Anyone who has been an avid fan of Southern Gospel music for very many years knows the name George Yonce, and anyone who heard this fabulous bass singer perform on very many occasions has no doubt heard his coined phrase, “I love old people.” I wholeheartedly share George’s sentiment! Without reserve, I respect and revere those who have lived and earned their years (and wrinkles, scars, bags, etc.) Sometimes I believe the elderly are the forgotten generation of modern society, and this is much to the chagrin of my generation, as those who have gone before us certainly have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom I and others like me could lavishly benefit from. This said, I often make jokes or toss about “pet names” for places that I in no way intend for offense. For example, due largely to clientele, I refer to Ryan’s, Golden Corral, and most other buffets as “Geriatric Cafes.” ☺ So when my Mom invited me to tag along for a night of music and dancing at a small, local juke joint, barely a few moments at the event led to the affectionate title, “Geriatric Prom.”
Truly the best of both worlds, folks of all ages – but most of those ages well my senior – enjoy camaraderie, food, country music, tasteful dancing, laughter and good times. No one misses the drama of high school prom night. No one spends 200$ on a hairdo that gains them 5 lbs of bobby-pin weight. No one gets left sitting on the sidelines if they’re willing to just get up and try. I’ve got to admit, old folks know how to party! ☺ Yes, I jest. I really had a good time hanging with Mom, “letting” her show me up on the dance floor, meeting new friends and even inviting a few to Church (with success this morning!!!) The highlight of my evening, however, came in the occasions that I chose to sit a dance out and simply got to people watch.
I couldn’t help noticing an adorable older couple, who each time a slow song played made their way to the dance floor and clearly felt right at home. The way he held her protectively. The way she looked to him for her cues. The way he sang to her as they danced, not holding her waste but instead grasping the hand she rested on his heart. Sigh. The more I watched them, the more I realized, that’s the love I want to be in. Later, while dancing with a new friend, I had the chance to share with him about my upcoming World Race experience. We talked about how much growth I would experience and about how God will absolutely use a person’s willingness to bring about anything He so desires. Clearly God was sending me a message then, but I sometimes require an extra memo.
During this morning’s service, Bellview’s choir seemed to be “feeling out oats” so-to-speak. As the congregation stood to sing “Beulah Land,” the choir director reminded us that it was a favored song of one of our dearly departed church ladies, Mrs. Jane Monroe, more affectionately known to me and most Allegre kids as “Mama Jane.” Somewhere between fighting not to cry over the bittersweet memory, something about the hymn seemed to overtake me, and God’s message came clear.
I am to feel the same passion, the same adoration and the same love as last night’s dancing couple, however at this time, my affections are targeted toward my World Race experience. My passion is to be for sharing God’s love and the path to Beulah Land, my adoration is to be for my God who will keep me safe and lead me in His light, and my love is to be for the (hopefully) thousands of people I would come to know through this journey.
I’m so excited I could dance! Yes, I am a Baptist. And? There may be some shaking up in my family, in my Church, and in my home community even before I embark on the international portion of the World Race, and I think that’s awesome! Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Assembly of God. Whatever. We are Christians. We have something to be excited about. We have reason to celebrate. We should be singing, shouting, running, laughing and dancing all over the world! Starting right here at home, I fully intend to do just that! I’m pretty sure George and Mama Jane would approve. And moreover, I know God does.
Be Blessed!
-Ashlee
