These Old Shoes

These Old Shoes was inspired by a farewell message that I presented at Fountain of Life Church in Saraland, Alabama on May 15, 2011. It was not a typical farewell message, because I was stepping out of my old shoes as music director and my daughter, Alisa, was stepping into them. On this day, during the choir's final song, I stepped out of my shoes and she stepped into them. My wife, Kathy, and I draped my prayer shawl (Elijah's mantel) around Alisa's shoulders and walked off of the platform. These Old Shoes is intended to remind Alisa, and all of us that no matter where our path may lead, God has given us the shoes we need to press on to victory! Barry Amacker is currently the Superintendent of Education of the Jackson County School District in Mississippi and currently lives in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Previously, he has served as a band director, assistant principal, and principal in the Mobile County Public School System in Mobile, Alabama, and as a principal, and assistant superintendent in the Jackson County School District. After graduation from Moss Point High School, he attended the University of South Alabama and earned a bachelor of science in music education. Later he earned a master's in education from the University of South Alabama and a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University. Along with maintaining his professional career in education, Barry has served as minister of music at various churches throughout the years. He was also a part of the Gospel Four, a family group with various other musicians. While in the Gospel Four, Barry wrote several songs that were recorded by the group. Barry and Kathy have a daily radio program, Power to Press On, covering the southern counties of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.