Have you ever hiked up a woodsy mountain? Walked on a path of rocks and fallen branches? Or have you ever tried to do something or create something from scratch only to realize you have no idea what you're doing?
A path that has been created by someone prior to your walking on it, or a craft, design, or recipe with instructions and notes is always sure to bring a quicker result than fumbling through it with no direction.
I consider those who have gone before me to be TRAILBLAZERS.
They're not necessarily old or retired. Some of them are just a few years older than me and are continuing to tread the paths they begun in years past. But they're ahead of me. They made a way for me to do what I do, and for that reason I respect them.
I'm big on mentorship. I believe that spiritually and naturally we can gain from those who have learned the lessons that have brought us the wisdom and insight we now consider every day truths.
The more I'm around young people, and endeavor to minister to them and with them in some cases; I've realized there is a plague that transcends genre, occupation, and denomination. There is a lack of respect for the trailblazers.
Recently I read an article which bashed jazz singer Natalie Cole for being upset about famed "REHAB" singer receiving Grammy awards.
"I don't think she should have won. I think it sends a bad message to our young people who are trying to get into this business, the ones who are trying to do it right and really trying to keep themselves together," said Cole, 58. "We have to stop rewarding bad behavior."
The article painted Ms. Cole out as a bitter, "used to be", and even referred to her as a "hater".
I reflected on this article and Ms Cole's thoughts.
Natalie Cole; jazz singer & actress who lost her father at young age, got caught up in hard drugs in her 20's and has been successfully clean for many years. Heartache. Growth. Success. Wisdom.
I'm disheartened that this generation has for the most part been taught that they deserve what they want, when they want it, no matter the consequences or whom it effects. There's only one life; LIVE IT, and step on anyone who gets in your way while you're trying to achieve your dreams.
I think of my grandmothers who worked as nurses and homemakers to help provide for their large families, my mother who went to school and worked full time to better herself, but still provide for me. My pastor growing up; Evelyn Moyer, who ignored those who said it wasn't right for a woman to pastor, and pastored our church during its most fruitful years. I think of those women I dont know who have made a way for me one way or another; Maya Angelou (African American author), Sara Groves (Christian wife, mother, songwriter/singer), Judith McAllister (psalmist and teacher), and so many other countless women I meet, have met, or read about on a daily basis. It would be foolish of me to think that their hard work, their time spent, and their lessons learned have not made the way a bit easier for me to travel on my own journey.
As people of God; leaders especially, I feel it is our duty to never forget those who paved the way for us, and to honor their opinions, wisdom, and insight. We DON'T know it all. We DON'T have all the answers. All the "old" ways of doing things aren't always that bad, and some of them STILL WORK.
I love the new Christian music that reaches the younger generation through multiple styles and genres. But I still love "Carman", Michael W.Smith, The Clark Sisters, Amy Grant, The Winans, and all of those who made a way for gospel/Christian music to be so common and recognized today.
I love the preachers and speakers of today. But I wont ever forget the teachings of Ruth Ward Heflin, Oral Roberts, Iona Locke, and G.E.Patterson.
We can't forget that someone has gone before us.
We must treasure our leaders past and present.
We must teach our young people.
We must respect one another.
We cannot forget.
