By Terry Allen
I don’t think I will get much disagreement, when I say that “Big Mama’s” Playbook was deeply rooted in biblical structure and presence. Let me remind you again that Lucille “Big Mama” Allen filled her 3 sons and 3 daughters, 16 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, 38 great-great grandchildren, 7 great great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and bonus family members with wisdom that would now make all of her children social media influencers on TIK TOK, Instagram, Facebook (Meta) and even the now reputation-risky Twitter. This latest advice comes straight out of biblical scripture: ‘The one who troubles his family will inherit nothing, and the fool will be a servant to the wise person.’ Proverb 11:29
What is it’s most used intent: A foolish member of the family could get into a situation and squander the entire wealth of the family, bringing poverty on them all, leaving nothing but “the wind” to inherit. In the same situation or a different one, the fool can destroy the reputation of a family. Even more, “When people create problems within their family, community, or country, they ultimately suffer the consequences of their actions.”
What else does it mean? Big Mama meant “Righteous people follow God’s will, bring honor and blessing on themselves, and have hope. That message is resonated in Big Mama’s love for the holiday season, she was more the secret weapon of recovery because she used Christmas as a cover for helping those who were too proud to ask for help or admit they are falling short of resources. She loved the holiday could disguise random acts of kindness as a giving measure without bringing shame to those she helps and it would also eliminate the presence of arrogance or almost eliminating the presence of arrogance. Big Mama was what we could call, today, unapologetically self-aware and a historically humble servant.
She would always give her loving messages very proudly with her hands on hips stance, standing on the back porch or sitting proudly on the front porch stoop where she commanded her audience of sons, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, great great-great-grandchildren nieces and nephews. Big Mams would close with reminded us that this verse is a promise that God will never forsake those who seek Him. He will provide for our financial, physical, and spiritual needs. Big Mama said that the special meaning in this verse also has to do with God Big Mama’s investment in me has inspired me to invest in others. I rarely refuse giving others my last because God will replenish it tenfold.
Last week, I asked a student to take a picture of our Dallas PRSA team during our retreat. I discovered he was short on funds. I gave him 50% of my cash app balance. I then went and troubled the house as I asked the 20+ others just to give him $5.00. I then found money in my glove compartment that was the same amount I gave the student. Did Big Mama say inherit the wind? See? But God!
So, in closing, I ask you to use Christmas to do three things:
1) Disrupt the emotional downtime and depression that comes with the hyped need to connect that is prevalent during the season by cheering up someone/anyone. 2) Dismantle the barriers/baggage to call and connect with your strong friends 3) Disseminate resources & gifts, not just the downtrodden, but to the people in your proximity network that are barely staying above water. Now – Go be Great! I dare you! Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Happy Winter Solstice. Also, Eid Mubarak, Happy Hannukah, Kwanzaa, and Festivus to you and yours. Who has a testimony? Email me at terryallenpr@gmail.com and let me know!
Terry Allen is an NABJ award-winning Journalist, PR professional and founder of 1016 Media, the charity – City Men Cook and Dallas Chapter President of NBPRS-DFW