fs & Elvis Presley
A couple years ago he was named ENTERTAINER OF THE CENTURY and worth more dead than alive. I have been to his humble home twice in Tupelo, MS where it all started in that shotgun shack and three times to his home in Tennessee. If anyone lived the “American Dream” it would have been Elvis. From that humble home to magnificent mansion in Memphis sprawled on a Southern Colonial estate named GRACELAND; Elvis lived large. The fact that his twin brother, Jesse dying at birth subconciously made him live a life for two (much less a king).
Elvis had fame, fortune and faith. That is quite a combination and without a strong faith it would cripple most if not all who intertwine them. Regarding FAME, Elvis’ home is the most visited house in the world (second only to The White House) with some 600,000 folks annually paying BIG BUCKS to peek in Presley’s private paradise. Ironically, three decades after his death folks still know him by his first name, album sales are stronger than ever and he recently had a NUMBER ONE HIT overseas two years ago. Not bad, for a man that has been gone for over 30 years.
Regarding FORTUNE, he was the first artist to have a “crib.” His private jets started the trend for musicians to skip commercial flights and he even once attempted to paint one of his planes to resemble “AIR FORCE ONE.” The FAA told him that two birds could not fly in the sky looking alike; the patriotic Presley was dissapointed to say the least.
His FAITH has been talked about for years and ironically, the “King of Rock N Roll” won three Grammy’s but not for his rock, rhythm and blues but Gospel music. I have always said: “Promote the Lord and the Lord will promote you.” Elvis was an avid reader and exhausted books like a muffler to fumes. Sadly, his fame and fortune made it difficult to worship at a church worship service. Even Dr Billy Graham has had a hard time over the years worshipping at the local church. Not because he was “too good” but that his presence may distract others from God.
Elvis like us all had our FAILINGS. This post will not pinpoint or highlight some of his shortcomings because had I inherited a slither of his “success” I am sure I would have failed far worse. Truly, “the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”
In closing, I had the opportunity to see Elvis Presley “In Concert” TWICE at age five, in 1977. My parents took me to see him at the Capital Centre in Landover, MD (now demolished) and the Baltimore Civic Center. Some of my earliest memories were impersonating Elvis at concerts in my house and at various shows following my parents bowling outings (age 4-8). I saw Elvis about ten concerts before his last performance and my parents dressed me up in an Elvis jumpsuit and I literally knew almost all the songs. During some of his later shows, he would allow on rare occassions for folks to bring their kids towards the stage. My Dad took me forward in my homemade jumpsuit and we got right in front of the stage. That night, we had dead center seats about ten rows back.
We got to the front and even at age five, I just knew that if Elvis picked me out of the crowd and put me on stage that the packed 17,000 audience at the legendary Capital Centre would go “NUTS.” Not arrogant but just accurate when a kid in a jumpsuit could actually sing “Hound Dog.” Elvis was reaching right towards me and at the absolute last second reached for the young boy slightly older than me to my right (without a jumpsuit). Elvis picked him up and for a brief second hoisted him on stage. Ironically, we learned later that the lad was the son of the late Abe Pollin (owner of the Washington Capitals, Bullets and arena). I guess when your Daddy owns the joint you grab the son 
So close but so far away. One of the highlights this past year for me, was growing as friends with Elvis Presley’s step-brother, Evangelist Rick Stanley. Rick wrote a book entitled “THE TOUCH OF TWO KINGS.” Rick worked for several years “On Tour” with EP and accepted Christ weeks after his brother passed. Today, Ricky is a powerful preacher and has travelled the road sharing his experiences with “The King of Rock N Roll” and now serving his Savior - “The King of all kings.” Feel free to click sidebar on the left of my blog and hit “Frank & Friends” and scroll down and find my radio interview with Rick Stanley as he shares his testimony and love for his brother.
Hard to believe that Elvis would have been 75 today and when he passed it seemed time stood still. For some who remember JFK dying in Dallas; I remember learning the news that Elvis had died. Vernon Presley said Elvis looking back would have loved either being a Southern Gospel singer with a group or an evangelist. To Elvis’ credit, he would implement Gospel songs (”He Touched Me, Sweet, Sweet Spirit, How Great Thou Art, Without Him,” etc) occassionally, in his rock concerts. That certainly wasn’t the “politically correct” thing to do but he did it anyways and he exposed millions of fans to Christian Music. For those brief moments, he used his platform at sold out concerts and those stadiums became sanctuaries. In those few numbers, the adulation was no longer on him but he had the attention towards Gods when he sang those spiritual hymns. The late, great JD Sumner who is in the Music Hall of Fame and recorded in Guiness Book of World Records for hitting the lowest bass note said of Elvis: “I have sung Gospel Music for five decades and in my opinion, no one and I repeat NO ONE, sang Gospel like Elvis Presley.” Yes, Elvis LOVED Gospel Music and his step-brother Ricky now shares the Word with the world as an evangelist. Regarding Ricky’s passion for souls; I believe its safe to say that Elvis would have been proud and God is pleased. Rock on Rick!
POINT to PONDER: Should the Lord tarry, what is the one thing you would really like to do or feel called to do? Elvis had a motto: TCB (Taking Care of Business in a Flash). The Lord is coming SOONER rather than later and if we are not in the bottom of the ninth I believe we are in the top of the ninth in the Game of Life. We can no longer sleep or slumber and may we commit our lives to Christ to serve Him like never before. People are watching, souls need saving and God is coming so while we are here lets GIVE GOD ALL WE GOT! In the classic closing comments of almost all his sell out concerts; Elvis would say: “ Until we meet you again, may God bless you. Adios.”
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!
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.”
Elvis Presley & Rick Stanley (in car)
Ironically, I just saw him perform ten concerts before his passing. My father phoned my mother and he heard at work that Elvis had passed. Like Paul Revere on horseback screaming “The British are Coming, the British are coming” - ironically, I got word and ran up and down my street on the sidewalk yelling: “Elvis is dead - Elvis is dead.” When asked how he died, I said: “I don’t know - maybe he fell off the stage.” The irony looking back was I didn’t even stay in the house long enough to hear how he died but I just knew I had to share with the world that “The King” was gone.
In my house, Elvis was huge. Graceland was BIG and Elvis was larger than life. My father’s friend was personal friends with Presley and Elvis even gave him a Cadillac. To me, Elvis had charisma, charm and countless talent. He was patriotic and personality personified and when he walked it was poetry in motion. He had incredible stage presence, even better voice and a God given gift that made one think he was singing directly to you (even if seated at top row of a ten thousand seat arena). Gospel Great J.D. Sumner was correct when he said: “After singing Gospel music for over four decades - I heard them all and in my opinion, NO ONE sang a Gospel song like Elvis Presley.” Ironically, the “King of Rock N Roll” never won a Grammy for his rock music but he won three for his Gospel albums. I have always said: “Promote the Lord and the Lord will promote you!” Elvis despite his problems was one in a million and he constantly gave to others. He also knew his gift was from God. Recently, I had the high honor to grow as friends with Elvis Presley’s stepbrother, Evangelist Rick Stanley.
Rick came at my request and did a three service revival in my hometown in March 2009, at First Baptist Church of Accokeek, MD. He was incredible, humble and powerful. Three amazing attributes. I know his brother would be proud but even greater, Jesus is proud of Rick. He was also gracious to be a “call in” guest on my radio show “FRANKLY SPEAKING” the month before the revival and it was a blessing to hear him share about his experiences with Elvis but also his passion for preaching the Gospel of Jesus.
Rick was one of the last people to ever have a full conversation with Elvis the night he died and you can listen firsthand what that conversation was about. Elvis said to young Ricky Stanley (who was not a believer at the time) noted: “Ricky, it is the people who tell you about Jesus are the one’s that really care for you. Man, you have to listen to what they have to say.” A couple hours later - ELVIS was dead.
Thirty years later, similar to that childhood boy after hearing the news that “The King was dead” I still storm out of my house, run up and down the streets of my hometown and across America with even greater passion. Today, it is not that the king died (Elvis) but that the King lives (Jesus). Today, in my house and parent’s home for us - Jesus is HUGE, Heaven is BIG and my Lord is larger than life.
In honor of Elvis passing today below is my interview with Elvis’ brother. God bless Elvis Presley, God bless America and God bless you.
First, I would like to introduce to you the “GAME BREAKER”. Perhaps you know of one that comes to mind or you may have been one in your younger years on the playground of your youth. Regardless, if it was Michael Jordan jumping over Craig Ehlo and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers and hitting the game winning jumper at the buzzer with the whole world watching or San Francisco 49er great, Joe Montana finding Dwight Clark with “THE CATCH” in the back of the end-zone against the Dallas Cowboys at Candlestick Park en route to winning the Super Bowl or a “dark horse” coming out of nowhere to win the Kentucky Derby - all of these are attributes of “game breakers.” Just when you thought the game was over, the crowd could head home and the betters in Vegas were already mentally counting their cash; the “gamers” stepped up and the game turned on a dime and faster than a Ferrari with no brakes the game was completely changed right before your very eyes. Some fans elated and others absolutely crushed.
Contestant number two enters in and we have the “ROOM CHANGER”. Perhaps you have been at a party or event when one of them walk or waltz into the room and literally it feels that the air changes, the music fades and all eyes in the room are now fixed on someone at the other end of the room. Perhaps it is a powerful politician, a beauty queen, Hollywood icon or rock star equipped with electricity and/or an entourage that would make the late James Brown proud. You’ve seen it - the papparazi start chasing, flash bulbs begin popping, women begin screaming and the room seems hopping over to that individual. It is something to behold if you have never experienced it first hand.
Behind door number three we find the “IDENTITY TAKER”. These bandits are not restricted to race, religion or reality. They strike in various venues and a variety of wicked ways. Some strike senior citizens whom are easy prey while others hit at random. Some steal credit cards and forge someone’s signature and enjoy exotic vacations, lavish lifestyles at another’s expense and begin to jet set, live large and hurt many in the process while they wine and dine on someone else’s dime. These folks resemble leaches because they cling on to others and suck the lifeblood out of others. Instead of being laborious they are lazy and like a drug addict desire and demand a “quick fix” now opposed to working for it later. They are thieves and thugs and are a major menace to society. If you have ever had anyone steal your wallet, purse or credit cards it can be a nightmare not only to try to recoup the damages in dollars but cleaning up your credit is usually more of a problem and can take much longer to restore. Personally, these folks resemble people whom would buy another’s trophy at a yard sale and prominently display it on their top shelf as if they earned it. How you can really appreciate a win if you didn’t work for it, deserve it or achieve it while playing by the rules.
In closing, despite these three contestants, champions and cons we can only point to One Person Who is a “CALENDAR SNAPPER”. When Jordan, Joe Montana, Ali, Angela Jolie, Brad Pitt, Elvis Presley, Britney Spears, Tiger Woods, Hannah Montana, Ghandi, Mother Teresa, Oprah or Usher was “ushered” into this world - NONE of them snapped the calendar in half. When Jesus was born it went from B.C. (Before Christ) to A.D. (After Death). That is just one reason alone, why I am a Christian because Christ is the centerpiece of civilization. He was born to die for our sins. Clear and simple - end of story. Not any more complicated than that. We do a disservice when we add more to the Gospel.
Yes, I loved Jordan as much as anyone. For years, I wanted to “be like Mike.” Growing up, I played countless hours of hoops in rain, sleet and snow. Traveled all over to shoot ball in driveways, gymnasiums and arenas while daydreaming day and night about playing ball. Yes, it was great fun to watch Michael at the top of his game and you knew you had a chance with M.J. on your team despite how much the Bulls were down by and what little time may be remaining on the clock; but it’s a fact that Jordan missed just many jumpers at the buzzer than he made them! Yes, I love him because he wanted the ball even when the entire arena knew it was going to him but the truth is he was not perfect.
Arguably, no one could change the climate of a room like Elvis Presley at the zenith of his popularity but even the most handsome and gorgeous humans are made of flesh and that fades eventually. As immature, insecure and insensitive as those whom steal the identity of another the truth is you cannot ever find freedom or experience true peace and purpose unless you meet first hand, Jesus Christ , the Son of the Living God. The Carpenter from Galilee and the Messiah of the Universe. The answers in life are not found in the “stars” of Hollywood but the Son of Heaven.
The above picture has been heralded by the National Archives as the most requested photo annually for purchase (even more than the Bill of Rights or the Constitution). It was taken on December 21, 1970, in the Oval Office when Elvis Presley at the zenith of his career corresponded with the Commander-in-Chief, Richard M. Nixon for a visit.
In my personal collection, I have a picture in color of this classic clip. Keep in mind that President Nixon was not only “conservative in politics” but a Quaker in faith. Elvis and his entourage showed up at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue adorning jewelry, packing heat (gun) and rolled into town like they owned the place. Elvis was extremely respectful of the Presidency and it appeared that Nixon was smitten with Presley. Elvis (you cannot tell in the black and white picture) was wearing a purple - that is right - PURPLE suit with silk, white collar shirt, 14K gold belt and a purple cape that would have made Prince, Barney and Batman proud.
Standing in the seat of power in the Oval Office, President Nixon stared Elvis’ outfit up and down and couldn’t quite figure out what to do or say with his visiting citizen from the South. The conservative Nixon said to the flamboyant Presley: “That is quite an outfit you got there.” Without missing a beat, Elvis in his trademark smile and southern charm said: “Sir, you got your show and I got mine.” The crowd laughed and once again Elvis made his mark and point.
The morale of the story is that God has equipped and gifted us all differently. We all have gifts that can help further the Kingdom of God. For those that believe that Christ is the Son of God, born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, died on the cross as our Substitute, arose on the third day, conquered sin, death and the grave and is coming back as the only Savior to Heaven it is imperative that we push aside our differences and unite to serve as soldiers in the Lord’s Army. Regardless if one group speaks in tongues, the other places an emphasis on healings, worships on Saturday or Sunday (or both), etc. Keep in mind that some of the other denominational differences we differ on pale in comparison when we realize we are kids of the King, heirs to Him and a child of the Living God. We may wear different uniforms but as blood, bought believers we are saved by grace and have a home in Heaven; therefore, playing on the same team regardless if in different stadiums.
Make no mistake - I am not implying that one can get to Heaven outside of Christ. Jesus is The only Way to Heaven and it’s because of His death on Calvary’s cruel cross and confessing our sins by faith is the only hope we have for Heaven. What Elvis was suggesting was actually more Scriptural than comical. We all have gifts and we should invest them and implement them even if they are slightly different than our worship preferences. The Bible notes: “Whatever your hand finds to do - do it for God’s glory.” Regardless, if you are a mechanic - change carburetors for Christ. If you are a dentist - do root canals for the Redeemer. If you are a teacher - strengthen students scholastically for the Savior. Nixon was a politician and Elvis was an entertainer but the key is to use our talents for the Lord’s service and glory.
God is watching and the world is waiting and may we give the Lord a good show. More than for the applause of man but a life of worship worthy of our great God & King (Jesus). In closing, you “got your show” and I got mine but together lets serve the Savior like never before. After all, if you are a sinner saved by grace - we are not only on the winning team (but the same team). As Elvis would say: “Thank ya, thank you very much!” However, what we can all say: “Thank you Jesus!”