TSMSS: George Beverly Shea - 101 Years Young!

Monday (February 1) is the 101st birthday of George Beverly Shea. He is surely one of the most beloved singers of all time. I remember watching the Billy Graham Crusades on our black & white TV (that was also in the days before remote controls!) when I was a child; I generally went off to play when Billy Graham started preaching, but I always loved watching George Beverly Shea sing just before Mr. Graham's sermon. And one of my sweetest memories from childhood is sitting with my dad by the Christmas tree listening to this Christmas Hymns album.

About twenty years ago, when he was just a "youngster" of 81 or so, he came to our church and gave a concert on a Sunday night. While he was singing and then shaking his hand afterwards, I was awed by his demeanor and his sweet spirit. He absolutely radiated the presence of God. Sometimes I think he's going to be like Enoch - I can see the headlines saying that George Beverly Shea walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.

So many songs can be considered classics of his that it was difficult to choose which to feature today: In the Garden, The Wonder of it All (which he wrote), Singing I Go, In Times Like These and I'd Rather Have Jesus (another song he wrote) are just a few of the songs he is well-known for.

And this one, Until Then speaks of the theme of his life.

My heart can sing when I pause to remember
A heartache here is but a stepping stone
Along a trail that's winding always upward,
This troubled world is not my final home.

CHORUS
But until then my heart will go on singing,
Until then with joy I'll carry on,
Until the day my eyes behold the city,
Until the day God calls me home.

The things of earth will dim and lose their value
If we recall they're borrowed for awhile;
And things of earth that cause the heart to tremble,
Remembered there will only bring a smile.

This weary world with all its toil and struggle
May take its toll of misery and strife;
The soul of man is like a waiting falcon;
When it's released, it's destined for the skies.

He has sung to more than 200 million people in his career, yet you can tell as he sings Acres of Diamonds that fame and wealth are not where he finds his contentment:

Acres of Diamonds, mountains of gold,
Rivers of silver, jewels untold;
All these together, wouldn't buy you or me
Peace when we're sleeping or a conscience that's free.

A heart that's contented, a satisfied mind,
These are the treasures, money can't buy;
If you have Jesus, there's more wealth in your soul,
Than Acres of Diamonds, mountains of gold.

Of course, he's probably most well-known for this beautiful hymn!



Okay, I have to stop! Have a blessed birthday, Mr. Shea, and thank you for blessing us through your music!

Head over to Amy's for more songs!