Those who know me well know that I love the Discovery Channel show Deadliest Catch. In case you've been hiding on the other side of a big boulder or watching some crime-flavored drama, Deadliest Catch chronicles the plight of crab fishermen in Alaska's Bering Sea, one of the most violent bodies of water on the planet. The show, which is about to start its 7th season, I believe, follows four crab boat crews through the ups and downs of crab fishing — human drama, tragedy and triumph. One such crew manned the eight-man fishing vessel Cornelia Marie, captained by the crusty, crude and some folks think cuddly (hey, I needed a third C, okay?) Captain Phil Harris. Phil doesn't spare his opinion on anything. He's not afraid to challenge his crew, to the man, and he won't take flack from nobody.
Thanks to the show, Phil became a celebrity, with his "famous status" rising with the show's ratings. Everywhere he went he was hounded for autographs. Simple fishermen, Phil and his fellow boat captains were hesitant to accept their new public status at first but they have grown to enjoy their popularity.
On February 9th, Captain Phil died, the victim of a stroke brought on by many years of hard living. His boat was off-loading crab at a port when he suffered the attack. Ten days later he died, his sons and best friends at his side.
Mike Rowe is another Discovery Channel personality and show host. For the past six seasons, Mike has also been the narrator voice on Deadliest Catch, describing to viewers the ins and outs of fishing activity and fishing drama. In looking back on the life of Phil Harris, the best he knew, Mike blogged these words:
"I guess it comes down to this. The world is desperate for authenticity. In business and in real life. In work and play. We crave it I think, because it’s in such short supply. Consequently, when we see it, we’ll wait for it. We’ll watch it on TV. We’ll stand in line for a chance to be near it. Fans, fishermen, CEO’s – we know authenticity when we see it, even if we’re not looking for it. And Phil Harris had it in spades.
"I didn’t know Phil well enough to properly eulogize him. However, I knew him enough to like him, and more than enough to miss him. He was the real deal. Flawed, human, decent, kind, and totally authentic. And one h*** of a Captain."
What Mike observed is a truth that cannot be overstated. Authenticity stands out in this world of phonies and fakes. When people see authenticity, they are drawn to it, even if it is appalling to us. The world is desperate for authenticity because it is alien — foreign — to the world's own standards of life. Society loves to celebrate fakes but it is deeply drawn to what is real. Earthquake coverage in Haiti drew monstrous ratings for cable news networks, for example.
If the world is desperately looking for authenticity, what are we waiting for, Church of the Living God? Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matt 5:16)." People were drawn to Captain Phil because they saw authenticity in him. If we were doing our part, as true followers of the Light, to live authentic, transparent lives in front of the world, imagine how great the impact would be!
Authenticity is a powerful tool we all need in our toolboxes of everyday life. Don't try to hide who you are. Be real! Be genuine. Be authentic. I think people will notice and pay attention.
Be God's!
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