I'm Joe Boyd's Tent!
Our love began when we were young - footloose and fancy free; We courted 'cross the Lone Star State - just dear Joe Boyd and me. He loved my flaps and pegs and poles - I loved his tender heart; Where'er he went through all these years - I always had a part.
I often wondered why he chose to give me his first kiss; To all the strangers passing by - I was a homely miss. I know that I'm not pretty - when judged by all the books, But I don't care what others think if Joe Boyd likes my looks.
My brothers and my sisters, all, went into other fields; One went into circus work, for monetary yields, Another chose to place his flaps with charismatic guys, Another worked at county fairs - another deemed it wise
To give his life for carnivals, and other worldly fun, But somehow that was not for me - 'twas not my race to run. I gave my canvas all to God - His perfect will to know, And praise the Lord, He called for me - to work with Brother Joe!
My great-grandfather served the Lord - for all his life was spent In service for our blessed Lord - as Dwight L. Moody's tent; My daddy also felt the call - for 'twas his early choice To house the folk who came to hear - ole Billy Sunday's voice.
I've seen him weep; I've heard him cry; I've watched him laugh and smile, For dear ole Brother Joe and I have traveled many a mile. No words can tell the joy I have, or know the peace I feel When snuggled in our traveling van with Joe Boyd at the wheel.
I've spent my life on vacant lots - and weathered many a storm; Tornadic winds and hurricanes oft altered my poor form, But when the lightning struck at me -and angry winds would blow, In fear I'd look through trembling flaps - and there was Brother Joe.
He'd comfort me and calm my fears and keep me standing tall, His big ole arms and shoulders broad would help me not to fall; And soon the morning sun would rise, and brightness filled the sky, I'd feel the warmth of Brother Joe - I really loved the guy!
My brothers often laughed at me - those fancy circus guys; They thought me quite fanatical - and said I wasn't wise To give my life to simple things - like sawdust covered aisles When I could be in county fairs - with all their uptown styles.
They'd ask me why I didn't go, to those exciting towns To house exciting trapeze acts - and pretty girls and clowns, But I'd just smile and tell them - that there's something they don't know - The peace of serving our great God - and dear ole Brother Joe.
Sometimes I'd feel within my breast - a little jealous tuck, When Joe would preach inside a church and leave me in the truck, But we were joined in union by a Power from above; He ne'er preferred this pretty "miss" - cause mine was his first love.
My flaps have wept a tear or two - along the sawdust trail; When Brother Boyd would really preach, and scream, and rant, and rail. I'd be so proud of my teammate - I'd feel his broken heart And thank the Lord for making me - a very vital part.
Do you know what? Perhaps I'm vain - but I can't help but feel That we, I mean the two of us, did something very real. I sorta think we did our part to keep our country free By traveling up and down the land - just Brother Joe and me.
But there's another one I love - my teammate's lovely wife, Who stayed and prayed behind the scenes - and sacrificed her life. She gave up many a luxury - to help to save our land; She never had a normal life - and seldom saw her man.
She had to rear their Bubba and their Amy all alone, And tho she's hurt for many years - her pain was never shown; And when the Judgment Seat has come - and her rewards are given, Dear Edith Boyd will surely have - a special place in Heaven.
So dear beloved friends of God - right now I'm mighty proud That thousands here tonight will stand - and join to shout aloud The praises of my blessed boss - who's traveled 'cross our land Just preaching, teaching, winning souls - and being God's own man.
He laid aside his luxury and all his earthly fame; He put aside his shoulder pads to play a better game. He packed away his uniform and counted it but dross, And in its place he lifted up a long and heavy cross.
I'd like to be in there right now a-sharin' in the fun To stand beside my buddy while he's standin' in the sun; I'll stand alone, packed in the truck - and shed a few warm tears For all that Brother Joe and I - have shared down through the years.
Whate'er you guys will do for him - will truly be deserved, Because the freedom of our land has surely been preserved, Because my pal gave up his life - o'er forty years ago. I'm mighty proud of him tonight - my good ole Brother Joe!
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