Heart Choices: Remembering Zig Ziglar -->

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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,

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Debbie Petras
11 Comments
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11 comments:

  1. I'd never heard of Ziglar before, but he had a mighty charisma and presence. I was immediately caught. What I most of all liked was his talk about what money cannot buy.
    He's lucky to be home free!

    ReplyDelete
  2. when i was in high school, my dad made me take a dale
    carnegie course. they quoted zig zigler all the time!
    i am happy to know that he was a believer!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Debbie:
    I'm so glad you posted about Zig Ziglar. We were all at Prestonwood Baptist at the same time. I know his life was so changed when he found the Lord, and all of his gifts of enthusiasm and hope were used for so many people to encourage and help them. He leaves such a legacy of joy to so many, and I never knew you were one of them.
    I'm really glad you shared this.

    Love you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What wonderful memories of Zig you have to remember and share Debbie! I would have loved the opportunity to see him in person; he was such a dynamic motivational speaker. Most importantly, he encouraged people with a heart that loved God... :)

    Blessings and hugs Debbie!
    Denise

    ReplyDelete
  5. I had heard of him and some of his quotes etc., but I had never actually seen or heard him. What an inspirational talker. This was a really interesting post about this man, and I am so glad you shared how much influence he had on you. Love stories like this. Enjoy your day!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Debbie, what a wonderful tribute to a very special man. He was truly anointed to inspire others to live a better life.
    My sister introduced me to some of his audio tapes, many years ago and I loved to hear him teach in that deep rich voice, which left a great impression on me, also his books.

    I was overjoyed the day, that I heard he was a Christian.

    God Bless,
    Carole

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Debbie
    This is a wonderful tribute to Zig. When you mentioned the guys in prison, I immediately thought that they would have a hard time to relating to their Heavenky Father as loving, kind and compassionate.
    Bless you
    Mia

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you for sharing this video. Zig was always such an inspiraton to me. You are too!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh, what an awesome man! I read so many of his books and he had such a contagious spirit. We need more men like him for sure, leaving positive, encouraging footprints everywhere they go. Christmas blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I know the name, but not much of his work. I'm so thankful for the witness and influence he's had on your life, Debbie. My husband is also a fan of his.

    peace~elaine

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a great and inspirational man he was! Love all the quotes, and can't wait to watch the video. What a legacy.

    Thanks for sharing, Debbie!

    ReplyDelete

I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

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