Earlier this week Mary and I had the privilege of attending a fund raiser for the Brentwood Library; if you haven’t visited this library it is worth a trip from where ever you are to Brentwood to see it. But, I digress. The event featured three successful authors (not including me, LOL), one of these writers, Ken Abraham, struck a note with me.
Ken has written over 60 books; three of them #1 best sellers. Let’s Roll, which Ken wrote with Lisa Beamer, the wife of hero Todd Beamer, was #1 at the time of its release. This, as you probably know, is the story of United Flight 93 which went down in a Pennsylvania field on Sept. 11, 2001. Todd led the charge to re-take control of the plane and is credited with preventing an attack on the White House or The Capital. If you want to be inspired, read this book.
Ken has co-written books about tough topics like drug-running, catastrophic death, AIDS, cancer, spousal abuse, imprisonment, and child abandonment. One commentator said, “Ken Abraham gets more heart on paper than any co-writer in America. His books offer genuine hope for people going through the darkest of circumstances.” In spite of all the negative things Ken writes, he radiates enthusiasm; you can feel the “power” when he is in the room. And he has the most positive attitude of anyone I have ever met. I wish I would have met him many years ago when my attitude wasn’t so good.
Attitude is so important and it can be learned! I was reminded of this when my grandsons Patrick and Eric were being honored as Eagle Scouts. In the ceremony the scouts recited the Boy Scout Law which states that Boy Scouts are “Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean,” and “Reverent.” Then I wondered if they really are all these things, or are they becoming all these things by pretending? Aren’t they just rehearsing for the future?
Some might call the Scouts egotistical for confessing such virtues, thinking they are just daydreaming or lying to themselves; but professional motivators and coaches call that “visualizing success.” Visualizing success causes the brain to believe we are already successful; and this subconscious belief gives us the confidence we need to be comfortable with success. It removes the fear of failure. As we continue to visualize the future and our place in it, our brain gives us positive feedback that prepares us for victory. In short, envision the future, plan for it, execute the plan, and enjoy the success.
On the last pages of Let’s Roll, Lisa Beamer says, “My life since September 11 includes many human sorrows and challenges, and every day I must choose how to confront them. I can sink into depression or anger or anxiety, or I can trust that God is working everything for my good. I have chosen to believe God – to believe he loves me and has a plan for now and for eternity…. The road ahead is uncertain and even scary at time, but I believe that God will provide what’s best for me, just when I need it. Even now, in the midst of great sorrow, there is much to be thankful for – a great family, wonderful friends, and a strong community of faith. I try to appreciate my blessings every day.”
Read some of Ken’s books, keep your attitude up, enjoy the day, and I’ll see you at the Brentwood Library!
The above taken, in part, from Messengers in Denim.