|
|
|
by Lynda E. Lukow Interview Conducted Olga Samples Davis is an educator, literary
and performing artist, and a retreat leader. Her first book, A
Time to Be Born is in its fourth printing. Things My Mama
Told Me: The Wisdom That Shapes Our Lives, a collection of her mother's
one line sermons and Ms. Davis' personal reflections, will be released
this month. I am honored to introduce the most inspiring author
I've ever had the chance to interview.
Lynda: How did your mother inspire you to write this book? Olga Samples Davis: My Mother's daily walk has been a daily inspiration to me and literally thousands of others. In that walk, she taught us about our responsibilities as positive and productive members of the human family. The stories in my book represent you and me on that walk. These stories had to be told.
Lynda: What was the most important piece of advice your mother gave you? Olga Samples Davis: Keep God in the center of everything you do, be vigilant about maintaining a grateful heart, and remember nothing is too small or large for God.
Lynda: I loved every "mamaism" and would have a hard time choosing a favorite. Is there one that is particularly special to you? Olga Samples Davis: I have well over three hundred mamaisms that I have collected over the years. Each mamaism is a gem to me. Each one is a proclamation of survival and wisdom. As for a favorite mamaism at this very moment, the following mini-sermon comes to mind and heart: "Allow no one and nothing to steal your joy!" Tomorrow another gem in the way of a mamaism may guide me on my way.
Lynda: How do you hope "Things My Mama Told Me" will inspire readers? Olga Samples Davis: I hope readers will be encouraged to celebrate their history and heritage --to celebrate that fine "mothering" that exists in female and male persons or all ages, races, creeds, nationalities, and religions.
Lynda: If readers could learn only one message from this book, which lesson would that be? Olga Samples Davis: Record and pass on your uniquely wonderful story to others. Everyone has something special to teach and all of us have much to learn. The gift of self is truly a gift like no other -- timeless, priceless, and one-of-a-kind.
Lynda: Your mother obviously provided an excellent role model. Has anyone else inspired you? Olga Samples Davis: Everyday extraordinary people have inspired me -- people who do the right thing because it is the right thing and not the most popular or politically expedient choice. I love that "I-shall-not-be-moved" courage! Literally artists who have and continue to inspire me include Maya Angelou, Ashley Bryan, Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, and a host of others. I continue to read, listen, and learn from everyone around me. I try not to forget that I stand on the shoulders of all who went before me. I believe that we honor those who help us by unconditionally sharing the lessons of life with others on the path.
Lynda: As an educator, do you ever find yourself in your mama's shoes? Olga Samples Davis: Oh yes! Every teacher who cares about students is a "Mama" many times during their career. It is a tough love business that requires the creativity to play many roles at any given time -- and often several roles at the same time. It is work like no other.
Lynda: Things My Mama Told Me includes a beautifully inspiring poem entitled "Dance". Do you prefer writing poetry or prose? Olga Samples Davis: I have really learned to have no preference. Wherever I am in my mind or heart at that moment, I try to wholeheartedly BE there -- present in every sense of the word. Sometimes that leads me to write a play. Other times the medium is poetry or prose. Whatever the moment brings, I try to welcome i Lynda: I haven't had the pleasure of reading "A Time to Be Born". Would you care to tell us a little about it? Olga Samples Davis: A Time to Be Born was largely born out of my travel gift to five countries in West Africa. This volume of work is divided into seasons based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-11: a time to be born, die, weep, laugh, mourn, dance -- each season a beautiful lesson. It was one of those books that was talked out, heard, created, and then sent forth by a new press. It was destined to take flight.
Lynda: I understand you give inspirational speeches. Do you have any public appearances scheduled? Olga Samples Davis: Only readings for The Things My Mama Told Me are forthcoming. For me, readings offer a golden opportunity to say "Thank You!" to listeners and readers. The words seem especially sweet when they are offered aloud.
Lynda: Do you have another book in the works? Olga Samples Davis: Yes! Old ideas are still brewing and new Ideas are dancing in my head as we speak.
Lynda: Thank you so much for sharing yourself and your mama with us. I'm sure your future endeavors will be as beautiful and uplifting as your previous works. I wish you well. Dear readers, when life's stresses become an onerous burden I find gentle inspiration helps lighten the load. If you feel the same, I'm sure you'll enjoy Things My Mama Told Me, too. For past Have You Heard Interviews, Click Here © MyShelf.Com. All Rights Reserved |