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Milestones and Markers

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How we determine if we are successful in life and careers is often marked by milestones and markers that indicate where we are and how well we’ve done our jobs. We strive for them throughout our lives. I often pull out a suitcase that contains bits and pieces from my late father’s life. We filled it after he passed away at 54, unable to part with the certificates of achievement, the small pins marking his years of service, and the awards he received. Medals and insignia from his time in the Army are also there. I remember one time when my father came home floating on air after receiving recognition for saving his employer an immense amount of money.

Beyond the love I still carry for my dad, these mementos from his life mean little in the grand scheme of things. I’ve probably opened that case five times since he died 38 years ago, taking the pieces out, reading, remembering, and repacking.

In contrast to my father, who spent his life working for companies and the government, my life has been spent either behind or in front of a film or television camera, or driving from town to town, stage to stage, as I spoke or performed my music and comedy. My milestones and markers are much different from my father’s. They are achievements generally granted by organizations that focus on the crafts in which I perform my gifts. Awards come in all shapes and sizes and at all levels these days, generally selected through nominations and voting processes by industry professionals or sometimes by fans. Chart songs come through radio stations and whichever authority compiles the data.

As entertainers and actors, we do our work, and at times, we’re blessed when it rises into the view of our peers, fans, and organizations—enough so that our names are set alongside those considered the very best in the business. Those nominations sometimes even grant us the unusual distinction of becoming award winners.

I’m blessed that there have been seasons when I’ve seen the blessings of nominations and awards. God has allowed 2025 to be another one of those seasons, with a mixture of 16 nominations or honors in various areas of my creative endeavors from a variety of organizations.

Other milestones are markers of passing time—anniversaries. The last 12 months have been a series of markers for me, many starting with the number four. The longest is 45 years since I hosted my first ticketed concert with my youth bluegrass band—The Peachtree Pickers. This, in many ways, was the beginning of my professional career, aside from my earliest TV appearance at age six. Time also allows many folks to look upon your list of achievements that come with time and decide you need to be honored with career-capping distinctions, such as induction into halls of fame. My career has managed to accumulate five of those thus far, but I have yet to put a cap on my career. In fact, I’m doing everything I can to ramp up my opportunities to allow me to create and perform for the next two decades.

I don’t know who might sift through my awards and nominations 38 years after God calls me home, but it’s my intention to give them plenty to look through. I certainly hope I leave behind several trunks’ worth.

What achievements are you leaving behind? Whether in corporate offices, on stages, or elsewhere, we all chase these markers—but what truly endures? While the things described above are important to me, I’ll refer to something one of my performance mentors taught me about what we leave behind. My bluegrass mentor Doodle Thrower used to say, as he left the stage after the final show of a festival: “When they dig my grave, it’ll have to be several feet deeper than normal to house all the wonderful memories of good friends and the great moments shared with those in the audience.” I’m hopeful that for me the same will be true, but instead the extra depth will be needed for those who have stood in front of my stages or watched me on a screen.

Finding the Spark: The Power of Enthusiasm

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Each morning, we face a choice: silence the alarm, pull the covers up, and sink back into the darkness—or rise and embrace the possibilities of a new day. It’s tempting to stay in that cozy cocoon, especially when life feels heavy with routine or doubt. But enthusiasm, that inner fire that propels us forward, begins with one simple act: getting up. As my talented cousin Mark Twain wisely said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” That first step out of bed opens the door to purpose, connection, and joy.

For me, that step often starts with a quiet prayer: “Thank you, Lord, for another day! What am I to do for you today?” Even on mornings when my spirit feels weighed down—by deadlines, uncertainty, or the monotony of daily tasks—that moment of gratitude grounds me. It’s a reminder that each day holds purpose, waiting to be uncovered. Once I shake off the cobwebs, sit at my desk, and let the world in, something sparks. A to-do list beckons, or the phone rings with a producer inviting me to a new film project, like The Cricket’s Dance, where I joined a vibrant cast to bring someone’s vision to life. More often these days, it’s an email from a collaborator proposing a show or a recording session. Those connections, especially the energy of a voice on the line, ignite my enthusiasm like a match to kindling.

As a creative soul, nothing fuels me like making something new. Picture this: I’m in my studio, surrounded by the hum of instruments, piecing together a melody. Notes clash, then harmonize, until a song emerges that might touch someone’s heart. That process—blending the artistry of multiple talents into one cohesive piece—sets my soul ablaze. Or take writing a script, like my recent project The American’s Creed. It starts as a flicker of an idea, then grows through late nights, revisions, and collaboration with actors and crew until it’s a living story on screen. These moments remind me why I get up: to create something that moves others.

But enthusiasm isn’t just for artists. It’s the parent who rises early to pack lunches and cheer at a soccer game, fueled by love for their kids. It’s the teacher who stays up late crafting lessons, driven by the hope of sparking curiosity. It’s the volunteer serving meals at a shelter, motivated by compassion. We all face mornings when motivation feels distant—when exhaustion, self-doubt, or the grind of routine dims our spark. I’ll admit, even I can’t muster enthusiasm for scrubbing the kitchen floor. (Let’s be honest—some tasks are just chores.) So how do we keep the fire burning?

First, take small steps. Break a daunting task—like a new project or a tough day—into manageable pieces. One note at a time builds a song; one scene at a time crafts a film. Second, seek community. My best work comes from collaborating with others whose passion amplifies mine. Find your people—friends, colleagues, or a faith group—who lift you up. Third, pause to reflect. There was a morning last month when I felt stuck, uninspired. I stepped away, prayed, and walked outside to my garden picked up my trowel and dug in the dirt. Between the garden rows, I stopped and let the breeze and a moment of stillness remind me why I create. That pause rekindled my purpose.

History offers examples of this spark. Consider Thomas Edison, whose enthusiasm for invention led to over a thousand patents. He once said, “I never did a day’s work in my life. It was all fun.” His relentless curiosity turned ideas into light bulbs that changed the world. We don’t all need to invent electricity, but we can channel that same drive into our own callings, whether it’s raising a family, building a business, or serving a neighbor.

Enthusiasm, at its core, is about finding what stirs your soul and taking that first step toward it. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. So, what’s your spark? Seek it, nurture it, and let it carry you forward. As the Bible reminds us in Philippians 4:13 (KJV), “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” With faith and enthusiasm, each new day becomes a canvas for purpose, connection, and joy.

Speaking Your Success into Being

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Have you ever wondered why we have a tongue? Is it merely a tool to utter nonsense to those around us? Not everything that rolls off our lips is trivial—far from it. Words hold power, and what we speak can shape our lives in ways we might not expect.

Consider a night from my youth. I sat with my mother after watching the premiere of In the Heat of the Night. Inspired, I turned to her and declared, “If I’m ever on television, it’ll be on this show.” I had no plan, no connections—just a bold thought I voiced aloud. Some might have dismissed it as a childish boast, but five months later, I stood on that set. God planted the idea; I spoke it, claimed it, and He moved. That moment taught me our tongues can breathe life into dreams.

History echoes this truth. Consider the Committee of Five—Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston—who drafted the Declaration of Independence. Four of them are my kin, and while I share their blood, it was God who gifted them words that altered destinies. Scribed and proclaimed by town criers across the colonies, their syllables birthed a nation. Were they uniquely blessed? Yes, but their example reveals what’s possible when inspired speech meets divine purpose.

What have you spoken over your life lately? We may not draft nations, but we pen the founding documents of our own stories. Whether whispered in prayer, shared with loved ones, or written in quiet moments, our words carry weight. Faith tells us they can unlock extraordinary opportunities. Psalms 130:2 pleads, “Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications,” reflecting the hope that God listens—“From our lips to His ears.” If He plants the thought, He waits for us to claim it aloud.

Does every claim come to pass? If it aligns with His will and our covenant as Christians, I believe it can. Yet caution is key. Proverbs 18:21 warns, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” We can just as easily speak disaster as blessing. A modern echo, often tied to Ralph Waldo Emerson, adds, “Be careful what you set your heart upon, for it surely shall be yours.” Our speech shapes reality.

So, be mindful of what you utter. Your tongue can curse or bless, destroy or build. I urge you—set a positive future in motion. Speak life, uplift others, and create momentum for God’s purpose. Your success may well begin with the next words you say.

Chasing Success: A Personal Odyssey

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What is success? Some would say it’s landing the job that represents the pinnacle of one’s vocation. Others might point to the amassing of money, houses, cars, or other assets. We watch television shows where celebrities appear, dressed in fine clothes and adorned with jewels, seeming to have it all. Perhaps that’s the version of success some strive to achieve. If one could write a popular book, find their stride as an athlete, or invent something everyone needs, those would certainly be seen as measures of success.

From my late parents’ perspective, success was being loved, raising a family, paying all your bills, helping others when needs arose, and ending each year hopefully a little better off financially than the year before.

In short, success is the achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted, or the gaining of fame or prosperity. However, I believe success is defined by each of us based on our own set of circumstances and the vision we have for our life or the aspirations we hold for those we love. Thus, it’s not set in stone but rather a moving target.

Encouraged by my parents, I became the first in my extended family to attend and graduate from college. I worked my way through it and still take great pride in this achievement. However, apart from holding my own among other college graduates, I’ve seen little additional success from that degree hanging on my wall.

God’s intervention in my life led me to work within the gifts He bestowed upon my spirit—music, acting, and writing. My parents also gifted me with a common-sense approach to life and business.

I recall a time when I was riding in a stretch black limousine from one of the nicest hotels in a major American city. With me were my long-time agent and a beautiful entertainer as my date. I remember looking up at the skyscrapers, thinking how blessed I was. We were dressed to the nines, on our way to a celebrity event with a red carpet. On the opposite side of the street were bleachers filled with spectators, and along the red carpet, every imaginable media outlet was there to interview those walking it. When the limo stopped, the red carpet announcer introduced me as I stepped out. There were rousing cheers from the crowd. I turned to assist my guest and my agent, both ladies, from the car, and we then walked the carpet, fielding questions before joining other acting and music celebrities at the event. To many, I’m sure I embodied their vision of success.

Yet, after returning home, I was back to figuring out which hat to shake for my next paycheck. From many such experiences in life, I have concluded that in order to grab a hold of success, one must work hard every day to reach new goals in each area—a new book, a new single or album, another tour, perhaps a new film or TV show role.

While I have managed to reach a certain level of success in several fields, there’s still much more to achieve to truly claim the brass ring in any of these endeavors.

Looking back at my life through my parents’ definition of success, I’ve succeeded in some ways, while in others, I’ve failed miserably. God provides the means to pay my bills. I’ve been blessed with the time to help others. However, I never managed to raise a family, which I regret more each day. Some years end with less financial success than the previous one. Am I loved? I would say sometimes I feel I am, other times I feel I am not. So, have I found success?

From my childhood understanding of success, the answer might be no. But after many years of creating my own understanding of success, I would say, yes. I am blessed that my career has allowed me to do things others might only dream about and, at the same time, to have a positive, encouraging impact on many.

Will I ever reach a point where I can say, “Well, I have reached the pinnacle of success”? I hope not. If there’s ever a day I don’t get up with a goal to accomplish, then I won’t feel like a success. Instead, I’d likely feel more useless.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my evolving perception of success has not only shaped my life but has also influenced those around me. When I was younger, success seemed like a destination marked by accolades and public recognition. Now, I see it as a journey, one that’s enriched by personal growth, the love we share, and the lives we touch. This shift in perspective has taught me to value the encouragement I offer others, the mentorship I provide, and the quiet moments of joy in my work over the fleeting applause of the public. As I’ve grown, so too has my definition of success, becoming less about the external markers and more about internal peace and contribution to others. This evolution in my understanding might be my true success, influencing not just my path but also those who have walked alongside me or followed my journey from afar.

So, in life, define what success is to you. Strive towards the path to reach it. Put the throttle forward, and go full steam ahead. Good luck!

Dreaming of a new year

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A new year is upon us and with its arrival is the promise of another opportunity.
Perhaps it’s the practice of making resolutions, or the celebrations of ringing out the old and ringing in the new. I always see Jan. 1 as a new chance to do things more effectively.
So, let’s see what can I do?
The house, it needs to be kept cleaner, I can do that, let’s get started, vacuum hose in hand, dust cloth in back pocket, Pledge in the other back pocket. I need a bucket, full of water, with ammonia for the floors. OK that’s all ready, what else, where’s that extension to clean the dust off the fans? There it is. OK I need some Comet to clean the bathrooms, and a sponge.
Great, I am ready now, cleaner house here we come, but before I get started, it’s about lunch time, let me make a sandwich.
That’s another area I can improve. I should eat healthier – more leafy greens and drink more water. OK lettuce on the sandwich… what else can I put on it? There is nothing else in here. I need to go shopping.
I need to more efficiently stock my kitchen. O.K. Let’s make a list. I will open all the cupboards and see what is missing. Peanut butter, I need that, soup is always good. What about spaghetti? What’s wrong with this pen?
Now I have to find a pen. There are none here so, into the office. I’ll check by the phone. I don’t know why; pens are never there when I need one.
Right, no pens. Look at this office, files everywhere. Look at that, I sat that file there last year and haven’t touched it. I really need to get organized in my office.
No better time to start than the present. We will start with this file on that mystery book, I want to finish. Hmm. I better take a look at this before I file it.
That’s a good story. Why haven’t I finished it? That’s it, that’s what’s needed, a twist to take us in a new direction. Let me just get this typed in the computer before I forget it.
I’ll get this new book finished in no time at all.
Boy, I am getting hungry. What did I do with that lettuce sandwich? Kitchen. I was hunting a pen. Here’s one.
Will you look at this mess, all these cleaning things in the middle of the floor. Look at the kitchen, cabinets open, refrigerator door open. It looks like I have been robbed.
I have got to get this place cleaned up, close the doors, the fridge. Now let’s get the cleaning stuff back where it goes.
Now, doesn’t everything look better? There is nothing like making things neater to give a new year prospective. I am still hungry, where’s that lettuce sandwich? Here it is. Look here’s a coupon on pizza delivery. That’s a great deal. Where did I put the phone?