My Life Through the Lens of Dr. Robert Schuller’s Wisdom
It was a ritual—almost a sacred habit. Every week, I’d tune into Dr. Robert Schuller’s Hour of Power, watching him broadcast his uplifting messages from the Crystal Cathedral. For me, a young man navigating a world often designed to test my spirit, those broadcasts weren’t just television; they were lifelines. Dr. Schuller’s quote, “Tough times never last, but tough people do,” became more than words—it became the mantra that has defined my life.
Now, at 59 years old, I look back on the decades of challenges, victories, and lessons learned and see how his teachings have been woven into the fabric of my persistence, passion, productivity, patience, and purpose.
The Power of Positive Thinking Meets Relentless Purpose
Dr. Schuller’s teachings weren’t just motivational; they were transformational. He believed that our minds are the architects of our futures. For someone like me—an African American man determined to rise above systemic challenges and personal hardships—this message resonated on a deep level. I wasn’t just consuming his philosophy; I was living it.
Throughout my life, I’ve built, rebuilt, and fortified my dreams, often with nothing but sheer determination. Whether it was navigating the rough terrain of entrepreneurship, creating almost 100 novels from scratch, or carving a path in a world that tried to count me out, Dr. Schuller’s principles were always there in the background, reminding me that every setback was temporary, and every obstacle was an opportunity in disguise.
Productivity Rooted in Possibility
Dr. Schuller often spoke about possibility thinking—a belief that there’s always a way forward if we can see it and work for it. This wasn’t just talk for me; it was action. It became the reason I could sit down and pour my energy into storytelling, creating vivid worlds that reflected the struggles and triumphs of people who looked like me and shared my history. His philosophy fueled not just my writing but my mission to teach others how to access unlimited opportunities—whether through creative expression, leveraging personal credit, or building sustainable businesses.
His message of relentless optimism also taught me the art of pivoting. When the world said no, I learned to find the yes hidden in the shadows. And when the odds were stacked against me, I dug deeper to uncover a way forward, just as Dr. Schuller’s sermons always encouraged.
Living Resilience, One Chapter at a Time
It’s easy to embrace positivity when life is smooth. The true test comes in moments of despair. There were times when I faced walls so high and wide they seemed immovable. But I remembered Dr. Schuller’s words: “Build a dream and the dream will build you.”
I’ve faced lawsuits, personal trials, and systemic barriers that could have crushed my spirit. But instead of succumbing, I used those moments to fuel my creativity and sharpen my resolve. It’s why I’m still here, still creating, and still driven by a purpose bigger than myself.
Dr. Schuller’s Legacy in My Productivity and Purpose
The lessons I absorbed from Dr. Schuller didn’t just prepare me to survive tough times—they equipped me to thrive. My work today, whether it’s in writing novels, creating graphic novels for financial literacy, or penning children’s books about resilience, is all tied to that same core belief: that we are stronger than our circumstances.
At 59, I’m living proof of the enduring truth behind his message. Tough times may challenge us, but they don’t define us. It’s what we do with those challenges—how we turn adversity into stepping stones—that ultimately shapes our legacy.
A Legacy That Endures
Dr. Schuller may no longer be with us, but his message is alive in the lives of those who carry it forward. As I reflect on my journey, I see his influence in the persistence I bring to every project, the passion I invest in every idea, and the patience I’ve learned to embrace through seasons of growth.
For anyone reading this, remember: it’s not the tough times that determine your future. It’s your ability to remain relentless in the face of them. And if my journey is proof of anything, it’s that resilience isn’t just an idea—it’s a way of life.