BIG MAMA SAID: Striking While the Iron Is Hot

By Terry Allen

Lucille “Big Mama” Allen was the bedrock of wisdom and faith in our family, always offering guidance with the perfect balance of practicality and spiritual insight.

Her favorite saying, “Strike while the iron is hot,” resonates in today’s world as much as it did when she first shared it with us.

They knew that opportunities don’t linger forever, and when a moment of potential arises, we must act—because the iron cools quickly, and the chance may never return. One need look no further than our nation’s political landscape to see this lesson in action.

Consider the massive fund-raising success that Vice President Kamala Harris achieved, driven largely by timely and strategic moves. Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, has pulled in over $200 million, much of it through online efforts.

This didn’t happen by chance—her team and supporters capitalized on the ex- act moment her candidacy was elevated, energizing her grass-roots base and riding the wave of momentum.

Similarly, grassroots organizations supporting Harris seized this moment, raising millions of dollars within weeks.

They understood Big Mama’s wisdom: when the conditions are right, you must act swiftly.

The floodgates opened, and support poured in from every corner of the country.
The opportunity to make a significant impact was there, and they didn’t hesitate to strike.

Big Mama’s words echo through moments like these: “Strike while the iron is hot.” It’s a reminder that while faith and patience are essential, there are times when we must meet opportunity with action, without delay.

Big Mama quoted to me Proverbs 10:5 reminds us, “He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.” Success in the physical world often depends on recognizing the right moment to act, without waiting for divine intervention to do the heavy lifting.

Now Register to Vote! Take Big Mama’s lesson with you, and be ready for your moment.

If you’ve struck while the iron was hot, write me at terryallenpr@gmail.com to share how preparation met opportunity in your life.

Terry Allen is an NABJ award- winning Journalist, DEI expert, PR professional, and founder of the charity – Vice President at FocusPR, Founder of City Men Cook, and Dallas Chapter President of NBPRS.org