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!