Remembering Zig Ziglar

Zig Ziglar was one of the people who has inspired me most in my life.  He died on Wednesday at the age of 86.  He was the best salesperson but more importantly he was a Christian who ...walked his talk.

Many years ago, I began reading his books and listening to his tapes. I had a thirty minute drive to work as a nurse.  It was the perfect amount of time to soak in some wisdom from Zig.  He helped me motivate many heart patients to make healthier lifestyle choices.  It got to the point where I could quote him word for word.

I can hear him even now in that southern husky familiar voice saying:

You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.

I purchased his performance planner and dutifully wrote out my goals for that year.  I had two pages for each goal, including what I needed to do and what obstacles I needed to overcome to accomplish each one.  As I look back at those goals, I see that I accomplished every single one of them.  There is something to be said for writing them out like this.

A goal properly set is halfway reached.

I've seen Zig Ziglar speak several times.  One year, my husband and I purchased tickets to attend a luncheon where Zig was speaking. We had a table right up front.  I didn't want to miss a thing!

Zig spoke about the importance of fathers.  He said that the majority of men who are in prison either had no father figure in their life or a troubled relationship with their father.  He encouraged all of the men in the audience to be an active part of their children's lives.

At the end of the talk Zig left the podium and I quickly got up so I could speak with him before he left the room.  He graciously signed one of his books for me and then he smiled at me and asked me if I knew what Ephesians 2:8-9 said.  Thankfully I did.  Those verses speak about the grace of God and how we cannot earn our salvation. Although this luncheon wasn't a Christian conference talk, Zig so kindly shared his faith in Jesus. What a beautiful example for me!

I was able to email his son Tom Ziglar in more recent years to share how much his dad influenced me.  He wrote back to me and told me he read my note to his father.  I was thrilled!

This morning I listened to his memorial service.  It was held in a Baptist church in Dallas, Texas but I heard it live on Zig Ziglar Radio. What a blessing!  Zig even planned his own funeral down to the message and songs.  The first song they sang was "Because He Lives" and of course, I began to tear up.

I believe Zig Ziglar is in heaven and he will be meeting up with his daughter.  But best of all, he will see Jesus.

I leave you with this video so you can hear Zig Ziglar for yourself.



Blessings and love,