Elvis Presley and the American Dream

God Bless America

Elvis Presley: the greatest singer and showman the world has ever known, the most documented personality in history, the most photographed man in all the world, the most loved icon from all walks of life.

How did one impromptu recording at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, turn into all this?

The life of Elvis A. Presley truly embodies the American Dream!

From a life of poverty to an abundant life of wealth and renown. From a little boy born in Tupelo to a world-famous icon who is respected by all throughout multiple generations. What was Elvis’ secret to his success?

Elvis was raised by two great parents in a Christian home. Elvis’ beloved character qualities — such as child-like innocence, genuineness, loyalty, good manners, and God-consciousness — all these were cultivated under the protection of two strong, godly parents and a society that was much more morally conscious than it is today.

Elvis was always "spiritual,” and most of his songs carry spiritual meaning and biblical references. Elvis made a point of staying true to himself. This was no doubt difficult in a world of fame and wealth.

He would say things about his career like “It’s a hell of a way to make a living” and emphasize how God had blessed him and that, really, he was no different than any other person he happened to come across. He even blessed others and said, “I pray God blesses you in the same way He has blessed me.”

This nature of being humble and his good character, I believe, highly contributed to Elvis’ success — he was irresistible! And no doubt, God’s hand was upon him, with his talent and something else notable, his "charisma.” He was gifted, indeed.

Elvis always wanted to be a preacher and a gospel singer. This desire was expressed openly in his music and in his normal, recorded conversations. He even made a connection that his gifts in "Show Business” could very well be directed to influence people with the love of Jesus.

Elvis loved to be on the live stage, and he was great at reading the crowd in order to produce "THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH.” So, how did such a godly young man get caught up in a world of sin?

Followers of Christ know the mandate given to us. There is no "lukewarm” — either you are HOT or you are COLD. So imagine for a second the heavy weight on the conscience of Elvis Presley.

Here he was, being literally worshipped by millions of people. He had become an icon, an idol even! They called him "king” and felt surely he could do nothing wrong! It was all about ELVIS.

What a guy! Fame and wealth — GOT IT!

He had the world willing to kiss his feet, and they even worshipped the ground he stood on! And Elvis’ conscience began to burn hot. He knew Who the real King was. He knew Who the only One worthy of worship was. He knew he was living a sinful life and had no right to be honored in such a way.

Imagine what his options were. At this point, he was known by literally the entire population of Earth. Where could he go? Where could he run and escape this life? He had experienced all that wealth and fame could offer, and it did not satisfy. It was not worth ANYTHING in comparison to his faith in JESUS.

There are many different ways to look at how it all happened, but in some form or another, Elvis Presley died. He was no more. Elvis was put to rest.

And so, nearly 47 years later, think of how the world has changed. From 1977 to today, how has the culture shifted so radically? Elvis was born in 1935 — just think of what America was like back then!

In order to "Make America Great Again,” we must remember where we came from. We must honor those who came before us and "return to the hearts of our fathers.” Our culture has greatly diminished the value of our elders — those who came before us.

Imagine the wealth of knowledge that men born long ago carry. Imagine their character, the experiences they’ve had: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Imagine all that we can learn from them.

In order for America as we know it to be "Resurrected,” such culture, knowledge, and our collective "memory” must also be Resurrected and preserved for future generations.

Now, saying that, what if the man who so greatly influenced not only the United States of America but truly the entire world — WHAT IF he were here today? What would he say to us?

A man who had it all, what would he tell us? There is so much recorded detail in Elvis’ life that many stacks of books could not contain, but what you need to know about Elvis was that he was not only a Christian, he was a true American Patriot.

Imagine if he were living today? What would he say to this nation and to the world?