My father-in-law, W.R. (Bill) Cummings worked for the Lovington, New Mexico Water Department for many years. One of his duties was to read the water meters every month. It was on one of those days while he was riding up and down the back alleys of the city that he happened to spot an old beat up guitar hanging on a fence next to a dumpster. The guitar had been painted an ugly antique green and had a huge hole in the back where it looked like it had been in a barroom brawl. Now, Bill was an avid collector of old guitars, and he thought that he might be able to salvage some of the parts. So, he gathered up the guitar and went to the front door of the house to make sure that it was really intended for the trash heap. The lady of the house assured him that it was and that she most definitely did not want it. She then told Bill he could have it. Bill insisted on paying her something for it. So, he gave her all the money he had that day (which happened to be a dollar and fifty cents) and took it home that afternoon.
A few days later, he went to work on the old guitar, he took out his pocket knife and gently started scraping the paint away on the head and uncovered the letter 'G' when he saw that, he really got careful scraping off the rest of the ugly green paint. More letters started to appear, G-I-B-S-O-N.
Now, Gibson ® was the manufacturer of a famous brand of guitars, and sure enough, Bill had lucked in to finding an old one dating back to 1935. He continued the process of restoring the guitar by patching the gaping hole in the back, sanding it down and finally putting on a new coat of shellac. That helped the appearance a lot! After putting on some new strings, the guitar was ready to play. It sounded beautiful, and the tones were absolutely wonderful. A trait that made the Gibson ® famous among musicians around the world!
Every time my wife and I would go and visit mom and dad, I would always ask to play 'Old Ugly' (that's what Bill named that old guitar) other musicians would play their newer guitars, but I always played 'Old Ugly'. To me, it had the best sound and was the easiest playing guitar I had ever handled.
After my father in law passed away 'Old Ugly' was given to me and I still treasure it dearly. It is now a family heirloom.
Now, I'll admit, I have played a few old country songs and a few old rock and roll songs on 'Old Ugly' but the best notes played were those 'praise the Lord' gospel songs!! 'Old Ugly' had gone from the trash heap to the church house, to serve the Lord!
In a lot of ways, the story of 'Old Ugly' is the story of my life. You see, I was an 'Old Ugly' too! I spent a lot of my youth in places that I shouldn't have been and received a lot of damage. I was on a path headed for destruction when Jesus found me, cleaned me and gave me a new coat of salvation to wear. I still have some scars, but with the new strings I got, I'm playing like I was brand new! I would bet that there are a lot of 'Old Uglys' out there in the world that could sure use a second chance like me and that old guitar. Well, Jesus is the answer!!
The Bible says, 'that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' Romans 10:13. Jesus can give you a total makeover if you would only invite Him into your heart to be your Lord and Savior. Just ask Him and find out!
To the memory of Bill Cummings and Tim McLeod
Tim McLeod passed away in the early part of 2004 from cancer.
May God bless all who read this story.
With Love,
Linda
