Ollieman's Song

In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song, "Ollieman's Song", from the album "The Chronicles of Bren: Captured – Songs for the Journey". That mp3 is available at https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ The lyrics can be found below.

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

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Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast, where we aim to offer you a fresh perspective on life. 
Life, as we all know, is a precious gift intertwined with moments of pain - be it physical, emotional, mental, or relational. Let's face it, life's journey can feel like a bumpy ride with its fair share of sorrow and suffering. Sometimes, it just doesn't seem fair, right? But here, we keep it real. Our mission is to guide you towards healing for your wounds, hope in despair, intimacy in loneliness, and shelter from life's storms - ultimately leading you to a deeper connection with Jesus. Through all my years, one truth stands firm: God doesn't waste a thing - not our sorrows, not our wounds, not even our failures.
Hello, I'm your host, Dennis Jernigan, thrilled yet slightly nervous to unveil today's song and, what I think is, its fascinating backstory. As I mentioned last week, my apprehension stems from the fact that while you're accustomed to hearing me share worship, ministry, and comforting songs inspired by Father God, today's song has a different origin. It draws inspiration from a trilogy of fantasy novels I penned for my children and grandchildren back in 2015. You might be wondering, "Why would a worship leader delve into the realm of fantasy?" To get the full scoop, tune in to the podcast episode titled "Song of Arolis."
Intriguingly, the Lord used fantasy and myth to deepen my unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.
 The featured song in this week's episode is "Ollieman's Song," originally crafted for the book "Captured" from The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy. "Captured" serves as my life story, narrated allegorically as a legacy for my descendants. While penning the books, I couldn't help but imagine how they would translate into a Disney movie. I managed to compose songs for the first two books but never quite got around to creating tunes for the final installment. That third book delves into my aspirations for my nine children, whose real-life tales are still unfolding - they will ultimately script their own melodies.
 Before we delve further, I have fantastic news to share. You can access and even download the entire album dedicated to book one, "Captured - Songs For the Journey," completely free of charge at www.thechroniclesofbren.com. I urge you to immerse yourself in the "Captured" book before delving into the songs inspired by its key characters. This album aims to empower young men to rise above their setbacks, failures, and the deceitful whispers of the enemy, enabling them to embrace their true identity in God.
 Today's spotlight is on "Ollieman's Song," a creation that found its way to me back in 2015 or 2016.In The Chronicles of Bren series, a prominent figure is a wise old owl named Ollieman. Wondering why? Well, during my childhood, our family owned an old  barn, crafted by my grandfather in the 1930s and 1940s, boasting a magnificent hay loft. Every year, like clockwork, this barn played host to majestic barn owls. Each spring, a new generation of owlets would hatch, fiercely guarded by their mother who would not tolerate any intrusion, warning us with menacing hisses if we dared to peek into their nest! Those owls became a recurring dream of mine, a reminder of the wonder of having our very own owl neighbors!
 In the tale of "Captured," the owl symbolizes unwavering friendship and embodies true wisdom. Opting for an owl was a deliberate choice, considering the bird's reputation for wisdom in the western world, attributed to its distinct features like large, front-facing eyes, noiseless flight, and nocturnal activities. Owls seem to communicate only when essential, mirroring the sentiment of Proverbs 7:28 NKJV, which suggests that even a fool can appear wise by choosing silence and discernment. I aim to leave a legacy of wisdom for my family, recognizing the allure of petty self-centeredness. Genuine wisdom stems from adopting a positive outlook, akin to an owl soaring above, navigating darkness with clarity. It's crucial for us to commit to seeking true wisdom throughout our lives, fostering personal growth. If you notice a rhyme scheme in Ollie's dialogue, that's just my inner songwriter shining through.
 In "Captured," I delve into my early longing for meaningful companionship, rooted in the desire to be truly understood. This quest led me to discover that connection in Jesus. "Ollieman's Song" exudes a cheerful vibe that might linger in your mind throughout the day - consider yourself warned if it becomes an earworm. Embrace it, enjoy it, and let the melody uplift your spirits.
SONG
God’s Word explains love and friendship to  us in John 15:13 NKJV 13 which says "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.”

 Ollieman the owl serves as a poignant representation of Jesus, encouraging us to gain a divine perspective on life's challenges. By aligning ourselves with God's vantage point, we unlock the pathway to genuine wisdom. May this insight guide you not only today but in the days that follow. 

 Before I say goodbye, let me share a few ways to keep up with me. I appreciate your presence on The Dennis Jernigan Podcast more than you know and I want you to know that. 

For more on my journey, music, and updates, explore dennisjernigan.com. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram, and discover my music on various streaming platforms. If you're eager to join my team, consider becoming a Patron at patreon.com/dennisjernigan - your support is truly valued!

 To obtain an mp3 of this week's track, "Ollieman's Song" from the book "Captured: The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy: Book 1," visit www.thechroniclesofbren.com for a complimentary listen or free download.  I think the songs will prove to be very helpful as you read and take part in the journey found in the boo, “Captured”.

 "Captured" is also accessible on Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. I recommend delving into the book before immersing yourself in the character-inspired songs. 

 Thank you once again for being part of today's podcast. Always remember, you are cherished by God and by me. Embrace the challenge to rise up as a wise warrior for the kingdom today and dare befriending someone who may need a friend today…and while you’re at it, go and be who your Heavenly Father says you are.

Ollieman’s Song
WORDS & MUSIC
Dennis Jernigan
2015

Verse
Who? Who?
Who is a friend like you?
Who? Who?
Who would dare defend like you?
Who can ride the wind
Faithful to the end like you?

Who? Who?
Who is so wise like you?
Who? Who?
Who can see through lies like you?
Who would give his life
Flying through the night like you?

Chorus
Ollieman, fly
High into the sky!
Lead me through the night
With your all-seeing eye!
I will follow you wherever you lead!

Ollieman, soar!
There is always more!
Lead me to the wisdom 
That’s worth dying for!
I will follow you wherever you lead!
You’re a friend indeed!

Verse
Who? Who?
Who has a friend like mine?
Who? Who?
Who above the clouds can fly!
Faithful through the trials!
Faithful through the miles like you!

Who? Who?
Who wise and oh, so bold!
Who? Who?
Whose heart is pure as gold?
Who could be a friend
Faithful to the end like you?

Chorus
Ollieman, fly
High into the sky!
Lead me through the night
With your all-seeing eye!
I will follow you wherever you lead!

Ollieman, soar!
There is always more!
Lead me to the wisdom 
That’s worth dying for!
I will follow you wherever you lead!
You’re a friend indeed!

Bridge
I have never met
Anybody yet
Who is really quite like you!
Singing out in rhyme
At the perfect time
Like you do!

I have never heard
Any other bird
Who is really quite like you!
Always quite astute!
I get quite a hoot
Out of knowing you!

Chorus
So, Ollieman, fly
High into the sky!
Lead me through the night
With your all-seeing eye!
I will follow you wherever you lead!

Ollieman, soar!
There is always more!
Lead me to the wisdom 
That’s worth dying for!
I will follow you wherever you lead!
You’re a friend indeed!
Yes, you’re a friend indeed!
You’re a friend indeed!