Unbroken

Heard Olympian, WW2 POW, Louis Zamperini tonight at Houston's First Baptist Church. He was the subject of Laura Hillenbrand's bestseller Unbroken which I cannot recommend highly enough, especially after hearing him speak in person.

Zamperini a humble, funny, charming 95 year old man with so many exciting memories to offer the audience. Does not consider "The greatest generation" such a great label; prefers to call his generation "hearty" because they were strong and persevered without complaining, just fixed problems with which they were confronted.

Simply amazing testimony of miracles, forgiveness, leadership, patience, dedication; all part of a great interview onstage by Pastor Gregg Matte. Overflow crowd tonight of 1,000 all blessed by the admonition of a true american hero:

1. be prepared for disaster, and be prepared to share the gospel quickly
2. discipline your kids so they know how to behave, teach them humility
3. forgiveness is only possible through Jesus Christ, who first forgave us
4. memorize scripture, it helps your brain stay sharp, and helps when you have to act fast (see #1 herein above) Zamperini eloquently told how Psalm 18 mirrored his time in the ocean tumbling downward wrapped in the wires and wreckage of the downed plane. He recited the Psalm and narrated how it related to this near-death experience being pulled down 30-ft. into the sea (Ps. 18: 3-6, 11, 15-16, 19) ending with how he miraculously re-surfaced to look out on the expanse of the Pacific ocean (see v.19)
5. author Laura Hillenbrand crafted the stories so realistically and authentically that reading Unbroken almost brought it all back to him (he suffered from PTSD after the war)
6. the world is so complicated now, so much has changed from when he was a boy in the 20s (he cited crime statistics, and mass communications)
7. Zamperini is pretty sure he would have broken the 4:00 mile before Sir Roger Bannister (1940 Olympic games in Tokyo were cancelled)
8. Hitler reminded him of a psychotic comedian, he actually shook his hand!
9. kids need something to keep them busy, like a sport about which they have passion
10. Miracles happen all the time, nothing is too hard for God (his heart changed on the spot, no more nightmares!)

If I make it to 95 years old, I want to be just as sharp as Louis Zamperini
What a privilege to hear him talk tonight!

Houston's FBC walkway welcomes Louis Zamperini (photo credit: Pillsbury)