Norman Vincent Peale is an author I have recently discovered. A friend gave me a box of books, and it happened to contain one of Peale’s.
I am big on reading uplifting and encouraging books, it helps set my pace and my thoughts. That is also why I like to share encouraging thoughts and stories. One really can’t be too encouraged!
Brief History
Though I’ve never actually read a biography on Norman, he does share pieces of his story in his writings.
He was the son of a preacher and admired how his father could share Scripture in such a simple and logical way that you couldn’t help but understand it. What a fine thing for a boy to think of his father! And what a gift his father must have had, for in years to come, I would say Norman tapped into that talent himself!
As a boy and young adult Norman tells how he was withdrawn and uncertain of his capabilities. One day, a school instructor took him aside and reassured Norman that God knew what He was doing when He made Norman, but it was Norman’s job to tap into the strength and confidence that only comes from God. “As a man thinks, so is he,” the instructor reminded.
Norman’s mother also wouldn’t accept that her son was shy and withdrawn. You have a role to fill and you must give your best for God, was her loving challenge to her hesitant son. He tells how he believed he was about the most awkwardly shy person you would ever meet.
But then these people spoke into him, he listened, and God got a hold of him! Norman Vincent Peale went on to pastor many, many people, reach millions through radio and magazine, and write 60+ books!
Not bad for an awkwardly quiet person, huh?! I find his story inspiring!
The Story of the Bench
There is a story of a bench that he shares – and if I don’t get it quite right, forgive me, it’s been a year or so since I read it – but the message of the story hit me and challenged me in the best of ways!
As I recall, it goes something along these lines – Norman and his wife were sitting on a bench while on a bit of a vacation. I didn’t get the impression they had children yet, it was early in their marriage. Now Norman’s wife (whose name I don’t recall, oops!) was a lovely, quiet, encouraging woman.
Together they sat on this bench talking about the future – I believe he was about to begin pastoring his first, sizable church or some such. He was uncertain and sharing his fears with his wife. She listened for a little while and then gently challenged him: “Norman, do you believe this is what God would have you do?”
He agreed, yes, he was certain this was his calling. “Then claim that faith that you teach others about and set down your fears. Make the decision once and for all! If this is where God is leading, then He will sustain and equip you.”
Norman tells how that was such a pivotal point in his life. That bold encouragement from his wife helped him set down his fear of inadequacies once and for all! He said this was about the only time she ever really spoke up, she wasn’t obnoxious or overbearing, she simply loved her husband and knew that with God he was quite capable of his calling.
Quotes and Encouragement
Ever since I read that first book by Norman Vincent Peale I’ve gone on to read another and another. He has a gift for reminding us of the obvious that we as Christians should know!
You never do wrong by doing right. It’s not always (or even often) the easiest thing to the right thing. But when we hold steady and don’t give in to the temptation to have a human response, we will reap the benefits.
We need to claim the Scripture “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” on a daily basis. We have the strength, we just need to claim it!
Though I don’t recall direct quotes at this moment, he wrote an entire book on enthusiasm and challenges us as Christians to let our lights of enthusiasm shine! God created us for a purpose and it is our duty to fill that purpose to the very best of our ability!
A Change for the Better
When I first read one of Norman’s books, I was going through a particularly difficult time. Perhaps that is why they had such an impression on me. They reminded me not to feel sorry for myself but to press on, give my best, and trust God with the outcome.
Some things change your life and I would say these books have changed mine for the better. They have given me another dimension of God’s love for His people and have inspired me on how to grow closer to Him!
Of course I still struggle and falter, things can still hurt, but the reality is I have a hope in God! All is not lost and I am certainly not alone! With God for me, who dare be against me?!
All this to say, I recommend Norman’s books. And I recommend growing your relationship with God. It will change your life!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. I share more about one of Norman’s books here: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2022/09/14/hope-in-the-lord/