By Terry Allen
In our family, Lucille “Big Mama” Allen was more than a matriarch; she was the embodiment of wisdom and faith, the one we turned to for guidance through life’s complexities. Her words were never just idle chatter—they were lessons forged from experience and rooted in an unshakable belief in God’s word. One of her most profound teachings was simple yet powerful: “Don’t complain, do something about it.”
We live in a society full of words; everyone is saying something. In today’s culture, where things feel unstable and unreliable, opinions, accusations, and speculations fly around like confetti in the wind. It can be difficult to know what or whom to believe. Words can make or break us, shaping our emotional states in ways we often don’t realize. But as Big Mama taught, just voicing complaints without taking action makes you part of the problem. History has shown us the power of action over words. During the Civil Rights Movement, it wasn’t just the speeches that changed America; it was the marches, the sit-ins, and the unwavering courage to confront injustice head-on. When the suffragettes fought for women’s right to vote, they didn’t just complain about inequality— they organized, protested, and ultimately transformed the nation.
In her 2024 Democratic National Convention speech, Former First Lady Michelle Obama called on us to “do something.” She reminded us that words alone are not enough; we must act decisively to uphold our values and protect our democracy.
Big Mama believed that allowing words—good or bad—to dictate our happiness or sadness was a mis- take. We can’t afford to let everything we hear and see control our emotional thermostat. Instead, we must be like her: blending personal testimony with an unwavering trust in God’s word. God is speaking to you today.
He’s saying: “I forgive you. I’m not angry with you. I love you. I want to lead, guide, and help you.”
Big Mama’s lesson is clear: Trust in God, take action, and know that His word can be trusted to guide you through whatever life throws your way! S share email me at Terryallenpr@ gmail.com.
Terry Allen is an NABJ award- winning Journalist, DEI expert, PR professional, and founder of the charity – Vice President at FocusPR, Founder of City Men Cook, and Dallas Chapter President of NBPRS.org
