In the sweltering heat of a Tennessee summer, a stranger rolled into town with his wife and little ones. All the way from Cherry Valley, Arkansas, that stranger was none other than the famous country singer, Lonzo Green. There to visit relatives, Lonzo was unaccustomed to the local taboos of the town.
One such taboo, he learned, involved a friend of his young nephew, Jimmy. Jimmy’s friend was a quiet, dark-haired 15-year-old boy with a battered guitar and a polite Southern drawl. The boy, by the customs of the town, was considered from the “wrong side of the tracks” and was forbidden to be in Lonzo’s family home. However, he had a favor to ask: would Lonzo tune his guitar? Touched by the boy’s humble request, Lonzo agreed, but they would have to meet outside.
Lonzo observed the boy’s shy demeanor, his sensitive features and the self-consciousness evident in his eyes as he stepped into this ‘better’ neighborhood. On that sunny afternoon, Lonzo sat on the curb with the boy and did more than just tune his guitar. He shared music, taught chords and most importantly, showed kindness, a gesture that the boy would carry in his heart long after their paths diverged. That boy went on to sell over a billion records – more than any other artist in history. His name was Elvis Presley.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT
The story of Lonzo and the young Elvis Presley teaches us the power of compassion that transcends societal norms, the value of mentorship and the profound impact small acts of kindness can have. It underlines the spiritual principle of not judging people based on outward appearance and how every individual holds the innate potential to create and share beauty in the world.
MY PRAYER
Heavenly Father, may we never grow weary of doing good and showing kindness to others. Give us the courage to cross the societal boundaries that often divide us and help us love unconditionally as You love us. Open our eyes to see the potential in each person we meet and give us the wisdom to pass on our knowledge and skills to those who seek them, we pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
