Big Mama Said: “We Are Blessed Beyond Measure”

By: Terry Allen

Lucille “Big Mama” Allen was more than a grandmother—she was a spiritual anchor, a moral compass, and the soft place we all landed when the world grew too sharp. Her voice carried both thunder and tenderness. She taught through scripture, song, and sharp wit, delivering divine truth while standing over a pot of greens. Big Mama didn’t just raise children—she raised standards.

One of her most powerful teachings still guides me today: “You are blessed beyond measure, even when folks ignore you, overlook you, or criticize you. Don’t you ever forget that.” And Lord knows, in this season of noise, cancel culture, clout-chasing, and political performance, I’ve had to lean into that lesson with all my strength.

Today’s climate wants to silence the storytellers—the truth-tellers, the bridge-builders, the griots of our community. We live in a time when standing up for something righteous gets you pushed out, and telling hard truths makes you a target. There are those who try to export our talent, exploit our gifts, and erase our presence. But Big Mama taught me that we must rise above the falsehoods. We move forward—not with bitterness, but with boldness.

I thank God for giving me the strength to tolerate the arrogance and egos of others—not out of weakness, but from a spirit of humility and discernment. God has amended my sense of authority with a deeper wisdom: one that lets me see all sides of the coin—not just what’s right, but what’s righteous.

When I was honored at the 10th Annual Living Legends Brunch—recognized for being one of Dallas’ history-making, top influential men of color—I carried Big Mama’s words with me. “Give people their roses while they’re still alive,” she’d say. That moment wasn’t just for me—it was for her legacy.

And in that same spirit, I close with Big Mama’s final lesson: “God didn’t call you to defend yourself in every room. He called you to walk like you know who you are. Some battles ain’t yours—they’re distractions.”

So today, I walk blessed. Not because of titles, applause, or visibility—but because Big Mama’s wisdom still covers me. And that, family, is being blessed beyond measure.. Email me and tell me all about your blessings 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