With all humility this column is part one of a two-part series about people and things that have inspired me and inspire me still, in hopes that you, the much-appreciated reader, might also take an inventory of the same.
As a child I was enthralled by my DC comic book heroes—Superman, Batman, The Flash, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern (I actually wear a Green Lantern ring), The Justice League of America, and more. When Mama went shopping at the Jitney Jungle on Meadowbrook Road in Jackson, I would plant myself in the Ben Franklin five-and-dime store and read the comic books from the carousel that held them. Staff of the store never ever scolded me and from, time-to-time, I would buy one. I wish I’d kept my collection. I’d be rich.
I spent a lot of my time watching westerns such as The Rifleman, The Roy Rogers Show, Gunsmoke, Zorro ( I know. Zorro’s not a western. Neither was The Adventures of Robin Hood), Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp, Sugarfoot, The Rebel, Tales of Wells Fargo, and others. The good guys always won.
My late sister, Nancy, once said I lived in my own little fantasy world, and I did. I sometimes would draw and color the Superman symbol, safety pin it to one of Nancy’s baby doll blankets, and run around the house and yard, fly off the front porch, and defeat many an adversary.
I was very involved in my Southern Baptist church. And let me tell you, the judgmental caricature of Southern Baptists doesn’t fit all Southern Baptists. I had great experiences from my church life. My pastors, my music and youth ministers, and my Sunday School teachers were kind and caring. I rarely heard fire-and-brimstone sermons and those were from guest preachers.
My music and youth minister in junior high, the late Lonn Oswalt was a student at Mississippi College. Lonn introduced me to so many styles of religious music, from classical anthems to the emerging seed of what is now called “Christian contemporary” music. Once he said to me, “Be ready at 6 pm. I’m taking you to a concert to hear a group I think you’ll love.”
That night I was introduced to more than a few Southern Gospel groups, most importantly the Oak Ridge Boys. I was hooked. I dreamed that one day I’d sing with The Oaks. I did, but only by singing along to their 8-tracks, albums, and CDs.
In college (William Carey College, now University) my voice and worship teacher, Dr. Cleamon Downs, was a huge inspiration for me. He was a serious intellectual and was also cool and fun. I’ll always remember the time in a voice lesson Cleamon picked up a “funeral fan” with Jesus’ image on it, fanned himself, and said, “I’m a Jesus fan!” Cleamon taught me how to write meaningful “high church” liturgy for worship.
Two major music inspirations for me I found in college as well. My father and I had a bit of a contentious relationship. Cat Steven’s Father & Son vicariously helped me voice my hurts and frustrations. Neil Diamond’s soundtrack from Jonathan Livingston Seagull and the book facilitated my introduction to existential experiences. I still read that book every year and listen to the soundtrack from time to time.
The poetry and writings of my friend Ragan Courtney and the music of his Grammy® winning wife, Cynthia Clawson have inspired me for decades. I could never thank them enough for the joy and soul-peace they have given me through the decades.
I was introduced to the writings of the 13th century Persian poet, Rumi, around 1991. The Essential Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks, has been of unlimited inspiration to me. My copy is marked up like Mama’s Bible. I’ve read it throughout my adult life and continue to do so. It centers me and keeps me connected with my spirit of calm and love. Along those lines A Path with Heart, by Buddhist priest, Jack Kornfield, changed my life.
There’s more, but I’ve run out of my allotted words. Therefore this is part one of a two-part piece. I ask you to start making a list of the things that have inspired you throughout life. If you’re lucky enough to have a special someone in your life, consider talking with them about it. I think that just might deepen your intimacy.
…and that’s the View from The Balcony.
Randy Weeks is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Certified Telemental Health Provider, Certified Shamanic Life Coach, ordained minister, singer-songwriter, actor, and writer. He seeks to live a life of gratitude and love.
