The Least of These...

Saturday night I was sitting at home reading a book about elephants in Africa when my phone rang. It was a co-worker who had extra tickets to the Bantum Rooster concert at the Sunset Theater asking me if I wanted to go? For those of you who don't live in Asheboro I'm sure you're thinking "Who is Bantum Rooster?" I will tell you. They are a local band made up of HS and college boys who specialize in oldies rock 'n roll. Well, I had nothing else to do so I thought "why not?" I quickly threw on some makeup, fixed my hair and was out the door in a flash. Headed for a big night out on the town... for Asheboro, that is.

We were able to get front-row seats and quickly settled in for the concert. I had already spotted Randy when I came in the door so I knew we were in for a treat. Randy is one of those unforgettable characters that once encountered, you will never forget. Last year he was the hit of the night when he mosied down front during "Hound-dog" and proceeded to do his very best Elvis imitation. I have never laughed so hard in my life. The gyrations this man did would be enough to land me in the hospital flat of my back in full traction regalia. At the time I don't think most people there realized that Randy was a bit "touched". He is what a friend of mine would call "the least of these". In other words, he's a bit like a child mentally.

Sure enough, about 3 songs into the concert Randy could not stand it another minute. Down he paraded to the front onto the makeshift dancefloor. I mean he put on quite a show. I think the funniest part was when he hiked up his collar and proceeded to unbutton most of the bottons down the front of his Hawaiian shirt. I honest-to-God thought he was gonna do a striptease right then & there, and was mentally preparing myself for him to fling his shirt off. Thank God he didn't go quite that far, but rest assured by that time everyone around me had erupted in laughter including "yours truly".

As I watched this man thoroughly enjoying himself it occurred to me, "Can you imagine going through life like that, with no inhibitions?" Clearly this man had none. In fact, he seemed to enjoy the spotlight, and if I can be so bold as to say it... he "made" the concert what it was. He literally danced his way through most of those two hours. He would no sooner get back to his seat then they would start up another song and back to the front he would go. There is no doubt he must be in tip-top aerobic shape to pull off the dance moves he did, not to mention the man is as limber as Gumby. A contortionist in his own right. Oh, and did I mention this man has to be nearing 60?



Now I am looking forward to the next concert in December. This time Bantum Rooster will be doing "A Rockin' Christmas" for a donation of canned goods at the door. No doubt Randy will be back with more of his dance moves. And this time I will be armed with my camera ready to videotape it. I am looking forward to that as much as I am the concert itself. And I will definitely share it with my friends on Facebook. Everyone needs to experience Randy.

I just wonder what it would be like for one time in my life to lose all inhibitions? I mean to literally throw caution to the wind and just run up there in front of God & everybody and dance my fool head off? Unfortunately, I'm not like Randy though. I dare say most of us aren't. But I would venture to say he probably has a lot more fun in life than we do. Would to God we could all be more like the Randy's of the world, even if just for one night. Life would be a much better place. So in honor of Randy and those like him, here's to "the least of these" who grace our lives with their presence and make life a more loving, enjoyable experience.

To check out Bantum Rooster's music, simply copy and paste the link below into your browswer:

http://www.myspace.com/bantumrooster