Jimmy Buffet and Jesus Christ  
by Bill Edmonds
July 11, 2016

"I sell escapism."
                         -Jimmy Buffet
 
I just returned from our annual family vacation trip to the beach.  We had a great time of fun, sun and sand.  We completely disengaged from our normal set of activities and indulged in board games, fiction novels, and a few Jimmy Buffett songs.  We escaped briefly from the routine of life that keeps us occupied the other fifty-plus weeks of the year.   

At its core, escapism is defined as the avoidance of reality. The same could be said about vacations.  Vacations are great, but most of us don't live on vacation - we go on vacation.  The avoidance of reality ends when we pull back into our driveways.  We live in the real world where being present is necessary, and escapism can get you fired.  

Speaking of Jimmy Buffett, he's done a great job at selling escapism.  So much so that his estimated annual income is somewhere north of $35 million.  He sells escapism through Margaritaville, an LLC based in Orlando, Florida (although it's been said to be located in the tropics somewhere between the Port of Indecision and Southeast of Disorder), that merchandises all-things-Buffett.  Here escapism is marketed through vacation clubs, casinos, resorts, music, clothing, etc., generating hundreds of millions of dollars yearly for the brand.  Not bad for a popular musician who's last hit song came in 2003.

Jesus came to earth to offer peace, not escapism.  He told His followers, " Peace I leave with you.  My peace I give to you." He said we could have this peace even when we weren't on vacation - during the rest of the year where we experience the troubles of this world - because, as Jesus stated, " I have overcome the world."

Jimmy Buffett will sell you escapism, but Jesus Christ can give you peace - true, lasting peace.  A peace that is free to all who believe.  Escapism runs from reality.  The peace of Christ equips us for reality.  Escapism is about turning up the music.  God's peace is about facing the music...with the Creator of the Universe by your side.

Play to win this week in the game that really counts!
 
Bill Edmonds is an "Outside-Insider" (an Executive Coach and Consultant), who works with leaders to help them reach their full potential in the areas of organizational and personal development. He spent 24 years with Merrill Lynch until his retirement in 2014, where he led a $100+ million per year revenue wealth management business unit as a Director with the firm. His company is
Northstar Leadership Solutions.