Jimmy Dean

Good Morning!!!

What do 33 1/3, 45 and 78 have in common?

Most of my readers who were born before the eight track was invented know that these are the common rpm (revolutions per minute) on a record player’s turntable. These are also the designed speed at which certain records can be played and understood. (We used to pay 33 1/3rds at 45 speed to get the Alvin and the Chipmunk feel – but then we were a little weird.)

What got me thinking about record players was the report of the death of Jimmy Dean. Long before Jimmy Dean was a sausage label, Jimmy Dean was a Country and Western singer. His biggest commercial hit was “Big John”. But my memories are of the Country and Western singer that sang old time Gospel on 33 1/3 records. I think we might still have one or two albums in our closet full of LPs.

Jimmy Dean was a witness to the glory of God. Oh, you didn’t hear him jump up and down about his beliefs – but you knew it from the way he conducted himself. His life was one of consistency – lived simply without fanfare. And in doing so, he showed the world Jesus Christ. You will remember that I had a little legend that I used to put right after the “Mr. Jim”. It said: “Preach the Gospel every day – and if you have to, use words.” This is a quote from St Francis of Assisi. And it means that we preach the Gospel by who we are – not by what we say.

So today as you remember Jimmy Dean – and LPs – and other stuff, remember that YOU are possibly the only Bible anyone will ever read. Walk circumspectly. God bless you.

Agape’

Mr. Jim