Life is to be celebrated especially when it comes to my dear friend, Zig Ziglar. Every encounter I have had with this man has impacted my life profoundly. He is a legend, known worldwide, and his life has matched his contagious message. Once sitting over dinner Zig reminded me, “Gail, when you have a word of encouragement you will always have something to give.” This one line motivates me in the darkest of days and the brightest of moments. Encouragement is a true gift and it lifts the soul of mankind. Zig, you were the best and your impact on the world is immeasurable.

I have many fond personal memories of my friend, Zig Ziglar, who I loved from the moment I met him. My first introduction to this master motivator was when I spoke at his corporation. There he responded to my presentation with a clear mandate to write my first book. “Seeing Beyond with foreword by Zig Ziglar” is now my signature book and I continue to write. It has gone around the globe and is in multiple languages. Afterwards, he sent me a hand written note that stated, “Gail, keep writing. I know you have many more bees in your bonnet.”  He is right and I am now working on my fourth book. His southern mannerly style and great laugh was always interspersed with one liners that made his point.

I remember Zig’s 80^th birthday celebration at the Gaylord in Dallas. I was away speaking in Ohio. My four daughters had gone with me to sing at the conference where I spoke. I was anxious since our flight back to Dallas would make us late for Mr. Ziglar’s big event. Amazingly, my prayers were heard for a swift flight home. We were on a plane with few passengers and arrived 45 minutes earlier than expected. After landing, the girls and I ran with our luggage and quickly changed into our festive attire for Zig’s 80^th birthday extravaganza. We arrived just as everyone was seated and the night was fantastic.  Many stood in line to talk with the world renowned legend honored that evening. Our family held back and waited until the line was nearly gone. We surrounded Mr. Ziglar and spoke the blessing of Numbers 6 that begins, “May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you.”

I remember him standing and popping a mint in his mouth before taking center stage in our family’s inner circle. Smiling with tears filling his eyes, he turned to hug me and stated, “This is the best gift of all.”

More memorable was the lunch we shared one  afternoon. Seated in the middle of a crowd of tables, I put my fork down and looked at my respected mentor and friend. Feeling a prompting that came from above, I moved the plate and glasses in front of me to slide my arm across the table towards him. He did the same until our hands clasped in the center of the table. I said, “Mr. Ziglar, I want to take to my generation, what you took to yours—a word of encouragement.” He looked at me and instructed me like a daughter. He told me to continue on the path of serving others with motivation and inspiration. Zig then said with intensity, “Gail, do it!” He then prayed over me as the table got silent and watched our significant exchange.

Dear Mr. Ziglar, you are unforgettable. We will miss you terribly. We celebrate your new life and the entrance of your eternal rest. We celebrate your accomplishments and know you have reached the goal of your life. I can hear you with a smile in your voice, enthusiastically calling to us from the balcony of heaven, “I will see you at the top.” No doubt it is “better than good.”

Enjoy your eternal reward as you celebrate your King. 

When you choose to look past the horizon… the sky is the limit!