This is post TWO of a seven post blog – HELPFUL HINTS. Check back each Monday for new submission.

We have come a long ways in society. Slaves found freedom, women can vote, kids have rights and some groups even save whales and protect animals. Fortunately, society doesn’t “play the race card” as much today but too often folks tend to play the “hate” card faster than ever.

The more one neglects to honor Christ the less we are in position to be a blessing to others. Too many fail to appreciate the value of others and their talents. Its been said: “Folks will tolerate you in life but celebrate you in death.” Maturity is celebrating the talents of others now without feeling threatened. We need to celebrate (respect) others not tolerate them (revile).

Last week we talked about rebounds but this week its RESPECT. Aretha Franklin sang it, Rodney Dangerfield couldn’t find it and most men crave for it. CONFESSION: I’m old school. My parents taught me that if you RESPECT someone reach out to them. Ask them to meet for a meal (or coffee). Buy their lunch. Take out a pen and paper and write down everything they say. Pick their brain and glean from them. Follow up with a thank you note for their insight and taking the time to spend with you. As God elevates you always give Him the glory and publicly acknowledge those who helped you along the way! Don’t ever forget those that helped you on your journey. The student is never more important than their teacher. One hint that has worked REALLY well for me – are you ready? MARK THIS DOWN: Who you RESPECT is who you’ll attract.

FACT: You cannot expect to get help if you only reveal hate (i.e. jealousy or arrogance). This post could and will probably become a springboard for a future book for me (no joke) but to keep it short and sweet I will highlight a few quick examples.

It is no surprise that Michael English (outside of Elvis) is my favorite Christian singer. I became familiar with his music in the late 1980’s. While in college in early 1990’s, I couldn’t get enough of his music. I bought all the cassettes and CDs I could find and first went to see him in concert in 1994 when he was singing with the Gaither Vocal Band. I recall sitting a couple rows from the top (nose bleed section) as a college student at a concert in Spartanburg, SC and never thought I would have the chance to meet him. That night it wasn’t meant to be. Shortly after, he went through the darkest days of his life and some wondered if he would ever sing again. God laid on my heart to reach out to him and I wrote him letters from 1995-2005 with a desire to encourage him. Not sounding “holier than thou” but letting him know God loved him and the best was yet to come.

I began to check his calendar when he started singing again and I went to see him over a dozen times in seven states driving up to eight hours (each way) for a concert. Before he was singing to 10,000 and now as few as 150 people at a small country church. TAKE NOTE: How you extend grace to folks in need show your present relationship with Jesus. Secondly, when you demonstrate love in their valleys they won’t forget you when God puts them back on the mountain. Third, who are we to judge anyways? We need more of God’s grace not our gripes.

As a fan it was both a blessing and painful. It was wonderful to finally be in a intimate venue and enjoy the concert. However, it was hurtful to see how so many casted stones. Those days were a chance for me to finally connect after concerts, talk at the product table and share how honored I would be to do some ministry together with him in future. At first he thought I was kidding but once I say it we don’t normally back out or false advertise. By God’s grace and several friends help at our first ever Celebrate Jesus! Crusade in my hometown of Waldorf, MD I booked Michael to come sing. We booked him there and for the third one in Dallas, TX and did another half dozen concerts/crusades together in MD, TX, VA & Bahamas during 2006-2009!

I was so excited in late 2009, when Bill Gaither invited Michael to return to the legendary Gaither Vocal Band. Michael is such a blessing and he is an amazing Christan man, husband and father. On September 9, 2011 the GVB rolled into town and Michael’s wife, Marcie graciously provided my parents, Ruth and I four FREE floor seats dead center right down front. To see him back singing on the big stage again is more than music to my ears. It was also a private prayer of mine that he would be back doing what he was born to do. Love God and sing to the masses. Plus, to graduate from a fan to friend is priceless but it all goes back to grace and RESPECT.

As you may know – Meadowlark Lemon is one of my childhood heroes. I won’t reiterate too long because you can read my previous blog about him here https://www.frankshelton.com/2010/10/a-winner-in-the-game-of-life/
but God really has been too good to me. We first met when I was in eighth grade in 1985, when I had the opportunity to play before a Harlem Globetrotters game at the Capital Centre. It was a JOY to play on a NBA court and meet Meadowlark, Curly and members of the iconic team.

Ironically, a decade later Bill Gaither had a Homecoming video where Meadowlark shared his testimony about Jesus becoming his Savior. I was so excited because even your heroes need the Lord! I reached out to him and since 2008 we have done several events at churches and colleges together. This weekend as he returned to Washington, DC his wife reached out to me saying Meadowlark is back in town and he wanted to spend time together. Keep in mind, I am the same kid who never dreamt to meet him and now when he’s coming through wants to hang out. Go God! Again, this is ALL God’s grace and the greats are gracious. I also believe RESPECT goes a long way. Had I been a ‘hater’ and not a helper I would have missed out on so much.

Last year, Meadowlark invited me to submit a brief note along with Michael Jordan & Bill Cosby for the foreword in his new book TRUST YOUR NEXT SHOT. This weekend, we spent all day on Saturday together and I connected with him at 7AM in the lobby of his hotel. We jumped into his awaiting black chauffered Lincoln Town car and drove to an event he was serving as honorary chairman at the U.S. Capitol. What a JOY to not only return to my favorite building and former place of employment but riding with the one whom God used to bring joy to multiplied millions.

From there, we walked from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial (the place I proposed to my wife) and home of Honest Abe but en route we took a picture at the brand new Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial. It was ironic to stand next to the man (Meadowlark) who personally endured such un-fair racial resentment during the Civil Rights era. The man who dazzled tens of thousands of adoring fans (many white) nightly at venues like Madison Sqaure Garden only to be exempted from eating at restaurants heading for their next event. Sadly, in those dark days he was good enough to make folks laugh but told “not good enough” to dine here! Not only standing next to him but behind us looking over us was Dr King who fought to make justice for all. But perhaps the best part is God looking down unseen who because of His Son’s shed blood at Calvary and our mutual faith in Christ we are more than friends but brothers!

At the memorial the car picked us up and we ate at one of my favorite places on Earth – OLD EBBITTS GRILLE (next door to The White House). We went back to his hotel and watched college football together and then we reconnected with his awesome daughter and rode together to Howard University for a wonderful dinner and book signing. Meadowlark was the guest of honor for the event and as always he brought the house down with his humor and joy!

It was an 18 hour day for me on Saturday but one of the greatest days of my life. I saw Forest Gump SEVEN times at the theater (perhaps because my life resembled his in a few spots). It can be lonely and even folks on the mountain need love too. I have always said when we show love and respect for others they just may take us along for the ride. Like Michael English last week with floor seats and now in a limo this weekend with Hall of Famer Meadowlark Lemon it really does work. How do I know? By God’s grace I am the kid in the stands who God allowed to go along for the ride literally with those I admire and appreciate. Respect goes a long way. We don’t show respect hoping to get a favor in the future but because we honor God when we honor others above ourselves.