“And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.” — Mark 6:56 KJV

Jesus, during His earthly ministry, became a local celebrity. Wherever He went, people got word and drew to Him. He fed thousands with five loaves of bread and two fishes. He healed those who were sick and rebuked the tempestuous winds, along with many other miracles. Many people flocked to Him, but not all drew from Him. He was surrounded by many but “touched” by few.

Hollywood stars and athletes are accustomed to this type of atmosphere. They are used to the paparazzi and fans thronging them for attention, whether it is to take a selfie or to get an autograph. But what they are not used to is what I did when I first met Russell Simmons.

During my music industry career, I admired the executive guru so much that I wanted to be just like him. I admired his business style and his ability to turn a dream into a big business. And as an independent record label executive, I wanted to gain all that I could in that short, 10-minute conversation.

One day after two months on the road, catching Greyhound to Greyhound from New York to California, I met Mr. Simmons at an airport. I had made enough money selling CDs city to city that I was able to afford a plane ride back to Suffolk from Los Angeles, Calif., and I saw him and made it my business to introduce myself. It wasn’t an autograph that I sought after. It wasn’t a selfie. In fact, it wasn’t even to give him a demo. But in fact it was to draw from him the knowledge that he possessed. I simply wanted to draw from him what was inside of his head.

When you are around greatness, when you are around the rich and famous, draw from the well of their wisdom. Many desire to seek what’s in their pocket instead of seeking what’s in their head.

Bishop Tudor Bismark said it this way: “Don’t teach me how to fish. Teach me how to own the pond. Because if you teach me how to fish, the pond owner could say, ‘NO FISHING UP IN HERE.’”

You may be surprised at what asking the right questions may reveal.

 

Domenick Epps is a Suffolk resident, real estate agent and youth pastor. Email him at DomenickEpps.Realtor@gmail.com.