Lessons In Life

Image courtesy Richard Davenport and The Primitive Quartet

There were two men that made a huge impact on my life during my years in the music industry. They were/are Doyle Lawson and Norman Wilson. I read today, on Mr. Lawson's Facebook page, that Norman Wilson had passed away. 

These two men will always have a huge impact on my life for one simple reason, they were genuine in their compassion. When they asked you how you were doing, they were sincere. Mr. Lawson NEVER made one visit to our facility when he didn't stop by my office to check on me. Wait, I stand corrected, there was the one time that he was rushed and had to leave as quickly as he came in. He came in on the next visit shortly there after and apologized for being in such a rush an talked with me for a good bit. Doyle Lawson is more than a true professional, he is a true humanitarian that cares for people (especially those that are lost), he is a true Christian. When Doyle Lawson leaves a room, his spirit remains and bears witness to the Holy Spirit. His ethic, his drive, his will to make others around him better. I am forever inspired by Doyle Lawson. He taught me a great deal in a short time. The wonderful post that he shared today has taught me a great deal. 

Then there was Mr. Norman Wilson. Wow! He was an inspiration, not a member of the Southern Gospel group (it's ok to smile there), but a true inspiring soul. Mr. Norman stood with me outside one day, prayed with me, and I prayed for him. Mr. Norman prayed for me. He came to my office, and he and Mr. Reagan Riddle (another Primitive member), sat in the break room and had coffee as they shared with me. Mr. Norman took me outside one day. The sun was bright, the air a bit cool, and Mr. Norman had another cup of hot coffee in hand. He looked at me, and said something close to this: 

I know good people, and I know good intentions. That's what makes a true Christian. 

Then the man that looked YEARS younger than he actually was, and had a man's man of a hand shake looked at me with tears in his eyes, and said; 

You're a good one, and I know God has big plans for you. Your intentions are genuine. I know your prayer was earnest. 

Mr. Norman Wilson taught me a new lesson in humility, a lesson in good and true intentions. I began to tear as well when he opened up to me and I apologized. 

He said, I see the real you, don't apologize for that. Then he asked me what made us as Chrisrians. "Why do we do what we do? Why do we put our entire paycheck in the collection plate? Is it to impress another individual or our church, or do we do it for the betterment of the Kingdom, do we do it for Gods' glory? What are our intentions." 

God please show Mr. Norman my intentions now in this article. Show him that I was listening to You, through him. 

I will miss a great Christian man and his family is most definitely in my prayers. The Primitive Quartet comsists of not only great musicians, but great families. My heart goes out to the Primitive family and the Wilson family. God bless you all.  

"Travis what separates us from others is our intentions!" Norman Wilson