Faith - The Power of Belief

National Prayer Breakfast:

My book, ‘American Sunshine: Rays of Hope and Opportunity,’ is really a book about faith. Faith and the power of belief. Believing in the full potential of America. Believing that if we can truly get past the bitterness and divisiveness we find in our politics today, we can create an inspiring future. Focusing on our founding beliefs – and creating a positive, optimistic vision for what America can be. What we can achieve in our towns and communities. What we can achieve as individuals – if we simply have faith.

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Faith in Other Countries: 

You can’t help but be inspired by the stories of faith from around the world. For instance, the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, told the story of his struggles. How his political opponents criticized him on every dimension – even at one point taking out ads saying that he was ‘too short’ to ever be elected President. Then, how he lost his first several elections and then finally got elected after running for the office for the third time. As he explained, he did not get discouraged. it was his undying faith in his purpose that kept him going – and as he said, made him ‘unstoppable.’

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Power of Belief:

 Roger Banister and the Four Minute Mile

For decades, it was considered humanly impossible to run a mile in under four minutes. Many had tried and failed. In fact, doctors and physicians said a man might even die trying to run a mile in under four minutes.

Then came Roger Banister, a medical student at Oxford University who declared his mission to break the four-minute barrier. He developed a strong belief that he could achieve this goal. Keep in mind… most said it was impossible, and those few who thought it might be possible said the conditions – the weather, temperature, humidity, wind, the track, etc. – would have to be perfect in order even to have a chance at succeeding.

Beyond Belief

This power of Bannister’s achievement, propelled by unwavering belief, is truly inspirational. It seems it was the power of his belief that allowed him to achieve.

Now, what's even more interesting is what happened next. Because Banister was able to break the four-minute mile, others then also began to believe they could do the same thing. Incredibly, by the end of 1957, just three years later, an additional 15 people had broken the four-minute mile. This is after decades of no one accomplishing this feat. Furthermore, just ten years later, the four-minute mile had become so seeped into the conscious mind as a ‘doable’ achievement, a high school athlete from Kansas named Jim Ryan was able to break the four-minute barrier in 1964.

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Faith in Time of National Struggle:

While I was down in D.C. this week, I had the pleasure of being invited to take a private evening tour of the Capitol. As I was passing thru I saw so many of our national heroes commemorated in statues, paintings, plaques and proclamations. Most, if not all, showing great leadership and faith in times of national struggle. However, there was one in particular that caught my eye and interestingly, he wasn’t even an American. It was Winston Churchill.

Now there was a man – whose leadership and faith made all the difference. Almost without doubt, the greatest example of positive faith and leadership in the 20th century. When the Germans were closing in on England, London was suffering deadly bombing raids each night and invasion seemed imminent, Churchill’s faith never wavered. As he said at the time, 'As long as we have faith in our own cause and an unconquerable will to win, victory will not be denied us.' Churchill not only said this but he believed it. And, it is this faith that arguably made the crucial difference in the war. Preserving freedom for the British people and the western democratic world as we had known it.

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Carnival Throwback:

Every year, the Newport Carnival just keeps getting better and better. The first Newport, New Hampshire Winter Carnival took place in 1916 and has taken place every year since. So, as we look toward this current Carnival weekend – February 7th – 10th, it is worth taking a quick look back and admiring the enthusiasm and fun spirit of the past. Knowing that vibrant community spirit of Newport only keeps getting stronger each year. Thought you might enjoy this photo above from one of the popular events in 1921. Four Newport women competing in the toboggan. Love the old photo and particularly love their stylish hats!

Quotes of the Week: Faith

Martin Luther King

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. "

"Only in the darkness, can you see the stars."

Helen Keller:

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."