Ok, I don’t actually believe what the title says, but now that I have your attention…

The turn signal on vehicles is one of the most basic accessories. So basic, in fact, that most of us probably take its presence and invention for granted. To take it a step further, it’s so fundamental to the car that many people forget to engage their left hand in the simple action of pushing the stick up before turning right or pulling it down before turning left, thus frustrating fellow drivers who could have gone ahead and pulled out had they known the oncoming car was planning to deviate from its straight course.  [Sorry about that…I’ll get off the soapbox now.]

The man to whom we owe this simple, yet effective, device is A.W. Dicus (1988-1978). Born in Missouri, but raised in Indiana, Dicus was an intelligent man with many and varied talents. He was a professor and head of the physics department at Tennessee Polytechnic Institute and invented a number of gadgets, including an electric pencil sharpener, an automobile speed governor, and a skill saw. However, his enduring legacy was the initial patent for the automobile turn signal in 1920.

More importantly, A.W. Dicus was a committed follower of Jesus, having obeyed the gospel in 1908. Throughout his life he served as the dean of Florida Christian College, but also labored for several years as a gospel preacher in a handful of congregations. He also tried his hand as an author, writing and publishing “A Brief Commentary on Romans and Hebrews,” “Church Leadership,” and a volume of “Sermon Outlines.” Yet, for many Christians, Dicus’ best-known work is a now classic hymn, “Our God, He Is Alive.” Countless worship services, lectureships, and other Christian gatherings have reverberated the upbeat anthem.

There is beyond the azure blue, 

A God concealed from human sight.

He tinted skies with heavenly hue, 

And framed the worlds with His great might. 

There is a God, He is alive.

In Him we live, and we survive.

From dust our God created man. 

He is our God. The Great I Am! 

In many ways, Dicus was a common man who simply worked hard and served the Lord. Yet, through that life, he gave two incredible contributions to society and the church. One improves the safety of our everyday travel. The other reminds us of the Almighty Creator.

So, today, as you drive around town remember to use that turn signal. And as you do, remember that our God is alive! He loves you. He sustains you. He is the Great I Am!

Biographical Information from: https://www.therestorationmovement.com/_states/florida/dicus.html

Cory Waddell