Prodigal Robbie
There are times when the pop music industry is shaken. In the middle of 1995, Robbie Williams left Take That. At the time, they were massive and in the middle of a world tour.
Reports suggested that Williams needed to face issues with his addictions to alcohol. Robbie had said that one of the reasons for his departure was because he was in the middle of a nervous breakdown.
This event is covered in a documentary on Robbie Williams currently playing on Netflix. I have watched this four-part programme as was keen to discover what went on.
There are bits in the documentary that show the negative effects of too much fame and fortune for the young. It is, unfortunately a ‘cliché’, but true. Robbie was just 16 when he joined Take That, and left at 21.
Some of his behaviour back then was not good. He was arrogant, self-centred and rude towards his old bandmates. And yet he was a young man who was struggling with his mental health.
The final episode showed how a broken Robbie tried to get back on his feet. There was some footage of the remaining Take That members talking about Robbie warmly. Mark Owen said that if Robbie ever wanted to rejoin the band, then there was always a microphone ready for him.
It’s well documented how Robbie disliked Gary Barlow, and how they made amends. Like Mark Owen, Gary was open and warm towards Robbie.
There was reconciliation and Robbie did rejoin the band for a period of time. The band helped Robbie get back on his feet. They wrote new music, released and album and toured.
As I watched this, I was moved. It was like a retelling of the famous ‘prodigal son’ parable in the Bible. Robbie was the prodigal son and Mark and Gary were like the father. When the prodigal son returned the Bible says…
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
You may have regrets about your past and things you did and said. You may feel like you have messed up or are struggling with your own mental health. You may feel a long way from God, beyond his reach.
Let me encourage you to turn and move towards God. He is a good Father who longs to know you and help you. He loves you and has the capacity to heal your brokenness and restore you.
You may be someone who has been treated badly, hurt by what was said and done to you. God also has the resources to give you grace and mercy for those who did this.
Let me encourage you to call on God for His help, to bring His perspective, His love and a pathway to reconciliation.
God bless you :)
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader