It's Good to Hear Your Voice

Yesterday marked the return of local radio personality Garland Robinette, host of WWL 870 AM's Think Tank, to the airways after a five month hiatus. A medical mistake during surgery left Robinette unable to speak. In fact, doctors informed Garland and his family that things didn't look good for his voice to return. Hosting duties for the Think Tank were turned over to Tommy Tucker while Garland recovered at home. The absence of Garland and sudden replacement by Tommy prompted rumors of termination. However, WWL Radio graciously stuck by Garland in hopes of his return. How many of you have a boss that would hold your job for five months in hopes you would return? Yesterday, Garland's voice was husky and he had to take the occasional sip of water but he made it through all three hours of the Think Tank. Although Garland dedicated the majority of the show to its usually content and call-ins, he did take a few minutes at the beginning to thank those who had seen him through. The comment that I found the most interesting was related to his faithful substitute of five months, Tommy Tucker. Garland, although raised Catholic, admits to leaving his faith as he became an adult. Tommy, on the other hand, is a devout Catholic and out of his religious experience he did something that caused Garland to think. Just prior to Christmas, Tommy used the airways to begin a prayer campaign for Garland. He asked listeners to pray specifically for Garland to be healed. This was during the time when doctors were still pessimistic about Garland's recovery. However, as Garland admitted yesterday, it was at the time that Tommy began asking for prayer that he began to regain use of his voice. This experience, he stated, has caused him to rethink his position on religion and faith. It seems he has begun a new faith journey (my words not his). I write this for two reasons. First, I'm a fan of Garland and his show and I'm excited to have him back on The Big 870. Second, prayer is a powerful thing and I encourage you who read this to continue to pray for those special people in your life. Often we get discouraged because of the lack of results or the length of time that passes. Be faithful in your prayers because they are heard by a God who is faithful.