“Look your best, do your best, be your best.”-Dr. Charles Stanley

My mother has always though of Dr. Stanley as the grandfather figure she never had. At a very young age, while Mom was playing one of his sermons, my sister, Kayden, asked if he was God. He isn’t, but he definitely knew God and taught each of us, from the youngest to the eldest, so much about following God.

If you could see the notes written by six-year-old, maybe younger me, you would see just how much his presence, even if on a screen, has changed my life.

Rewind to thirteen year old me, guilty and hateful of her own self for reading fanfiction, roleplaying, and getting herself into a mess. Every day for a long time she went to the InTouch website to listen to a message taught by Dr. Stanley. I distinctly remember this one where he said to me to look into the mirror and say “I forgive you” and then to move on because there was nothing more- my sins were forgotten and forgiven by God. His words changed my life. I can imagine where I’d be without that message– in the grave.

All throughout my life, my mom has quoted him. She has always said, “do your best, look your best, be your best.” She had us write that down a lot when we were younger. She got From the Pastor’s Heart letters for herself and Z when my little sis was the wee age of five. Now Mom gets them sent to herself and Xander.

Dr. Stanley is now in heaven, happy and young, enjoying his reward for changing so many lives. Though I’m sure many hearts ache at his leaving, I promise (not me, but God) that we will all see him again someday. And I thank God for such a man as Dr. Stanley. Even in his passing, he has left so many good things behind– sermons, newsletters, and an entire ministry. I can only pray that all who miss him would be comforted.

This is Dai, signing off.

Until next time,

Keep on dreaming.