national day of prayer

Today is my birthday, and in honor of this day our nation designated the National Day of Prayer!  Just kidding…   I attended the Rochester (MI) Chamber Prayer Breakfast this morning and heard some inspiring music and an outstanding speaker, Mr. Krish Dhanam.

“The American Dream from an Indian Heart” is the title of Dhanam’s recent book. I think that the theme today could have been the “American Dream”, even though the nationally designated theme was “One Nation Under God”. 

Let me explain.

The Men of Grace sang some stirring songs, as they usually do.  I have had the pleasure of hearing them a number of times before, and I’ve heard the testimonies of many of these men.  Most of them have come from the lowest place imaginable; on the streets, in drug addiction, in prison.  And through the great programs at Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac, MI, they have risen above the brokenness into a life of purpose, peace and power in Jesus Christ.

Then we were treated to the very professional speaker, Mr. Krish Dhanam.  Dhanam was born in India, received his graduate degree and immigrated to America with nine dollars to his name.  He was personally trained by Zig Ziglar, and has close association to Ravi Zacharias.  He has had success according to the world’s standards and according to Christian standards.

Dhanam was intriguing, provoking and entertaining.  He asked us what would be going through our minds as we lived our last day: 

“I wish I had”

or

“I’m glad I did”.

There are so many juicy tidbits from this morning, but I want to focus on that one. 

I think we would all agree that we would want to say, “I’m glad I did”.   Isn’t that what the American Dream is all about?  Accomplishing and achieving against all odds? 

But I have some questions, for me and for you. 

• ·         Do you plan to say “I’m glad I did”?
• ·         What have you done in your life this year that would cause you to say “I’m glad I did” ?
• ·         If you were to die today, what things might be on your “I wish I had” list?
• ·         What are you going to do in the next 3 months that will remove items from the “wish”
• ·          list to the “did” list?

What odds are holding you back from your “did” list?  Are they really so insurmountable? 

Or, as Dhanam postulated, “have we become jaded because we have lost our wonder?”

I would love to hear your responses.  Please feel free to comment.  I will as well.  Just got to think about it a bit!

…because U count, debbie