My Papaw Stone was preaching a revival once in a little country town in Arkansas. It was Saturday night and they’d been at it all week long. As the crowd worked up a sweat during the song service, Papaw swept his eyes over the small building. He was pleased to see that the folks seemed to be responding well. Most of the members had even brought along a guest or two. Papaw’s attention came to rest on one scowling new couple in particular. They’d arrived after most of the seats had been taken, so their hosts had paraded them down the aisle in front of God and everybody and seated ‘em about three pews from the front. Papaw tried to smile and make eye contact with ‘em during “I’ll Fly Away” but they both looked like they’d rather do just that.
He was still pondering the situation when the song leader called him to the pulpit. That hot summer evening Papaw Stone opened the Good Book and began to offer a strong case on the merits of humility. Sometime later, much later if I know my Papaw, he moved into his closing remarks.
“Folks,” Papaw said. “None of us are perfect. However it’s been my experience that some people seem to think they are even if they do have the good sense to keep their thoughts to themselves. I dare say there’s not a soul in this building who would stand up and admit to thinking he or she is perfect.”
Imagine Papaw’s surprise when that grumpy fellow in the third pew rose to his feet as a hush fell over the congregation.
“Sir,” Papaw said. “The Good Book teaches that there is no one perfect, no not one. By standing, do you mean to suggest that you are without fault?”
“No siree preacher,” the old man said. “I’m standing up here on behalf of my wife’s first husband.”
~Shellie
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