I enjoyed reading The Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow written by his son and longtime Texas pastor, David Brumbelow. Published by Hannibal Books, this little volume will tickle your heart.
The book is filled with pithy sayings, personal stories, and interesting factoids about the life and ministry of Joseph E. Brumbelow (1930-2002), or as he was affectionately called, "Brother Joe."
Joe Brumbelow was a simple gospel preacher but well known and loved by many leading Southern Baptists. The anecdotes are filled with a who's who in Southern Baptist life not only a generation ago, but also today--men like W.A. Criswell, Jerry Vines, Paige Patterson, Paul Pressler, Ed Young, and a host of other Baptist stalwarts.
The stories will create in you a full range of emotions. Some are serious, some are somber, and some are downright hilarious. I selected two to illustrate David and the Brumbelow family's memorial to "Brother Joe":
If the Barn Needs Painting
Some have pointed to 1 Peter 3:1-5 and taught that a woman is not to wear jewelry or makeup. Joe pointed out that the Scripture is not banning these things, just teaching that a Christian woman's beauty is to originate from within, not solely from outward ornaments. Should a woman wear makeup? Joe would say, "If the barn needs painting, I think you ought to paint it" (p.48)
And, here's a second one:
Too Poor Not to Tithe
On occasion someone would make the comment, "I'm too poor to tithe." Joe would respond, "I'm too poor not to tithe. God promises to bless those who tithe both materially and spiritually. I'm too poor to get by without the blessings of God that we receive from tithing." Joe also said, "Sometimes people say they are on a fixed income and cannot tithe. The compassionate thing would seem to be to tell them they don't need to worry about giving to the church and to the Lord. But God promises to bless and provide for those who give tithes and offerings. I discovered that I would be holding back the blessings of God on their lives if I told them they did not need to tithe" (p.169).
One cannot go wrong with this volume. It's positive spirit, home-spun humor, and complete transparency lifts one's soul to magnify God.
I did not know "Brother Joe." But after reading David's book, I surely wish I had.
With that, I am...
Peter
Peter,
Thank you, my friend, for your comments about my book about my dad, “The Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow.”
I pray that it will be an encouragement to preachers young and old, that it will dispense a little of Brother Joe’s wisdom, and put a smile on the faces of those serving our Lord.
David R. Brumbelow
Posted by: David R. Brumbelow | 2010.02.13 at 05:41 PM