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I was a student at the (then) Southeastern Bible College,
(now Southeastern University). As an off-campus, commuting student I was
required to attend chapel services 2-3 times a week.
The guest speaker at one of the morning services was none
other than Colonel Harland Sanders; founder and CEO of the world famous
Kentucky Fried Chicken Corporation.
As might be expected, “The Colonel” was dressed in his
equally world famous white suit, and “Southern plantation” tie. As he was
introduced by the president of our school, he slowly strode to the podium, and
proceeded to share the history of his enterprise, beginning with his adornment
of chicken cadavers with various herbs and spices, in an attempt to determine
just the right combination, for just the right taste. The man in white went on
to detail how a single rural location duplicated itself, and how over the
course of several years his brand of fried chicken became the best known, and
most loved product of its kind in the world.
Three things about the “Kentucky Colonel” impressed me the
most, or at least, have remained with me the longest.
His quiet and peaceful demeanor. (Even with a microphone,
and sitting within a few rows of the front of the auditorium, I had to listen
carefully to his words).
His “I’m really no different than you are” sort of
presentation. He knew his roots, and they were humbler than most any member of
the student body.
But more importantly, this man knew who he was, and to Whom
he belonged. The Colonel acknowledged his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and
gave Him the glory for how far He had brought him.
And though that old Southern gentleman has long since gone
on to his reward, and while poor facsimiles of the Colonel have
lately appeared on KFC commercials, of all the chapel services I attended
at my beloved school, I think I will always remember, and cherish the one to
which I have alluded the most.
by Bill McDonald, PhD
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