Why motivational speaker and author Norman Vincent Peale stands relevant even to this day…
How faith affirmations can move even the toughest mountain of difficulties from our lives.
It was in the early 90s when I was going through a difficult personal transition. I was finding it difficult to choose between two career options I had in front of me — Banking or Teaching. I loved banking at that time and thought it was a wise career move until I was jolted and out of the blue realized my strengths and weaknesses. My Uncle was my guide and mentor and advised me to take up teaching. I stumbled on a copy of ‘’The Power of Positive Thinking’’ whose author and motivational speaker Norman Vincent Peale completely changed my life. This book stood by me through those testing times to make the right decision and move forward.
I flipped through the pages of the book and a few minutes later got so hooked on to it, that I finished it in two days. What was so unique about the book? Way back then the concept of positive thinking, visualization, and actualization was new to people living in Asia and most parts of the world. These Western concepts began getting accepted by people from the other side of the globe much later. The teachings from the Bible, along with positive thinking, prayers, actualization, and visualization completely revolutionized my way of thinking. I applied these techniques prescribed by Dr. Peale along with faith passages from the Bible and began noticing positive changes in my life. Trusting God I applied for a teaching course and became a teacher which gradually led me to listen to my inner voice to become what I am in front of everyone to see- A Writer. I realised God’s purpose for me was greater than my ambition to become a Banker.
Norman Vincent Peale-Valuable Contribution to Society
Dr. Peale was born into a religious Christian family that ate and prayed together. Almost every family member was a speaker. Peale grew up to be a shy and timid boy, but in his later years, he overcame his shyness by believing in himself and practising the faith techniques outlined in the Bible. He went on to become one of the greatest speakers that America has ever produced. His books on positive thinking have motivated millions of people across the globe and his influence on them to overcome all the difficult challenges of life has been the driving force in their lives. No matter how challenging the situation might be, but with faith and trust in God, it can be handled smoothly.
My Favourite Positive Affirmations
Powerful repetitions of faith passages and one-liners have boosted the confidence that I lacked and have made me a stronger person.
The three most powerful faith techniques that I have applied in all my challenges through the years are:
‘If you have faith, nothing shall be impossible unto you’
‘This too shall pass away’
‘’Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the marvellous things that which God has prepared for them that love Him.’’
All three faith affirmations have helped me weather the impossible storms that came into my life in a calm and equanimous manner. I am grateful to Dr. Peale for the strong and positive human being that I am today.
Why does Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s teachings choose to stay relevant even to this day?
Dr. Peale’s teachings have impacted the older generation of people in a big way who pray and apply the faith techniques effectively outlined in the Bible. When this is done regularly and consistently the answers are nothing short of a miracle. I have personally witnessed people’s lives change dramatically. With the proper use of prayers, visualization, and actualization I have experienced a few life-changing situations in my career and I am eternally grateful to this great personality who made a big difference in my life.
Teachings from the holy Bible are timeless and eternal and can never become outdated. As long as humanity exists people will continue to lean on hope and faith and above all trust God in their challenging and difficult times. So Dr Peale’s teachings and sermons have stood by people from all over the world like the Rock of Gibraltar and he has always encouraged and motivated people to employ the use of positive thinking in their lives.
The world no doubt has come a long way and as human beings, we all have evolved and have learnt to incorporate deep meditation and mindfulness in our daily living, but a little positivity and an unshakeable faith in God will take us a long way in looking at life with a sunny outlook and lots of optimism.
So the tagline is ‘Always stay positive and Trust in God.’ You never know when you will find your silver lining among the dark clouds of despair.
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