November 14, 2024
Songs are written and sang to affect the emotions of the listener. Yet rarely has one touched my heart the way Lee Ann Womack does when she sings, “I Hope You Dance.” Several years ago I was going through a trying time in my life and my friend, Lynn Teague, bought me a CD and book illustrating the words to this particular song. I had heard the song before, but I had never really listened to its words.
The last few days, this song has once again been running through my head. So, I popped it into the CD player and began listening to it once again... over and over. The jest of the song is about taking chances in life. Listen to a few of the words with me...
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give fate a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
It is no surprise to any of us just how short life really is. And the truth is, God doesn’t promise any of us a tomorrow. So, it’s important that we live our life today. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want life to hit me in the behind with the back door. I want to daringly walk through the front door - making my own decisions, including my own mistakes.
It’s okay if someday I look back on my life with a few regrets. But it’s not acceptable for me to look back and know that I was afraid to even try. I hope I always make the decision to dance... and I pray that you do also.
This past week was pretty great for me on a personal level. Not only did I win my fourth term to serve on the Osceola City Council, but I was honored to accept two awards at the annual banquet of the Chamber of Commerce. I was very excited that the Osceola Heritage Musicfest won the non-profit of the year award. Unless you have been involved you have no idea just how much work goes into putting on a festival of this magnitude and how many volunteers it takes to pull it all together. Hat’s off to my fellow board members Michael Ephlin and Philip Adcock and every member of our incredible committee. Folks, this next year the festival will celebrate its 25th anniversary. That is huge! This festival pays homage to Osceola’s musical heritage which is the very heart of our existence.
I was also very honored and humbled to receive the Lasting Legacy award. Just to have my name mentioned in the same category as Freddy Ware, Lee Bowles and John Newcomb was a huge honor. I have dedicated the past 40 years of my personal and professional life to serving this community and I have loved (just about) every moment of it! This place is the home of my heart and you are all my family!
So, with a very grateful heart, this editor says “thank you” to all of you! My cup runneth over! Let’s keep dancing... there are more challengers ahead and more life to live!!!
Sandra Brand is the editor of the NEA Town Courier and The Osceola Times. She may be reached by phone at 870-563-2615 or by email at brand@osceolatimes.com.
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