Life as I have known it has been ‘Finger Lickin’ Good.
(Colonel Sanders)
Anthony and I passed by the Kentucky Fried Chicken in Ellenton, the last sign of civilization before arriving at the maximum security prison. “Just think Pastor,” Anthony joked. “If we didn’t have to do this service tonight we could be sitting at KFC eating chicken.” “So, you’d rather eat than help the needy?” I teased. “No way!” he exclaimed. “What do you think I am—a Kentucky Fried Idiot?”
At the control room two guards stood in front of a fifty-gallon barrel filled with sand—loading their weapons. One was placing cartridges in a pistol and the other was putting shells in his shotgun. Just as we were about to step onto the sidewalk one of them yelled, “Stay right there do not move!” That was a good idea since they were holding loaded weapons. In a few moments one of them walked over and said, “Chaplain, I’m sorry but the warden cancelled chapel services tonight because of security issues. We were not aware of his decision until just a few minutes ago. I’m sorry.”
“Son, you got your wish,” I said as we headed back to Ellenton. “This proves one thing; if you delight yourself in the Lord, He will give you the desires of your heart.” “Naw, Pastor,” Anthony declared, “I would rather preach the Word any day than fill my belly at KFC.”
After finishing our “Finger Lickin Good” meal I said, “You know, the Colonel’s secret recipe made him rich and famous, but do you know the real secret for success and happiness? It’s easy and is found in KFC. The K stands for knowledge; the F for faith; the C for character. Do you remember what Jesus said in John 17:3 I asked? “This is eternal life that you may know Him the only true God and Jesus Christ His Son whom He has sent.” “Knowledge is power,” I was on a recipe roll. “F is all about faith and faith is imperative. Without faith it is impossible to please God. A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul. Son, are you getting this?” I asked and concluded. “Remember the C of character. If you gain the whole world and lack character you have nothing. Character is doing the right thing when nobody’s looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that’s right is to get by, and the only thing that’s wrong is to get caught. That’s my secret recipe for happiness KFC style.”
Colonel Sanders declared, “I made a resolve that I was going to amount to something if I could. No hours, nor amount of labor, nor amount of money would deter me from giving the best that there was in me. And that is what I have done.”