Big Mama Said: God Ain’t Calling the Young or Old — God Is Calling the Able

By: Terry Allen

Good morning, family. Today’s word is one we need to sit with — and I mean really sit. Because too many of us are missing our calling while arguing about categories.

Let me say it plain: God ain’t just calling the young, and He ain’t just calling the old — He’s calling the able. That means the willing, the ready, the servant-hearted. Not the slick-talking. Not the title-chasing. But the able.

There’s a myth floating around that young folks have to wait their turn and that elders should hold on forever. That’s how we both lose. Change comes when the young bring the fire and the old bring the foundation. Remember Selma? The Civil Rights Movement wasn’t just Dr. King — it was college students and senior deacons walking together across that bridge. Even in Ferguson and during the 2020 protests, seasoned leaders marched beside new voices with phones, signs, and purpose.

But today? We’re watching folks compete instead of collaborate. Some elders treat innovation like disrespect. Some young people treat tradition like baggage. Both are wrong. Wisdom isn’t outdated, and vision ain’t immature.

And while we’re preaching unity, we also have to confront the policies and public budget changes that are quietly setting America back in time — slashing support systems, silencing truth-tellers, and sidelining those who dare to challenge the status quo. If we don’t speak up across generations, we’ll all be left picking up the pieces.

If you’ve got strength in your hands, clarity in your mind, and love in your heart — you’re the one God is calling. AI can’t replace your anointing. Your résumé can’t outshine your character. And your birth year doesn’t exempt you from accountability.

The work requires a team. Remember Big Mam said – The old broom knows the corners; the new broom moves quicker. But a house divided stays dirty. And Big Mama always said, “The cleanest house is the one where everybody sweeps.”

Lucille “Big Mama” Allen was a praying woman, a neighborhood matriarch, and the kind of front-porch philosopher whose wisdom hit you in the chest and healed you at the same time. She raised ten kids, helped raise ten more, and ran her house with a Bible in one hand and a cast iron skillet in the other. Big Mama believed in faith, family, and follow-through — and she didn’t bite her tongue. Her legacy lives on in this column, where we speak truth with grace, but never with sugar-coating.  

So stop asking who’s next or who’s in charge. Ask yourself: Am I willing? Am I usable? Am I able?

Because God ain’t impressed by age. He’s moved by availability email me at Terryallenpr@gmail.com and share your success with us.

Terry Allen is an NABJ award-winning Journalist, DEI expert, PR professional, and founder of the charity – Vice President at FocusPR, Founder of City Men Cook, and Dallas Chapter President of NBPRS.org