“You Know You Will Be”

Plus, Days 3 & 4 in The Holy Land

The Journey continues with my day-by-day walk through our Holy Land Trip. But first, a quick detour.

I’ve always loved to write. It was the reason I first got into newspaper writing, and later TV news before the world of weather came calling.

This week, we will honor the man who taught me and encouraged me to be a better writer. In fact, in our last conversation we talked about my trip and this blog.

Dr. William David Downs was a professor and chairman of the communications department at Ouachita Baptist University for 42 years. He was my teacher, mentor and friend. He passed away this past weekend after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

He taught me so much. As a journalist, “Trust no one. Assume nothing.”

And as an interviewer, “Melinda, QUIT TALKING” (a lesson in shutting up and helping my subject open up).

He was tough, but with a kind heart and a twinkle in his eye, even as he was about to rip your latest article to shreds. Not only did I have many classes under Dr. Downs, I also worked for him as a personal secretary for two years. When he authored two books in the 2000’s, I was thrilled to have him as a guest on my show at KATV.

As his Parkinson’s worsened, he lost his mobility and gradually his speech. But we could still talk to each other! I could understand a lot and his wife Vera could decipher even more. In one of our last visits I told him about my upcoming trip to The Holy Land. I quietly said, “I hope I’m talented enough to write about it.” And as clear as can be and holding my hand, he said with confidence “You know you will be.”

Thank you, WD! For believing in me. And for teaching me about hard work, creativity, and always keeping God first.

I can hear him now, “Melinda, get on with it!” So, on we go. Days 3 & 4 in The Holy Land take us out of Galilee and south into The Judean desert. It’s our first look at Jerusalem where Jesus traveled to challenge the religious authorities and change the world.

You can find the complete story with pictures and explanations on both of my Facebook pages. Just click the links below. Thanks for continuing to follow. Just three more days of touring left, but some of the best is yet to come,

https://www.facebook.com/Melinda-Mayo-KATV-229461220418343/

https://www.facebook.com/melinda.mayo