartening to witness a creative force of nature drift from homespun, heartfelt storytelling into raunchy portraits of self-indulgence and worldliness. Sure, it sells. It catches attention. But it also plants seeds— thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors, all things that can take root in places we least expect.

The drift has been gradual but visible, a little more seeping in with each release. And yet, beneath the surface, this individual still identifies as a person of faith and substance. As a self-identified role model to countless young and impressionable minds, you hope to see growth and transformation in their work— that maturity would lead to a more genuine message that points their audience toward a higher purpose. But in this case, fame seems to have corroded the foundation.

I pray for a genuine change in this icon. That said, I’m off the bandwagon and choosing to protect my family from the toxicity associated with their work. It’s an unpopular but necessary choice.

As someone who deeply values creativity, I understand the need to depict evil, emptiness, and the ache of a life devoid of purpose. I’ve done so myself in my own creative work. I’ve even encouraged others to explore such contrasts— to highlight the beauty of righteousness by showing its absence. But this feels different. This time, I’m struggling on another level.

It’s troubling that this individual can so casually toggle between a sanitized, kid-friendly façade and morph into a darker, more profitable R-rated persona. They’re doing this by releasing different versions of the same work— modifying a few inappropriate lines and selling both under the same title.

I actually see this differently than you might expect. I’ve owned many albums over the years— some edited for content, others not. Most of the time, the edits are just muted out (and maybe just at the behest of a record label). But that’s not really at the heart of this discussion. What troubles me is the idea that an artist would record something one way, then feel compelled to change five or six lines just enough to make it palatable for a broader audience, all the while still pushing the original version as the primary product.

I have more admiration for those who stand firm— those who speak truth even when it’s rough around the edges or wrapped in darker tones. At least they’re consistent in their conviction. It’s this wishy-washy business that makes me frustrated. It feels more calculated.

In this instance, I’m thinking of a figure many of us have known and loved for years. But here’s the twist: how often do we toggle the same way? Maybe not in the public eye, but in our personal lives. How often do we present the “PG” version of ourselves to one audience, while hiding the “R-rated” edition from another?

God sees through both. And He can change each of us— if we’re willing. Real transformation rarely happens overnight. In fact, it’s often better when it’s gradual. That way, it takes root and becomes real. It’s not just a “flavor of the week” but a true reflection of a growing soul.

As this evolution unfolds within us, others begin to recognize the shift. They see the depth. And that gives us a unique opportunity to speak truth with heartfelt impact.

My prayer today is this: that we would look at stories like this one and allow them to stir something deeper within us. May we each be attuned to the sacred calling of becoming the role models we were made to embody— for all of our days.

James 1:22–25 (NIV)

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it— not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”