I have a letter from a woman who told me that if I wished to share her story I could. Here is what she says.
"They tell me I have heart disease and only one year to live. But I don’t believe they always know, especially about us Irish Christians, who are made of some pretty tough stuff! I have buried two sons. I’ve had nine operations and rheumatic fever, in addition to this heart disease. You’re probably thinking, ‘That poor woman!’ But don’t you dare. Save your pity for some poor soul who isn’t tough-minded and optimistic.
"I’m forty-five years young and I’m going to live to be ninety if the Lord wills it. I’ve never been in need since I found the Lord. I’m proud that God has chosen me to bear these crosses, and grateful that He gave me a strong back to bear them.
"I’m happy. My friends tell me I’m a character. I’m never quite sure just how they mean it. But if I’m a character because I can laugh and enjoy God’s wonderful world we live in, then I’m a character."
- Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, Positive Thinking for Every Day of the Year , p. Feb. 24.
