June 18, 2025 - Good Morning! It’s Wednesday, June 18.
On June 18, 1942, a baby boy named James (he would choose to go by his middle name) was born in Liverpool, England. He grew up working class and showed an early ability in music. Along with a writing partner named John, he would go on to become the most successful composer in history. He sold over 100 million records, received 19 Grammys awards, and was twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He won an Emmy and an Oscar, too, and is a multi-billionaire. In 1997 Queen Elizabeth bestowed a knighthood on him. So, Happy Birthday to Sir James Paul McCartney, 83 years old today.
On June 18, 1913, a baby boy named Travis (he would choose to go by his middle name) was born in Normangee, Texas. He grew up working class and showed zero ability in music. He hitchhiked to Baylor University, and became the first person in his family to earn a college degree. In 1941 he became pastor of a church in Houston, and faithfully served there for 54 years - giving him the record for the longest consecutive pastorate in the history of the Southern Baptist Convention. In the 1950’s his little church grew into a mega-church and he preached at a conference alongside another promising young pulpiteer named Billy Graham. He could recite by memory huge sections of God’s Word and his nickname was “The Walking Bible”. In 1991 Houston Baptist University bestowed an honorary doctorate degree on him. So, Happy Birthday to Dr. Travis Lamar Mathis, my dad - 30 years in heaven.
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
