Whether we realize it or not, these icons meant a lot to ALL of us. Inter-generationally... inter-racially... the images they represented lifted our spirits collectively, even if unconsciously. We may never see movies or "movie stars" of this ilk again, but their legacy will live on.
As I learn of the passing of Kirk Douglas, I'm reminded that I had the privilege of praying for and over another icon, Charleston Heston, when his health was faltering. He had been bedridden and mostly sleeping. But, when I laid hands on him and began to pray (Yes. I got to lay hands on Moses! 
), he opened those famous, lucid, blue eyes, turned his head toward me, and fixed that famous Heston gaze directly into my eyes. Even in his declining season, there was a "sharpness", a "light", a "power" behind those eyes, imbued by the Holy Spirit (He was a Believer and his whole nursing team were Spirit-filled Black women), that was inextinguishable and responded to the Power in The Word of God.
He held my gaze throughout the whole prayer (and my prayers aren't short. lol). His nursing team forming a cirlcle including me, holding hands around him. Then, with the chorus of "Amen" at the conclusion, those famous blue eyes softened, a slight smile formed over his smooth, lineless face, he closed his eyes, turned his head back to his side-lying position, and went back to sleep.
The nurses urged me to come back regularly but I didn't have that opportunity. And, I felt too that God had used me in that moment and The Holy Spirit could continue to do the rest.
I was struck that even at 84, his skin was beautifully smooth and it looked like the hand of God rather than a plastic surgeon to me. I was struck that as his time was counting down to his final visit here in this plane, this legendary, worldwide icon, recognized the power, the truth, the excellence and the love of a team of Black women who were doubly armed with medical expertise, but above all, a direct connection to the Throne room through fervent, effective prayers, to Our Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ. And, I realized that perhaps, indeed, it was THIS SPIRIT that made him THE only one to play the immortal role of Moses-- The only one who actually beheld the Glory of God. God knows who His servants are.
Life has an arc, but gratefully, there are those whose arc can be extended just a little farther by the magic of film. When it's used to uplift, like Mr. Douglass's "Spartacus" and like so many of these old films did, it reminds us that we too, can reach beyond our natural circumstances and become bigger. Brighter.
So, I'm saying thank you to Mr. Douglass and that entire generation of "movie stars" that encouraged us to "reach for the stars".
God Bless you!
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