Elvis' TCB Ring
It was a true treat for me to recently grow as friends with Rick Stanley who is step- brother to the late “King of Rock N Roll.” Ricky was with Elvis the night he died at Graceland and had the last full conversation with “E” before he died. Rick accepted Christ after his brother’s death and has been an evangelist and minister of the Gospel for the past three decades.
Rick was gracious to be a guest on my radio show “FRANKLY SPEAKING” and we talked about life, loss, love and living for the Lord. If you missed it feel free to hit the side bar to the left and click “Frank & Friends” and you can listen to the 17 minute interview. Rick accepted my invite in March of this year to preach a three service revival at First Baptist Church of Accokeek - www.FBCOA.org. We had a blast and he bragged on Jesus while sharing stories about what it was like to be a brother to one of the world’s most recognized people.
For the occassion, I pulled out the replica ring that I got while touring Graceland and it is the last ring that Elvis purchased for himself. It is now the world famous “TCB” ring. The real ring was solid 18KT gold with diamonds glittered over it with a massive 13 carat diamond in the middle with lightening bolts surrounding it. Apparently, the famed pianist Liberace had a massive ring and Elvis not to be out done bought one bigger. In 1974, he paid a whopping $30,000 for the ring!
Priscilla Presley designed the symbol while they were flying on Elvis’ airplane named after their daughter: “LISA MARIE.” Ironically, as she was drawing the TCB symbol which would later become the motto for Elvis and his entourage a storm smashed outside of the plane at 25,000 feet and lightening crackled through the sky just missing their personal jet. She then added the lightening bolts to express: “TCB - Taking Care of Business” in a FLASH!
I was adorning the ring at one service that Rick spoke at our church in March 2009, and I was uncertain how to wear the large ring. I rarely wear it because it is too big (larger than a Super Bowl ring). Ministers are already criticized for being in ministry “for the money” and I didn’t want to add any more fuel to the fire. I had the ring on my right hand on the third finger like Elvis wore it but apparently had it on wrong (upside down). Ricky in his southern drawl after the concert came up to me with a smile and said: “Frank, you are wearing it wrong man. You don’t wear it for you but for them (crowd).”
What a powerful point and immediately after being put in place by the brother of one of my childhood heroes it dawned on me that two thousand years ago my hero today, Jesus carried a cross down a Jerusalem street. Exhausted, beaten and almost dead; His nearly life-less body adorned both a crown and cross and Christ is now crucified nearly naked before the community. He was whipped like no other man in the history of humanity, He was bruised, bloodied and beaten and nailed between two thieves on two pieces of wood while suspended between Heaven and Earth.
His followers were no longer following. Women were both worshipping and weeping and soldiers that were just mocking Him and marking Him like meat with Roman swords are at the foot of the cross and feet of Christ and now gambling for the garments of God. Some disciples were lying that they knew Him. Pharisees trying with religious and political tricks to dismiss Him. His mother Mary and others crying while the Son of God was left dying on a dark day just outside of the city gate. That day more than any person in the annals of history, Jesus “TOOK CARE of BUSINESS!” It dawned on me that just as Elvis wore the ring not for himself but for his fans; Jesus carried a cross that was really mine and yours but “wore it for them (crowd).”
Elvis ring was gold but Jesus’ cross was now God’s. He stood up in the Garden of Gethsemane where Adam & Eve failed in Garden of Eden. He taught us how to live and we by our sin and selfishness taught Him how to die. He bore our sin, embraced our shame and became our substitute leading us to Salvation. His sacrifice became our saving grace and because He died we could live. The “American Dream” is going from rags to riches. Elvis went from a shotgun shack in Tupelo, MS to moving into Graceland, a southern colonial mansion in Memphis, TN.
Elvis went from rags to riches. Jesus went from riches to rags. Christ went from a Mansion in Heaven to a manger on Earth. He wore Royal Robes but put on my ripped rags. He had a studded crown but removed it to wear our splintered cross. Born in a wooden crib and beaten to die on wooden cross and because of His great grief we could experience God’s great grace. He died so we could live and to top it all off; Jesus didn’t wear that cross for Him but for them (crowd). Go God and thank you Jesus!
Most Valuable Player
The same is true in life and ministry. The last 30 days I have been invited to speak in 9 states and I feel like a muffler - EXHAUSTED. Just yesterday I returned from speaking five 40 minute messages in less than 15 hours (only to drive 618 miles in 24 hours round-trip) to pull it off.
For example, just the last two days countless people and factors had to come together to get me to speak to nearly 2,500 students in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. First, it was God’s grace that I am even in the game serving Him. Secondly, I have been blessed with the most supportive spouse this side of the Mississippi. Ruth is awesome and her Daddy was a preacher of the Gospel for nearly 50 years in El Salvador and she understands the pressure but privilege of preaching Christ to a hurting world. Third, Evangelist Randy Hogue graciously extended this invite for me to preach in his absence. Fourth, my mother, Sharon was willing to drive three hours each way to stay two nights at our home to watch baby, Andrew while I was gone.
Last but not least, Pastor Darin is the youth minister at First Baptist Church of Fairlea and he and his church members prayed, prepared and promoted this large youth outreach over six months ago. He got the door open to speak in the public schools. He built the relationship with both teachers and local clergy in his hometown for folks like me to come together to see students IMPACTED with life changing truth. The list is endless but worth mentioning because they are the one’s worthy of recognition.
You see 2,500 students and staff met me yesterday in West Virginia but God saw all the “MVP’s” of my life behind the scenes way before then. Truly, there is no “I” in the word TEAM. Without, the support and “behind the scenes” help of my family this would not be possible. Sadly, too often in sports, business, politics and even ministry we tend to give too much credit on the person “out front” but it is the folks behind the scenes that enable us to be on the scene that are equally if not more important.
Jesus said: “Many who are first will be last and many last will be first.” One element in ministry that the Lord has burned in my heart over the years is to exude class and Christ-like compassion on all whom I meet. Elvis Presley when asked why he would by pass the mayor to say “hi” to the janitor replied: “The big guy doesn’t need me but the little guy does.” God helped me coin a phrase over the years called: “The Greats are Gracious.”
Intentionally, I have gone out of my way to shake the hand of the camera people filming the show, the assistants, secretary, janitorial staff while taping television and radio programs. Why? Because in God’s economy (outside of Jesus) they are the true “star” of the show.
When on the road, I do my best even as an invited guest to pay for the meal of the senior pastor or youth minister to invest into them (even when it is customary for them to pay for the guest). Jesus constantly talked about “going the extra mile” and “honoring those whom honor is due.” Plus, to help dispel the myth that many in ministry are selfish and/or arrogant. I always try to meet folks more than half way and its a JOY to minister to the minister while in town.
Daily I thank God privately for the key players He has strategically placed in my life but I am also over due to share publicly in this blog of what they mean to me, what they bring to the table and how God sees them. Often times, I feel like I already got my reward but those “behind the scenes” now will be ahead of me in line to meet Jesus. I praise the Lord for them now and will even more then. Truly, he that desires to be first must be willing to be last. In order to “get up” we need to get down and by promoting the Lord and others, ironically the Lord actually promotes us in the process.
Air Jordan
It is wonderful when folks promote others and open doors and that is becoming more of a dying art these days. Please pray that scores are encouraged during my remarks and a special shout out to Randy for this exciting opportunity.
Prior to my junior high remarks I am going to grab 100 volunteers from the audience (nothing like participation) and strategically place them in ten rows of ten. Kids as you may know find their identity in crowds and clothes. One of their most prized possessions are their tennis shoes. Before the game I will have them give me their shoes. It never fails - at first they are reluctant to entrust me with their shoes. Why? Because their identity is tied to them.
From there I will make a huge pile of 100 pairs of shoes and stack them like a mini mountain. When I say “go” the kids race to find the person’s shoes behind them in line. Then the fun begins. They have to both wear and walk in their friend’s shoes and then hobble back and the next person goes and repeats the process. The first team to sit down indian style wins.
I wear a sized 12 and the first time I tried it myself I had to put on a girl’s size seven sandals. Fun! The students think it was just a game to kill time but then I hit them with a powerful point. Pastors, Coaches and leaders: PONDER THIS POINT:
The next time when the youth in your group at church comes into class late or with holes in his/her jeans or adorning less than the best tennis shoes too often we mock and make fun of them. Sadly, that person coming late may be raised in a broken home, raised by a grandmother trying to make ends meet and barely have enough food on the table. It is a miracle that they even make it to church much less only tad late.
The morale of the story is: “You will never know what its like to be someone else until you have walked in their shoes.” When I hit the students with that powerful point you can hear a pin drop. As adults we tend to disqualify folks whom are less than perfect. The last time I checked only One Man is perfect and that is Christ the Lord. Some folks have been broken financially, some emotionally, others socially. Some have endured a disease others battle depression and some were left to die after a failed marriage. However, we are never more like Christ when we give and when we forgive.
May we be slow to judge and quick to imitate Christ because when we mentally put ourselves in others shoes we just may be less critical and more like Christ. As a kid, I was blessed to have the $100 Air Jordans. Unfortunately, many did not. As a youth, I wanted to be like Mike - if I could be like Mike (Jordan). Today, more than ever as an adult my desire and daydream is to be like Christ - if I could be like Christ.
Elvis sang a classic song posted below called “Walk A Mile in My Shoes.” I love that line: “Before you abuse, criticize or accuse - walk a mile in my shoes.” His opening quote to that song was a poem he read and it is worth repeating:
“You never stood in that man shoes - or saw things through his eyes, or stood with helpless hands while the heart inside you dies. So help your brother along the way no matter where he starts. For the same God that made you, made him too, these men with broken hearts.”
Recently, one of my best friends learned he is going through a divorce. God laid on my heart to buy him a brand new pair of NIKE shoes. As the UHAUL van was pulling out with his earthly possessions in tow I handed him the new shoes. Touched but puzzled he asked: “Frank, what do I do with these?” I said: “Brother, I have been in your place you stand today. I want you to wear them every day and you will be reminded that God walks with you every step of the way.”
Looking back the thing you may be most embarrassed about becomes your greatest ministry to relate and bring hope and healing to those hurting. Oswald Chambers wrote: “The storms you go through were never intended for you but that you may relate to others and that will enable you to minister to them at their moment of pain.” Today, may we all walk and talk more like Christ and before you “abuse, criticize and accuse - walk a mile in my shoes.”
One of my favorite friends & singers in the world is AYIESHA WOODS. She is amazing and her smash hits “HAPPY,” “BIG ENOUGH” and “LOVE LIKE THIS” have blessed me untold times. Ayiesha sang at my Celebrate Jesus! Texas Crusade in July 2007. We rented out the Arlington Convention Center (near Dallas) and I invited Ayiesha, Michael English and former 1992 Miss USA to minister in music.
Ironically, it was Ayiesha’s birthday that night and following the crusade we all went out for a steak dinner and that is a night I will not soon forget. Her parents came with us and it was an honor to watch her do her thing for God’s glory both on and off the stage. The following year, I was blessed to re-connect with her and minister in the Bahamas with her on PRAISEFEST “Cruise with a Cause” and for the week we witnessed over 10,260 come to Christ.
A GRAMMY® nomination, a Dove Award nod for New Artist of the Year, appearances in a number of high-profile tours, and universal acclaim were some of the highlights of Woods’ initial time in the limelight. It’s a winning streak that is bound to continue with Love Like This, her second Gotee Records release.
Ayiesha took the time to be a call in guest on my radio show “FRANKLY SPEAKING” earlier this year airing on AMERICAN FAMILY RADIO and she is the real deal. Listen how she chased the call of God on her life, discovered by Toby Mac and now singing at WOMEN OF FAITH and REVOLVE tours. She talks about her favorite Bible verse, the story behind her songs and her favorite shopping stops. Ultimately, Ayiesha is filled with life, laughter, love but most important our Lord and Savior, JESUS - the biggest “STAR” of all.
For more info visit www.AyieshaWoods.com
Praise the Lord! Thank you friends for all the prayers, well-wishes and kind comments regarding my recent appearance on NITELINE TV in Greenville, SC.
It is an honor to share the Word with the world what Jesus means to me. God doesn’t need me but how I need Him. If you missed the two hour program last night as it aired across South Carolina on cable television they just posted a link for you to watch it in its entirety by clicking here - http://www.dovebroadcasting.com/niteline.php
My last post I shared part one of the two part interview on TCT - “REJOICE” in Marion, IL and it aired on DIRECTV earlier last year to some 500 Million homes. The second set was a blessing and its always a JOY to brag on Jesus.
Check back in near future as I post my interview with a SURPRISE Christian artist. My heart beats to promote the Lord and promote others. One of my pet peeves in ministry and in life is that as Christians we promote the Lord but for some reason fail at promoting others without feeling threatened. Zig Ziglar was correct: “What you do for others - God will do for you.” Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than receive.” Without question, I believe until you can celebrate the success of others personally you will never go or grow to the next level professionally.
Blessings on you as you walk and talk with God. You are never alone when you go with God.
South Carolina Flag
That evening I preached REVIVAL at Double Springs Baptist Church on Saturday night and both morning and evening services on Sunday. Pastor Kyle Caudell is the pastor and his associate Joshua are doing an amazing job and the church is absolutely gorgeous nestled in Townville, SC. My new friend, Chris Stephens is a young man with a heart for God and desires daily to play the piano and preach the Gospel. He is from SC and I asked him to play two of the three services of our recent revival. It is so exciting to see young people on fire for the Lord and I try to promote folks wherever I go.
On Monday afternoon, I was blessed to be the guest on NITE LINE TV for the full two hours. It will air all throughout South Carolina on television tomorrow, Wednesday, September 16 from 8-10 PM EST and they will re-air it on Thursday morning from 8-10 AM. You can also watch it online by clicking this link on the above mentioned times and watch it LIVE - http://wggs16.com/
The south is great for several reasons. The hospitality is like their iced-tea: SWEET. I love the folks down south and while in town I got to visit most of my favorite restaurants: FATZ, O’Charleys and Cracker-Barell. Check back later this week as I post my radio interview with a surprise Christian recording artist.
The past three weekends have been busy on the road preaching in Maryland, Texas, Pennsylvania, Virginia and South Carolina. It is good to be back home and please pray for the souls that recently made commitments to Christ as they begin their journey with Jesus. I love that Stephen Curtis Chapman song: “No Better Place on Earth than the Road that Leads to Heaven.”
In the interim, the video clip below is my appearance last year on TCT - “Rejoice” and it was taped LIVE in Marion, IL and aired world-wide to some 500 million homes on DIRECTV. This is part one of a two part series and I pray it will bless you. God bless you today and all your tomorrow’s.
It is hard to believe but it was eight years ago today that America was knocked to her knees. Ironically, I had just flown back to Capitol Hill, the day before the attacks from preaching in Florida. I was also on staff at the Republican National Committee and I was raising funds for the GOP and on the phone with a donor trying to promote President George W Bush’s message on September 11, 2001, when a senior citizen told me a plane had just hit one of the Twin Towers in New York.
Less than 20 minutes later, another donor on the phone told me another plane hit the tower and I thought that they may have got the story wrong and it was the same plane. Instantly, I knew then that we were at war. Our office was one block from the United States Capitol Building and we were evacuated. That is one day I will not soon forget because we literally thought planes were falling out of the sky (especially, now that the Pentagon was on fire).
One year later, I was flown to Sullivan, Indiana at the invite of a couple pastors and churches of various denominations and was given the privilege to preach to a packed crowd at the one year anniversary on 9-11. It was also aired on radio all over the state and when I finished they gave God a standing ovation. The roar from the crowd was almost defeaning and even on tape it sounds like thunder. God gets all the glory but one of the privileges I have enjoyed as a preacher of the Gospel and my background with politics is that when society is hurting. God has allowed me and many others to offer comfort and peace in the midst of confusion and pain.
My message was entitled: “ATTACK ON AMERICA: Fear vs Faith.” The terrorists when they hit the Twin Towers were sending a symbolic message that they were out to destroy us financially. When they considered hitting The White House or U.S. Capitol - they were trying to relay a message to destroy us politically. When the plane hit the Pentagon that was to embarrass our military. However, what they really wanted to do was run a plane at a local church or National Cathedral because what they despise most is our faith in Jesus Christ.
Evangelist Billy Graham eloquently shared with the world: “The terrorists may have torn down our walls but our foundation is in tact. Our faith in Christ allows us to build and re-build.” We were down but not out. That day we saw some in society act at their very worst. However, countless Christians and concerned citizens around the Globe also came together showing acts of kindness in the very best spirit of mankind. Only God can bring triumph out of tragedy.
The truth is our security as a Nation comes only from the salvation offered by Jesus. Our hope is in Him and not ourselves. Ironically, the numbers 911 are the same numbers we are taught as children to call in case of an emergency. That day our strength was not in ourselves because we were gasping for air. It was not in our communications because phone lines were shut down. It was not in our finances because the banking system came to a halt and the lives that died that day reminded us all that the soul of man is more valuable than stocks and bonds. Our own President was diverted at the instruction of the U.S. Secret Service to fly away from Washington, DC. Our hope was and still only found in the Person and Power of Christ. No one would have ever bet that the massive Twin Towers would ever have crumbled to the ground before our very eyes. However, what we can see is temporal but what we cannot see is eternal.
Today, I pause and pray for the victims family who suffered such loss then and today still learning to live without their loved one(s). My friend, Tammy Trent (who tours with WOMEN OF FAITH) also lost her husband that day on 9-11, but she was overseas on a missions trip when he died while snorkling. As America was crumbling back home, her world was also coming apart. In honor of her husband, Trent who also passed away eight years ago today, I would like to encourage you to click VIDEO on my left side bar and listen to my past interview with Tammy sharing her amazing story of God’s grace in the midst of life’s storms. Below is one of my all-time favorite songs: “God Bless America” by Lee Greenwood. It is great to listen any time of the year (especially today).
God spared America that day and He continues to bless us more than we deserve today. Regardless of your political background, race or gender I would encourage you to pray for our President, pray for our Congress, public servants, our soldiers fighting for freedom and celebrate with humility that we still live in the greatest Nation on Earth. God bless America and as Americans may we live a life that blesses God.
The Cross @ Jummonville
It was a five hour trip for me from Maryland up the mountains in Pennsylvania on Friday en route to speaking to a wonderful Singles Group with the United Methodist Church. They came as far as PA and NJ and we had a blast. While driving there, I had just spoke in four states the week before and was already getting flu symptoms. Two years ago my bronchitis turned into “walking pnemonia” and it is never fun when you are running on empty. Friday night, I had the pleasure to speak about 8 PM and I preached a message from Isaiah entitled: “Are you Waiting on the Lord or is the Lord Waiting on you?”
At 2 AM (Saturday morning) I woke up in a pool of water. I wet the bed - but not in the way you may be thinking. I was so sick, with the flu and fever that when the fever broke I was literally sleeping (or should say) SWIMMING in sweat. I had to take the towels assigned for me to dry off from the shower and wipe down my entire body. The sheets were soaked and the bed was so wet, I had to literally flip the mattress over just to sleep because the bed was as if someone threw five gallon buckets of water on my mattress.
At 9:30 AM, I had the privilege to preach on the lad who loaned his lunch to the Lord entitled: “Giving God ALL you Got.” It was an appropriate message for me knowing I was running low on energy. But as always - the Lord showed up. That night I preached again about “Singing God’s Praises in the midst of Life’s storms.” I was feeling better and you could feel God’s Presence in our midst. Sunday evening was the highlight for me and after travelling across half the Country to get there (I preached twice in Texas the weekend before) we were led to the mountain top.
Perched on top of the mountain is the cross in this picture. It is 60 feet tall and sits on the tallest part of the retreat overlooking the camp and city below. Breath taking doesnt describe it in detail. Only God could make that view. I was asked to preach at 7 PM last night on top of the mountain. It was a humbling feeling. This year, alone I have been blessed to preach over 200 times in nearly 20 states and share God’s Word. He has blessed me to preach in various venues, different denominations and shaken more hands than probably any non- candidate for public office. However, by God’s grace at this moment I was no longer in the valley but on the mountain top.
Chairs were set up in front of me forming a mini sancutary. To my right was the “million dollar” mountain view of the community below. To my left was a keyboard that the group erected as we sang praise and worship and behind me as I began to preach was the centerpiece of Christianity - The Cross. Hollywood couldn’t have picked a better setting and if they could probably wouldn’t because it wasn’t “politically correct.” My sickness on Friday was not as intense and now I was more energized than fatigued. God gave me a word with no notes. I preached on Hebrews 12:1-3 and my message consisted of three points: “The Cross, The Cost & The Christ.”
The reason, we are in a crisis today in Christianity is because many are preaching a Christ-less Christianity, a cross-less Christianity, a cost-less Christianity and we are failing to remind folks that Christ is coming again! “The Cost” I talked about His Sacrifice on our behalf and what it will cost us to live for the Lord in a fallen world. The Cross, I talked about our Substitute. Jesus taught us how to live but we taught Him how to die. In closing, I talked about Christ and how half the world knows Him as a stranger and the rest know Him as Savior.
What a JOY to preach and promote the Cross while on the mountain. The key is to preach and promote Christ and His cross even in our valleys. The world needs hope not hype and we need not be ashamed of Calvary’s cruel cross. My hiking friends have shared with me that the mountain top is exhiliarating and exciting and the view is second to none. However, all the growth is down in the valley. As we closed we sang that classic hymn: “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” and I love that line: “The CROSS BEFORE ME - the world behind me.” How fitting that we were mindful that we must follow the Lord and not the world.
Pray for me this weekend, as I catch a plane this Saturday, September 12 (Lord willing) to fly to Greenville, SC and preach a three service, two day revival in Townville, South Carolina at Double Springs Baptist Church. It may not be on the mountain but you can bet I will be preaching Christ crucified, Christ’s Cross and Christ is coming again! Truly, it is because of the cross that we can come to Christ. Thank you Jesus and thank you Jumonville!
The past weekend was busy to say the least but its an honor to share God’s Word and love on people. Last week, on Wednesday, August 26, I preached at First Baptist Church of Accokeek in Maryland www.FBCOA.org and on Thursday morning, I was a guest on air LIVE on WWGB 1030 AM Radio in Washington, DC. On Friday, August 28, I spoke to nearly 1,000 people at a Prayer Conference in Alexandria, Virginia at 8 PM. The place came unglued and gave God a standing ovation! It is always a treat when the Lord shows up and shows off! Go God!
The very next morning, I had a 9 AM flight out of Baltimore to Houston, Texas where I had the high honor to preach two services at Harvest Point Church in Nacogdoches, TX. Dr. Rick Scarborough is the senior pastor and also founder of “VISION AMERICA.” Pastor Rick is a powerful preacher and patriot. He loves God & Country almost as much as anyone I know. It was my honor to meet Dr Scarborough back in March at Bailey Smith’s Evangelism Conference in North Carolina and he was one of the speakers along with SBC President - Dr Johnny Hunt, Evangelist Junior Hill and Bob Smith. Pastor Rick is a nationally known preacher and he flies to CO this week to be a guest on Dr James Dobson’s “FOCUS ON THE FAMILY.”
Please pray for me this weekend as I drive four hours on Friday, September 4 and speak four times in three days at a Christian Singles Retreat in beautiful Jummonville, Pennsylvania. My prayer is to exalt Christ, encourage Christians and remind singles the key is to not “find Mr or Miss Right” but becoming the “right” person in the process.
The following weekend, Sat September 12, I will catch a plane and fly to Greenville, SC and preach a three service, two day revival at Double Springs Baptist Church in Townville, SC. On Monday, September 14, I have been invited to be a guest for an hour on NITELINE TV in Greenville, SC and we will tape Monday afternoon. I am tentatively invited to leave from there and drive 2.5 hours to Atlanta, GA that same evening and be a guest on “ATLANTA LIVE” - WATC 57. This would be my second time on ATLANTA LIVE and the guest confirmed that same night already is Will Graham (Dr. Billy Graham’s grandson). How cool would that be. Only to drive back to Greenville, SC that night at midnight and fly back to Washington, DC first thing in the morning. I was invited to preach at a Pastors Conference in St Louis, MO on Friday, September 18-19 but that got cancelled. Rest is good.
Will post another blog soon but in the interim, please pray for strength and stamina as I study the Scriptures this week and desire to be a blessing while on the mountain in PA this weekend. If you are anywhere in the area we would love to see you and remember God doesn’t just use the blessed but broken. How do I know? I am both. Remember, Jesus loves you! God bless you and go with God.
Frank w/ Dr & Mrs Rick Scarborough