I am amazed at how many times, even during tragedy, Big Mama said, “Baby it is going to be ok!” What is amazing is how many times she was right! I recall with strong emotion how many times I have called her and/or sit with her to listen.
Yet Big Mama sensed that she needed to ask the right questions and use her “Mother Wit” to tell the right story so her listener could see that no matter what the situation was, at the end, it will be OK!
My grandmother, Lucille “Big Mama” Allen had a built-in audience of listeners. I called them her clients because her back porch was a gathering place for her to render her healing stories to all who stopped bye.
She had Tele med before there was a pandemic because when I could not be on the back porch, I could be on that telephone listening to her God-driven playbook.
Her immediate patients consisted of her three sons and three daughters, 16 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, 38 great-great grandchildren, seven great great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and bonus family members. Her ‘bonus’ family members were people on their life journey whom she helped.
I remember, in particular, Mr. Henry. I am not sure how he came to the back porch. After she heard his story, he stayed with us throughout my childhood. I remember her telling him, “Henry you can stay with us! It ain’t the Hilton but it’s a room for you to lay your head without worry!”
She was my OK person. No matter what turmoil I was going through she would weave a biblical tale of wisdom. At the end of that story, you were emotionally strengthened and knew it would be OK! Hands Down!
When Mr. Henry died, he had never reconciled with his family and I felt bad about that. Big Mama said, “Son keep your first mind because Henry is walking with his First Father now in heaven, I can assure you, he is ok!”
She had been right all these times so I had no worries. I feel that wisdom when they talk about the sudden tragic life of Earl Simmons, a.k.a. DMX. The focus seems to be on his demons, not his victory.
There seems to be a failure to praise his spiritual imprint on the lives of all of us with his healing messages infused in his music while reflecting his journey!
DMX died. He had no imitators because there was no way to mimic the life journey that forged him. He was a gigantic self-starter and a healer. Even when DMX was the most popular rapper on the planet, he was a class of one! He was a Ruff Ryder who brought healing and unapologetic blackness at all times. He ruled his stage and wordsmith domain. His successes felt more like a purging than a victory. Although he was a vessel for profound pain, he also healed his listeners. In his latest video “I Miss You” featuring R&B icon Faith Evans, he said his great grandmother said to him, “Baby It’s Gonna be OK.” Amen!
I thank Big Mama today for reminding me that when death occurs, it has its OK quality. Big Mama, I am ok with the transition of DMX. Please tell him I said hello when he gets up there with you and his own Big Mama.
Terry Allen is an award-winning media professional, journalist, and entrepreneur. He is also the founder of City Men Cook and 1016 Media. Reach him at terryalllenpr@gmail.com
