Our society is becoming increasingly casual. When my father worked for International Harvester and later for the J.I. Case Company, he wore dark suits and a pressed white shirt everyday. I seriously doubt that corporate employees across the board are that formal anymore. I still wear a dress shirt and a tie on most Sundays, when I preach. I am not inclined to wear a suit in the summertime. But that has not always been the case. There was a time when I wore a coat and tie every Sunday. Keeping a wardrobe current on a young minister’s salary was sometimes a challenge. One December about 9 years ago that was not an issue…

Joy Martin worshipped with the church I was serving at the time in Woodward, OK. Joy was a lady in her 70’s. At least everyone else thought she was in her 70’s. Joy thought she was still in her 20’s. She dressed cool, thought young, and loved being generous.

One Sunday Joy gave me the business card for a very nice men’s store in Oklahoma City. I had driven by the store on several occasions, but that was as close as I had ever gotten. My budget did not allow me to even get within a 100 yards of a store like that. An upscale purchase for me would take place at the annual suit sale at Dillard’s, if I had experienced a good year. The business card represented a store that made look Dillard’s look K-Mart. You get the idea…

Joy told me not to pass to pass go or collect $200.00. I was to go directly the men’s store and be fitted for a suit, shirts, ties, and a pair of matching dress shoes. I am a little surprised she did not include a pair of silk boxers in the deal.
I was stunned. I wondered if it would be ok for me to park my old Ford truck in front of that store, of should I borrow a Lexus for the day.

I made my way to Oklahoma City one cold December day. I don’t think an item in that store had a price tag on it. I had never been in a store like that before, but I tried to act at home, and enjoy some small talk with Franc the suit man. He measured everything down to the length of my index finger. I picked up my suit a week later. Wow! Church members had no clue that John could clean up so well.

It was a special treat that Christmas. I will never forget her kind generosity. When I grow old, I don’t want to do it like most people. I want to grow old like Joy Martin. I want to be cool, think young, and be generous.

Joy Martin passed away yesterday. It was her birthday…. I miss her terribly.
Friday morning I have the privilege of speaking at her funeral service. I think it would be a good idea to wear a dark suit and a pressed white shirt.