03.15.08 Just Don’t Talk About My Mamma
It was hard to stand up to a guy who had a park named after him. Or whose daddy had a park named after him.
I was in the sixth grade - easily the worst year of my life - and this kid was mouthing off on the soccer field about my mamma. You just don’t talk about a boy’s mamma. That’s a good way to get killt, you know?
I didn’t kill him. I just ran him over with my mouth. It’s a gift.
And he stood there speechless, his friends giggling all around us. Then he said, “Well, I’m not poor.” The inference being, of course, that I was.
Of course I wasn’t. I woke up in a bed under a roof and had breakfast that day - Capn’ Crunch more than likely - and rode to school on my sweet bike. I wasn’t poor. But Tyler, Texas can sure make you feel that way - or the half I grew up in anyway.
This morning I’m flying home to Texas. I’ll speak at Carpenter’s Way in Lufkin on Sunday morning and then make some music at First Baptist Magnolia - the church Brian‘s dad pastors near Houston. And then I’m heading to Tyler. To run some rich kids over with my mouth. It’s a gift.
I’m speaking at a private school - every building named after somebody in town. I’ve been brought in by the school’s headmaster - a mentor, savior of sorts, and close friend of mine - to teach “service” to his students. It’s a different kind of school than the one I attended. And the students are different from the prideful bully on that soccer field years ago. And lots of years have passed. So why do I feel a small amount of the same kind of feelings now?
I’ve been rich but I still have a hard time feeling comfortable among the wealthy. I feel as if I’m doing everything less well than them, you know? Not their fault at all. Totally mine. There’s some damage that never heals I suppose. I mostly feel excited and humbled to be asked to speak at this prestigious place - I should focus more on that and just relax, breathe, do my thing.
I’m sure I’ll be fine when the time comes. As long as nobody talks about my mamma..
Linda Sue said:
Dissing mamas probably won’t come up with you being the guest celebrity and all (even if they call you Mr. Groves and say their mamas like your music). My husband has a saying he was taught in management of a major international corporation - what you learn first, you remembered best and longest. When we learn humiliation - that little scar never quite heals. BUT we have an overcomer on our side now - You’ll be fabulous in Tyler - you have a good topic and great creds.
Randy said:
I can completely relate to what you are saying. I certainly don’t have the same experience as you but when I travel (to speak) my prayer is to be a clean conduit for His message to His people regardless.
anon4him said:
I don’t think I’ve ever had someone insult my mamma… probably because I’m a girl, but whatever. I love how you said running people over with your mouth was a gift. Twice.
Christa said:
I thought I had heard you were from Tyler. I live in Whitehouse and grew up in Tyler. When you posted about the cancelations in April I forwarded the post to our worship pastor at our church so when I started reading this I got especially excited, thinking maybe you had already worked something out and you were coming to Tyler for that. Wishful thinking I guess. I hope you enjoy your time back in The big T. Isn’t it funny what things can make you feel like a kid again. Good Luck, I know you will do great!
Jen said:
I’ve always been a big girl which has helped me develop one fine sense of humor.
Anyway, one time when I was in 6th grade or so, a boy was making fun of my size in front of a bunch of other kids. I think it was at recess, on our way back to the classroom. I turned and looked him straight in the eyes and said, “I’d rather look like me than look like you ANY DAY.” He stood there speechless while the other students “Oh snapped” and I walked away with my pride in tact. He never made fun of me again.
That was a good day.
truevyne said:
My inclination and calling has always felt directed toward hanging with the unlovely and unloved. When I’m asked to attend or speak to those in the upper class I get the same feelings of smallness and dread you seem to convey in this post though I have never been poor.
Lately, God has me working in situations with the more affluent. I am astounded at the loneliness,hopelessness and hardness, Citizen Kaneness if you will, confronting these people. Being Jesus means overcoming me, inadequacies and all, to reach them. I know that’s your plan.
And I’m sure your momma is great!
pam said:
So get those feelings.
Praying God will use you throughout your time in TX to reach more people for Compassion.
Never mess with the mamma. . .
said:
Could that be the not-quite world-famous Bergfeld Park? Ha! Way to go, dude. Lived in Tyler for years and loved the town; graduated from UT-Tyler (Hook ‘em...uh...Patriots?). Love your music, Shaun. Hope to see you again here in San Antonio sometime in ‘08.