[October 31, 2018] Occasionally we are the lucky ones who have someone in our family that keeps us on the straight path to being a good person and who does so by dispensing practical guidance. My maternal grandmother, we called her bigmama, was a no-nonsense lady with the utmost integrity, moral strength, and compassion.
“Don’t allow your fears to overcome you. Fear no thing or no one.” – my Grandmother (as we called her, Bigmama)
Yes, like most grandmothers, she dispensed advice with a sprinkling of discipline and was able to do it in a way that made you feel special. Several readers of my leadership blog here at www.theLeaderMaker.com suggested that I consolidate and expand some of her unsolicited advice for the benefit of all.
- Life can be hard, so never lose hope. There will be times, she told me, when it will take every ounce of strength to preserve. Prayer and your family will help carry you through the worst of times.
- Get your act straight (morally and in your daily affairs). Usually given on the heels of me doing something wrong, bigmama was quick to point us grandkids in the right direction.
- When making a big decision, sleep on it. The next morning things may appear different, she told me. And they usually do.
- Never underestimate other people. Part of respecting others, bigmama was a lady who would always believe in what you thought and what you were doing. She knew you could do the right thing with the proper guidance and help. Bigmama told us to apply this idea to everyone we met.
- Don’t take risks without evaluating the benefits. I loved motorcycles and dirt-track racing them was my passion for a number of years. Then, bigmama sat me down to talk through the reasons I was in such a dangerous sport. Later when I married, I discovered my wife didn’t want me even owning a motorcycle. Alas, I never did own one again.
- Chose your friends wisely. Bigmama said that the people around us have a power over us that can be either good or bad. Therefore, it is a person’s option to choose your associations in life but then we must live with the results.
I have no idea where the name Bigmama came from and probably never will. But her presence, kindness, and straight-shooting personality attracted all the grandkids to her like moths to the light.
Any person who can overcome stereotypes and putdowns can achieve greatness. It is also always good to hear about unassuming people who are there for us always. Your Bigmama was obviously a wonderful, Christian woman who valued her grandkids more than anything else.
Ain’t it so., Mr. TJ.
Very good blog today on one of my favorite people – grandmothers.
Women of Bigmama’s era were the ones that helped keep America running while the men were fighting WW II. Thank goodness for these grandmothers!
You got that right sister.
Great comment !!
Today is Halloween in the US. My grandmother on my mom’s side was the first person to take me out trick or treating. I ate more sugar that day than any other time in my life. Wonderful memories.
Wow, man! Great article post today. I enjoyed it immensely. Reminded me of my two grandmothers; both strong women.
My grandmother on my dad’s side was also a wonderful person. She was physically active; playing tennis until she was 80 and teaching kids in summer school as a volunteer to this day. Another wonderful, strong, focused woman that helps men be real men.
I found your article today to be one of the best. I like hearing stories about real people, especially ones like this. Well done!
I agree, reject those old stereotypes. Your “bigmama” was a great example of why we should throw those views that grandmothers are old women with cookies and a summer dress. Your bigmama must have been a wonderful person.
Yes! Ditch those old stereotypes. This blog post is an example of why.
Your grandmother certainly did not fit the stereotype old lady who sits in her rocking chair on the porch and cooking. Here is another article that notes the same thing.
https://www.123helpme.com/not-the-stereotypical-grandmother-preview.asp?id=180849
We could sum up her advice into two words … ‘be prepared.’
Your ‘bigmama’ was a great woman. You were blessed.
Yep, a very positive lady.
Was she in the Boy Scouts? Just kidding. I’m sure she was a great lady.
Never underestimate people. She can say that again. My mother always gave me advice and this was one of the more common that I actually understood. Why? Because I played peewee football as a 10 year old and learned the hard way that if you underestimate your opponent, he could smash you good. Ha Ha.
The strength of a good woman with a personality of humility is always a great story. But also, strong men matter. That is what makes a society stronger. “Victimhood” is our downfall because it emphasizes weakness and encourages weakness.
good point
Thanks for sharing your maternal grandmother’s advice and personality.
You beat me to it, Bryan. I too want to thank Gen. Satterfield for sharing this about a strong woman who was so important in his life and also helping him make himself successful.
I agree.
Yes, a wonderful story.
🙂 🙂 🙂
This is great. Thanks. 🙂
Thanks ArmY Captain, you beat me to this comment.
🙂
Thanks guys for the positive responses.