Gratitude for Special People

One infamous voice many will remember for many years to come, is that of the beloved James Earl Jones, who recently died. The American actor, at home on stage and in film, got our attention with his thundering, baritone voice that set him apart. The voice could also be comforting in movies like The Sandlot and so many others. But his best-known character is probably Darth Vader.

Yet, the young James Earl Jones stopped speaking in first grade due to stuttering. Embarrassed, he kept quiet for about eight years.  

Then, as a freshman in high school, an English teacher assisted him in finding his voice by having him recite a poem he wrote in front of the class. He read it perfectly without stuttering.

He graduated valedictorian of his class, went on to college, then into acting as we know him best.

Thankfully James Earl Jones had help to break out of his silent shell.

I’m sure James Earl Jones was grateful for that special person who took a keen interest in him and found a way to assist him out of his silent world.

Growing up a selective mute, in a world of silence myself, the journey towards speaking was difficult.

But God put some very important mentors in my path:

One was the leader of our youth group. She was loving, kind and accepting. And talking didn’t seem to be necessary. She was comfortable with my silence and I listened to her quietly.

Another special person was my good friend’s mom. She exemplified a strong, female figure who was outspoken and commanded a crew of teenagers in a pear packing shed. She was known for her candor, yet didn’t care what anyone thought. No one ever argued with her. The Shed Boss, as we knew her, took control of operations every summer during peach and pear harvest in Littlerock, CA. The pears were packed and shipped to market in Los Angeles daily without incident.

My friend and me grew up together and I was a frequent visitor in their home. Her mom, the Shed Boss, always seemed to notice me and talk to me like a person instead of a child. I knew she was interested in what I said. I trusted her.

All the jobs in Littlerock revolved around harvest. For many years I worked for my mom and dad until they sold their pear orchard. Then I went to work for the Shed Boss who trusted me enough to handle the money and sales of pears. I always wanted to pack the pears, but later learned that she wanted me to take care of the customers. She trusted me.

Safe people are important to all of us. As we struggle to speak, or find our voice and/or our place in life, God is faithful to place certain special people in our path. I’m grateful for the special people He used to nurture and help me when I was struggling.

A wise counselor once told me, “We all compensate for something.”

That includes James Earl Jones.

We all need help at one time or another. Be sure to seek and find the help you need.

Prayer for You Today

Beloved, may God help you with any spoken or unspoken needs or struggles you are dealing with today and always. Look to Him and trust Him with all of your soul, strength and mind.

Scripture for Today

“You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the Lord forever,
For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:3-4 NKJV).

© 2024 Nanette M. Holloway—All Rights Reserved