Normal? No, that would be out of character

I like to play dress up.

There. I said it. I like to play dress up.

Now don’t go reading anything improper into that. I’m not “coming out of the closet” as they like to say … Well, except maybe the walk-in closet in my office at church. That is, after all, where I keep a portion of my wardrobe.

It’s just been out of good, clean fun (well, not always so clean in the literal sense). There is no better way I’ve found – in my “children’s pastor” role (I am a man of many hats … “literally”) – to hold a kid’s attention while you give them the good news that Jesus loves them than to stand before them in full regalia (i.e. makeup, wig and costume) while playing some off-the-wall, goofy character. (As it turns out, “goofy” is one of my spiritual gifts. Who knew.)

I’ve played the Swedish Chef from the Muppets a handful of times. I – “he” – once ate raw cabbage (which seemed an easy enough task until I actually took my first bite), once drank shampoo (which had been replaced with dyed corn syrup, but don’t tell the kids) and once took a bite out of a bowl containing a mix of M&Ms, chocolate pudding, mealworms and red wigglers (No substitutes there, and however disgusting it sounds, I assure you, it tastes twice that).

I’ve been a villainous French racecar driver on occasion (name was/is “Don T Playfair” … read it again if you don’t get it the first time).

I’ve played a guy who resembled the construction worker for the Village People. (That was for Church Plant Sunday and … cue the “YMCA” music: “Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. It’s fun to plant churches today. It’s fun to plant churches today …”)

I’ve been a crying clown (in the same vein as one of my childhood favorites, Red Skelton), farmer, doctor, karate master, French artist (three times now), exercise guru (a few times as well … think Richard Simmons), traffic cop, detective, game show host (Barney “Bald-win” … Him: “Because I love you and …” Kids in audience: “You love me”) and the devil (some might say I’m still in costume).

I’ve also played Mountain Man Myke Harbuck and Dark Mater. Mountain Man Myke Harbuck is a rugged … well, mountain man. (And did I mention our senior pastor’s name is Myke Harbuck? Ha. Ha. Couldn’t resist.) His exploits include things like roping and riding a rabbit the size of our church (that’s how he got to Houston County) and “killin’” and skinning a snake and horny toad of equal stature. He has a snakeskin hat and a jacket covered with every kind of fur imaginable. (That is: If it looked like fur and the fabric store sold it, I bought it, I attached it).

Dark Mater is a spin off of Darth Vader from Star Wars fame – I’m sure you figured. Somebody gave me the mask. I was thrilled to find a use for it. The only problem was old Darth’s beginnings were just too docile for me. Instead, I went for painting it red, and his story originates from a horrible accident at the “tomater” processing plant (And P.S., you might have seen me at this and last year’s Christmas parade, out handing out church tracts.)

In addition, if you can think of a Bible character – Moses, Noah, Paul, etc – I’ve probably played him.

Have I ever dressed up as a woman? You got it. I once played the mother of Moses and I have a set of dresses for a “grandma” character that I have been dying to make a debut with some day. (You should see the looks at Goodwill from the ladies as I come strolling down their aisle.)

So why am I telling you all this? Well, not to brag, I promise you that. I’m just a guy who one day took a shot out of his comfort zone and lo and behold found out: Yes! I do have it in me. You are God’s creation! I believe you have it in you, too! No matter what “it” is.

You don’t believe me, ask my youngest son, also known as: The Incredible Sulk, Sobbin, Beaker and even … Pharaoh’s mom! Or ask one of the people I serve with in Awana, our kid’s club, aka: Abby Cadabra or Catnap Woman or Wander Woman (her origin based off the prodigal son) or Mex Luthor or Statman. Or ask our former chairman of the deacons, aka: Superma’am.

Or better yet, come on over to Northside Baptist Church in Centerville this Sunday where I’ll be playing another of my favorite character’s for the children’s sermon: The kooky professor. And I could use an assistant. That’s an offer solely for all you guys out there.

Just let me know your dress size.

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Saturday, I had the privilege, the honor – an understatement – of marrying two of the most wonderful people God has ever placed on this earth, Johnny and Michele, now Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Fowler.

When the term “perfect couple” was coined it was with them in mind! I kid you not, and the 200-plus friends and family who watched them get married will – and in fact did – “amen” that in a second! They are clearly, without any, any, any shade of doubt, a marriage made in heaven! God was boasting when He placed these two side-by-side to say “I do.”

None are more humble. None more gentle, sweet and kind! (And did I mention – in all of their dating – the ceremony marked the first time they had even kissed!)

Congratulations Johnny and Michele! May God keep those blessings coming your way!

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