G is for Greg Proops [A-Z Blog Challenge]

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G

Greg Proops

 

"Animals have two vital functions in today's society; to be delicious and to fit well." - Greg Proops

 

"The connection between people is way more important than the connection between machines and people." - Greg Proops

 

As I stated in my letter C entry, sometimes God sends me oddball mentors and inspirational people.  One of the oddest recovery heroes I claim is improvisational comedian Greg Proops, who is most recognized as the well-dressed, bespectacled comedic genius from both the UK and US versions (old and new) of Whose Line is it Anyway. 

 

And you thought my blog on Ferguson was weird...

 

First of all, this man's life points to the direct opposite of recovery.  I'm not being a horse's butt about it.  If you listen to any of his comedy or podcasts (you can pray for me if you think I shouldn't be listening to it), you know he jokes about drinking, doing drugs, and overloading on food from around the world.  He thinks that marijuana should be legalized and that babies should be aborted on demand at any stage of pregnancy.

 

Sure, this has recovery written all over it.

 

Hold on.

 

I have learned some good things from Mr. Proops:

• I have learned that there is no excuse for not dressing better.  Though quite wealthy, he even says that a limited budget shouldn't be an excuse to not look your best.
• He has made me feel more confident about wearing glasses.  Look, y'all know that I consider my eyes to be my worst feature and the necessity of having to wear glasses that draw SO MUCH attention to them since I was four years old hasn't bolstered my confidence.  He's shown me that when budget allows, I am not destined to forever wear "birth control" glasses.  I will be able to buy stylish frames that make my eyes an attractive asset, rather than a freak show attraction...or distraction.
• I actually managed to break away from doing what everyone else wanted and starting to establish my own traditions and celebrate the true meaning of the holidays because of something Mr. Proops said (and I don't even know if he celebrates anything).  That's why I spent last Thanksgiving serving the needy instead of hating the holidays because all I did was chauffeur everyone else to their good times. 
• I have learned comedic timing by observing both Mr. Proops and Mr. Ferguson (among others).  Yes, I know my subject matter is WAY different and has more seriousness, but hey, it works better with good timing.
• I'm more encouraged to keep trying to get to the point where I am truly fulfilling my purpose and doing what I love in life.  Proops says he feels for people who go to a job they hate every day.  The fact that he's been there and is now making a good living on his own off of what he loves to do shows that I'm more than capable of doing so with the Lord's help.

But he's...

I know.  Hold on!

The late Zig Ziglar once said, "Some of us learn from other people's mistakes and the rest of us have to be the other people." As much as I hate negative reinforcement, my rebellion against it occasionally propels me in a positive direction.  Over the years of listening to Mr. Proops, I've observed three main types of people he detests:  Christians, Southerners (people from the southern United States, not my alma mater's marching band), and fat people.  Now, y'all know that my relationship with Christ means more to me than anything.  Jesus is the very reason I'm still here today and I'm not giving that relationship up for anything.  No, I'm not perfect--far from it--but I'm going to do my best to show His love to others.  Y'all also know that though I have a strong desire to live in California, you can take the girl out of the south, but you can't take the south out of the girl.  No matter where I live, I'm still going to have manners and show respect, I'm still going to drink sweet tea and call people "Sugah," and I'm still going to enter a room and greet everyone with "Hey y'all!"  That won't change.

But this weight thing?  It's been the bane of my existence since birth. You see, I can't change the fact that I'm southern and I won't change the fact that I'm a Christ follower, but I CAN do and AM doing something about the weight issue.  When I get the opportunity to hear him live, Mr. Proops can berate the peeps from the south or us Jesus freaks.  I'll just shake my head and say "bless his heart."  But I REFUSE to be the butt of another fat joke from him or anyone else.  His twisted humor motivates me to not want to be unhealthy anymore.  Maybe my example can't change his opinion of my home state or my beliefs, but maybe, just maybe showing up to a podcast as a beautiful, healthy woman will make a positive impact.  And Lord knows this world needs to see much more positive.

Hey, it's worth a try.

For more information on the A-Z Blog Challenge, go to:

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/