Month: May 2017

It’s a Mind Thing!

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“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Have you ever heard the saying “You are as old as you think”? Well guess what — that’s absolutely true. Many times as we age we have a tendency to check out with current events, music, and many other aspects of life.  We tend to get into a routine that often excludes anything new and fresh. I want to encourage you to renew your mind by getting out of your comfort zone. Our youth need us! When was the last time you tried to connect and impact the younger generation? When was the last time you listened to a new song produced by the younger generation?

I was visiting with my daughter in San Antonio, Texas and she was listening to a song titled “This Is Why I Love You.”  The song was unfamiliar to me, but it was beautiful!  As I listened, I began to think, Pat when was the last time you listened to music from your daughter’s or younger generations? That song prompted conversation between us about life, love and the pursuit of happiness. This allowed great exchange between us.

Now I know that sounds really simple, but music is one way we can connect with the younger generations.  We can use music as a spring board to begin conversations that will allow us teaching opportunities and also allow the exchange of ideas and information between both sets of people.  

 If we begin to communicate with each other from a non-confrontational place, both the young and the not-as-young will begin to step out of their comfort zone and establish lasting relationships. This will be a beautiful thing!

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Be Yourself

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It was about 8:05 am or so one summer morning in the early 1960s.  Our radio was tuned to the local radio station; the radio personality was Dr. Erskine Faush with the very popular radio show that began with James Cleveland’s song “The Love of God.”

My great-grandmother was sitting on the front porch and I in the living room.  The song “Never Grow Old” by Aretha Franklin came blaring on our Grundic Majestic Hi-Fi Radio combination.  

Aretha was about nine years old when this song was recorded. As I listened, something rose up in me and I wanted to sing along with her. Intently, I listened to the various nuances and tone of her voice.

I began to sing or, shall I say, imitate her. I must say I did a great job! Head thrown back in the locks of my shoulders, I belted out that song with excellence, sounding just like Aretha!

After my rendition of that song, my great-grandmother called me to the front porch.  She said, “Pat I heard you singing and you sounded great!” I beamed with pride! “However,” she continued, “you were imitating a great singer and it was a powerful song. But you did not use your voice, the one God gave you! You have a great voice, use it. Sing like yourself be proud of what God gave you. Remember to always do your best.”

It is great to admire others and even learn from them. Always remember, be yourself.

What my great-mother was saying to me was that I was fearfully and wonderfully made. She wanted me to set my own trend. She wanted me to do me! She encouraged me to be what God called me to be and use that to bring him glory just as Aretha was doing. 

She said, “If you just do that all will be well with you.”

So from me to you, BE YOURSELF!