One of the first speaking gigs I ever had was in Dothan, Alabama. It was at the Houston County Public Library, and I did not want to be there.
At the time, I had been writing this column for a few years and had a couple books published. I had not done ANY public speaking. I was very worried that I’d make a fool of myself.
The fact is, I can always be counted on to make a moderate fool of myself. As a boy, for instance, my friend’s mother, Miss Martha, used to always tell me, “Think before you speak, Sean.” She was a cantankerous lady who was always saying this to me.
I had no idea what it meant at such a young age. After all, my usual policy was to think AFTER I spoke, when I had more free time available for reflection. But years later, I discovered what Miss Martha truly meant. She meant that I should shut up.
I wish Miss Martha would have just come out and said that. It would have saved me a lot of embarrassment later in life. Because I wasn’t aware that she was absolutely right about me. My mouth did frequently make a fool out of me.
Like the one Sunday at church when I was supposed to read the scripture verse that would be the topic of the preacher’s sermon. A lay person always read the Bible verse before the preacher’s sermon and that week it was my turn.
My mother had written my verse on an index card and tucked it into a Bible so that all I had to do was open the Bible and read the bold letters on the card. But somehow I lost the card. And when I opened the Bible I had no idea where the verse and chapter were located. So I just read from the open page. It was Proverbs 21:9, which read:
“Better to live on a roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome woman.”
One old man in the back stood and shouted, “AMEN BROTHER!”
That was the last time I ever read scripture in church. And it was that very day that Miss Martha’s word’s came back to me. She had me figured out. I had the uncanny knack for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. I still do. And I am not exaggerating.
Anyway, I’ll never forget that day in Dothan. The library’s back room was sort of small and there were chairs lined up from the front of to the back. I was convinced it was going to be a disastrous day.
For starters, I didn’t think anyone was going to show up. I thought there would maybe be a few folks huddled around a Bunn coffee machine. I thought that basically I would make a dork out of myself before a three-person audience, then sweep the rest of my dignity into a dustpan and go home.
But that day the library’s room filled up with people until it was standing room only. I started to bawl like a baby. Where did THEY come from? And WHY were they here? Then I took the microphone. I was trembling. I gulped. And I said the first thing that came to my mind:
“I just flew in from Atlanta and, boy, are my arms tired.”
No. I’m only kidding. To tell you the truth, I don’t even remember what I said. I was so nervous I wanted to puke.
But the audience was so gracious. Since I had no idea what I was doing, many audience members sort of guided me through my half-cocked presentation. I’d finish reading one of my stories, then I’d ask the crowd, “What should I do next?”
And one lady would say, “Why don’t you sing something to us?”
So I’d pick up my guitar and sing. Then I’d finish and ask people what I ought to do after that.
One guy shouted, “Read that one story about the dog in the barn…”
This is how it went for an hour and a half. And when I was done my nerves were completely shot. And I was STILL sick, even though it was all over. When we got to our hotel room, there was a hot tub downstairs by the pool. I got into the hot tub and I just cried and cried for a long time. I never expected the day to go like that. It had been one of the most beautiful days of my entire life.
Since then, I’ve spoken in Dothan several times. I’ve even spoken at the Episcopalian church for Wednesday night potlucks where a sweet old woman once offered me—this is true—a shot of Wild Turkey before I went on stage.
Episcopalians.
But if I can get serious for a second, I’ve realized something over the last several years. Something I wish I would have known earlier in life:
It’s okay to make a fool out of yourself. It’s even okay not to “think before you speak.” Not everyone is meant to be polished and well-spoken. Some of us were supposed to be quirky, different, a little too easy to cry, too talkative, too naive, and maybe even kind of foolish. And I think that’s okay.
So, if Miss Martha is out there reading this right now, there’s one thing I’d like to tell her:
I’d rather live on a roof than share a house with a quarrelsome woman.
20 comments
GaryD - February 11, 2020 11:01 am
I love Dothan. Spent many Saturday nights at the Farm Center watching Professional Wrestling. Those were the good ol’ days. 😀
Elizabeth - February 11, 2020 11:14 am
It takes all kinds! Thank God!
Anne Arthur - February 11, 2020 12:24 pm
LOL – this is so very human. That’s why you write well.
Cathi Russell - February 11, 2020 12:38 pm
I can absolutely hear my grandaddy shouting “AMEN” from heaven! Thank you, Sean, you just keep on doing you & we’ll all keep smiling & crying.
JeffJohnston - February 11, 2020 1:23 pm
Great story, I am not so sure you are not my long lost brother.
Dawn Bratcher - February 11, 2020 1:36 pm
Since God made us in His image, perhaps He was showing your future – you would be onstage, bringing truth and laughter to men’s souls. ☀️💖
Connie Shepherd - February 11, 2020 1:50 pm
We really enjoyed you last night at Wallace College. It was a great night! Thank you for letting me know that it is okay to be quick to tear up, naive, too talkative, different and quirky. Mrs. Martha would have a hay day with me…If I think it, it usually comes out of my mouth or either the look on my face will rat me out. Your song list for the evening was spot on for me! Loved every minute of it and you have a wonderful voice! Keep on doing what you do, Sean! You are a blessing to many and you make the hard days a lot easier with your writings. Thank you!
Barbara Pope - February 11, 2020 1:56 pm
It’s a beautiful morning–quirky is ok!!
Shelton A. - February 11, 2020 1:58 pm
Great column. Did you take the shot…from an understanding Episcopalian.
Ala Red Clay Girl - February 11, 2020 2:23 pm
So funny! I have that same problem of speaking before thinking. I’ve often thought of duct taping my mouth but then it would be too difficult to eat.
Gary - February 11, 2020 2:30 pm
Funny, I’m uncomfortable speaking to people and I have speak to group of fishermen tonight at a friends church. Baptist, not that it matters. My stomachs been in a knot for days. This helped, thanks.
Melinda McClendon - February 11, 2020 2:46 pm
So glad you accepted my invitation to speak that day! I just knew you would be a tremendous success and wanted Dothan to feel the same! Proud of your success!
Sue Asburry - February 11, 2020 3:33 pm
You just let me know there is someone else like me. Thank you.
David P B Feder - February 11, 2020 4:41 pm
Yes, Sean, you really ARE that good at this!
Rebecca Cotney - February 11, 2020 4:54 pm
You are awesome at what you do Sean. I could listen to you for hours. If I had to speak in public I would have taken that shot of Wild Turkey & I’m a Methodist. Keep up the good work.
Linda Moon - February 11, 2020 5:18 pm
Moderate fools: the best kind. Long ago my mother’s friend, Miss Jane, was always trying to polish me…often for speaking or singing in church. Keep exaggerating your words, Sean…..the written and spoken ones and the ones set to music, too. It’s definitely okay to be mildly eccentric. I know and LOVE a lot of those people. Sharing my house with wonderfully quirky and foolish people has been sometimes challenging but always wonderful!!
Lori - February 11, 2020 6:46 pm
Youngin, I cannot wait to meet you in Greenwood MS at Turnrow – hoping my brother makes it up from Gulfport to come with me.We will be the ones that are nervous trying to share with you our love of your writing.
Joe Patterson - February 11, 2020 10:49 pm
Only you man thanks
Bobby Ray Reeder - February 12, 2020 3:54 am
Being a LA boy, I really got a kick out of this one! I was born and raised in Dothan and I remember when the circle was built. You could ride around it and not see a soul, lol.
Alice - March 19, 2020 12:01 pm
Dear Sean I am so thankful I got to meet you in Dothan last year during valentine dinner you were so wonderful I enjoyed your show so very much I hope you will come back soon God bless you love you ❤️🙏