"Many last will be first"

Country Great - Ferlin Husky

It came to my attention that Ferlin is a native of Missouri and I learned that this brother from another mother is considered one of the most respected (yet un-recognized) singers in all of Country music.

Buck Owens from “He-Haw” fame apparently had a clause in his contract that he would never, ever follow Ferlin on stage. Why? Because Ferlin was not good but great. The legendary Marty Robbins admired Ferlin immensely and when the one and only Willie Nelson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame to his credit he said in his remarks: “Honestly, I don’t deserve this tonight. Ferlin Husky deserves to be here before me.”

Ironically, Ecclesiastes 9:11 notes: “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” The Bible in the next chapter (Ecclesiastes 10:7) says: “I have even seen servants riding horseback like princes–and princes walking like servants!”

One dear friend and prominent preacher who made me vow not to say his name told me: “Frank, folks want you to do well but rarely better than them.” What a sad statement. Ferlin Husky went on to sell 20 Million albums and his classics “Wings on a Dove,” “Gone,” and “Dear John” have touched the hearts of multiplied millions of fans, earned the respect of his peers (even the most recognized names in the field). However, the fact is he despite being loved by so many is still not in the “Hall of Fame.”

Life is peculiar and not always fair. Regardless, of your vocation; if you are promoted or feel demoted remember it is not what man says about you but what God says that matter most.

In life, you may never get the recognition deserved but God settles all accounts. He knows your heart, talent and motives. Sometimes being “by passed” may be a blessing in disguise. Over the years, I have seen some folks get sidetracked with “success” and it derails them thinking it was more them than a great God that opened doors. I have always been an advocate in promoting God and promoting others. Zig Ziglar was right when he said: “What you do for others – God will do for you.” Today, if you are in a position to lend a helping hand, open a door, or mentor someone else like Nike: “JUST DO IT.”

Don’t let pride or ego hold you back from (as Spike Lee would say): “DO THE RIGHT THING.” May we promote others whom are more gifted than us (without feeling threatened) and we are all better for folks whom make us stronger in our giftings. I learned long ago that we don’t have to better than anyone but we should all be better because God allowed our paths to cross. We need to celebrate NOT tolerate them! What a sad indictment when some would not “follow them on stage” but should consider it an honor we got to share the stage with another who is just as passionate about life and their gift.

Ferlin may never make it in the Hall of Fame but if he is in God’s “Hall of Faith” is all that matters. Today, if you are en route to the top or feel kicked like a can we must stay humble because the favor of God is not fair and “time and chance happens to us all.” Someone always deserves the blessing (promotion) just as much as you (and me).

Yes, not all the best are promoted to the top but regardless if you are riding high profesionally or walking low personally (like the prince next to the horse) it is a Biblical fact “Many who are first will be last and MANY LAST WILL BE FIRST.”

Therefore, keep walking, keep working and keep worshipping and like the old hymn Ferlin sang: “He’ll Understand and Say Well Done.”