JULY 23, 2020
Growing up in the sixties, I was a huge fan of Motown. I especially enjoyed the Supremes and solo artist Diana Ross. One of her most successful singles was “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand).” The song, which was released in April of 1970, (Check it out for yourself) carried a heavy gospel influence and was one of the few songs Ross ever recorded to express her social conscience. Being a lover of most music and a slow learner, I have probably heard this song a thousand times. The words and their meaning are very simple yet SO consequential for the times. Those times are endless and forever so here we are again, asking people to “make this a better place, if you can.”
As a matter of context for yours truly, I was a junior in College in 1970 at a time when our country was still reeling from race riots and anti-war sentiments. It just happened that 1970 would prove to be one of the most exciting years of my life, enjoying the last fun summer before having to get a real job, entering my senior year of college, and more importantly, meeting my future wife and friend (Ms. Teri) for the first time. We will celebrate our 49th anniversary next month so 1970 was a game changer for this cowboy.
1970 was a year that helped me begin to “Create my future, rather than frame my past.” Everything I had done up and until that point, prepared me for what was to come. God helped me choose a Life of Love, Laughter, Learning (Still learning today) and living toward my purpose and destiny. I was living a life of adventure and was in awe of all the opportunities God was showing me. Still a dirt poor student and yet I knew I could have a future with someone I loved at my side. MAN! Was I blessed or what? God had given me a “Touchable Heart” and I knew HE was showing me the way. I had been taught early in life by great parents, loving siblings, and wonderful friends who are ALL part of my life even today. Though my earthly parents, my brother, my grandson, and many friends are in heaven, they still “touch me” with their spirit, love and friendship each and every day. I accept that honor and continue to be blessed more than I deserve.
These friends all taught me many lessons of life which are mostly lessons of the heart. Once I received this in my life, I became more “touchable” which allowed me to look at others who are suffering or hurting or abused. Simon and Garfunkel sang, “I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain. It’s laughter and it’s loving I disdain. I am a rock. I am an island.” WOW! What a sad place to be when you have no one else to lean on in life. As you all know, some people are like that. They’re rocks. They seem to have all of the answers, yet they continue to wear their masks, hiding their insecurities, fears, and living a life defined by others. But once you become a loving (insert Christian here), your heart gets softened. As believers, we should have a heart for those who are hurting. Don’t condemn them but reach out to them in love. Give them a hand-up and not just a hand-out. Don’t judge them. Have compassion (with courage) for them.
I hope you are reading this with a creative sense of JOY rather than counting on your past to define who you are, how you feel, how you look to others, and how you react. You have a choice to be someone that is joyful in all things. It all starts with LOVE. Love yourself in a kind way. Love others as you expect them to love you. Don’t be the bully or try and get your way all of the time by demanding other’s respect or love. I will guarantee you, if you reach out and touch somebody, you will be the winner. (Make sure you are wearing your mask today. HA!)
Pretty simple message today. Look for those opportunities to do good in reaching out to others. It just might soften your heart to where relationships become even deeper than you expected.
Reach out and touch someone. DO IT TODAY!
Elevator Guy