I woke up at my "regular" time even though on vacation this morning. As my husband and I sat sipping coffee, journaling, checking our email, etc. he said, "George Beverly Shea died." We are vacationing near Asheville, North Carolina. not too many miles from where the report said Shea died. Blessed with a long life (104 years), he blessed millions of people. I am one of those. Immediately THIS song - one of many that he sang with frequency and such feeling - came to my mind...
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand.
Than to be a king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway,
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than world-wide fame,
I’d rather be true to His holy name.
He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out of the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs,
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand.
Than to be a king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway,
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than world-wide fame,
I’d rather be true to His holy name.
He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out of the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs,
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.
I'd rather, too.
I remember him, what a long life he was blessed with. He has touched many with his music.
ReplyDeleteFlowerLady
The world's a bit dimmer with the absence of so great a light. I can but wonder when Billy will follow. An era draws to a close.
ReplyDeleteRebecca....I love George Beverly Shea.
ReplyDeleteI have his sheet music "How Great Thou Art"....(remember the purple one...)
I wouldn't take anything for it. I've had it for years.
What a fine man...and a fine voice.
Hi Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteWow, I had not heard that..........what a wonderful man so full of God and talent.
His music will be sorely missed, as I am sure he himself will be all the more.
He is with His Lord, and it doesn't get any better than that for him or us, but sad
for those he left behind that are so grieved. Will be praying for them.
Blessings, Nellie
Hope you are having a wonderful vacation. Enjoy every last minute.
What a long life he was blessed with. May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteYes, I heard it this morning too. He was such a gracious man who blessed so many with his wonderful God-given voice. He lived not far from us, actually, in Montreat. I am sure dear Billy is grieving and yet I know he is rejoicing knowing his beloved friend is now with their Savior.
ReplyDeleteHope you are having fun in my beautiful area of the world!
There are few men who make it to "stardom" without their character disappointing me. Billy Graham and George Beverly Shea are two who lived what they preached/sang. I love this song, too.
ReplyDelete