Corn From A Jar

If you have spent your childhood years growing up in East Tennessee, then the tune of "Rocky Top" has probably been repeated as much as "Jesus Loves Me" or "The Star-Spangled Banner". Considering the level of importance that the National Anthem holds. Placing "Rocky Top" in the same league proves just how highly regarded and respected the song is in the Volunteer State. I will be the first to admit that my knowledge for football is well below average compared to the rest of my family, co-workers, and friends. But regardless of what score I would achieve or fall short of on a Football standardized test, a passion for the Orange and White is something that has been instilled in me at a very young age. It's simply been a way of life. When I was a little girl, my parents dressed me in UT cheer-leading attire often. This outfit was completed by a high side ponytail and an oversize orange glittered bow. My family hosted game day parties on most Saturdays at our house. Although we never watched the competition in stadium seating, game day was always a big deal at the Ramsey household. Consequently, "Rocky Top" blared all Saturday morning leading up to kick-off. My role as the designated UT cheerleader that day (and every other game day) was to sing as loudly as possible, dance accordingly, and kick my leg as high as possible after touchdowns.

Not much has changed since those days except I have traded my hand-made spirit outfits for game day dresses. I still sing at the top of my lungs however I choose to refrain from doing any high kicks while packed tightly in the student section. The lyrics and the sense of pride that comes from shouting "Rocky Top" can never leave me. And if you are a true Vol fan, then I know you have felt the same.

College is a time of learning.
Learning about various subjects academically, learning about all the wild and outrageous activities and people that your parents have sheltered you from, and learning about yourself. It wasn't until this past weekend that I fully understood one of the verses of "Rocky Top" that I have had memorized for years. As the song is written:

Corn don't grow at all on Rocky Top
Dirt's too rocky by far
That's why all the folks on Rocky Top
Get their corn from a jar.

The last line, "Get their corn from a jar" is something I must have said a thousand times. And as odd as it seems, I have always gotten the image of canned corn in my mind each time these words escape my lips. Strange? Yes, I know. This weekend was different, and the adult meaning of these word finally resonated with me. It is referring to moonshine! Who knew? Still surprised, shocked, and feeling a bit of childhood innocence fade away, I began to ponder how college learning experiences happen so often. Sometime by huge life-altering decisions and other times in subtle occurrences.

Perhaps all of our journey on Earth is set up this way. We may view situations, people, and experiences with the same perspective for years and then suddenly the truth and reality is unveiled causing us to see parts of our life with new eyes in the same way that the Rocky Top verse changed my understanding. The decision to be a UT fan is the easiest I have ever made, mostly because it was made for me! Regardless of our record, being a Tennessee fan ignites a bond between thousands that cannot be described. It is inspiring to witness how loyal, dedicated, and enthusiastic volunteer fans have been in the past and still continue to be. Who wouldn't want to be a part of such an atmosphere?

I want to leave you with one last thought. What if we all had this same excitement for Jesus? Can you imagine having this much hype, singing, discussion, or media coverage for our Savior? Think of what the University of Tennessee would look like if ESPN came to Knoxville hosted a College God-Day!
Praise be to God for Tennessee, football, Rocky Top, moonshine, and the ability to view everyday scenarios with new eyes, allowing us to grow into the southern ladies and gents that we are called to be. It's great to be a Tennessee Vol and it's even greater to be a child of God!

-jpr-