Several months after meeting my dear friend, Zig Ziglar, I received a call from the producer of “Life Today” with hosts, James and Betty Robison.  They asked me to be a guest on their television show.  I wish then I had listened to Zig’s encouragement days before to write a book on my life story. We had 60,000 hits on our website from around the world. People responded to an authentic message of hope.

James and Betty are the same on camera as off. Their week of recorded shows begins with the guests having dinner with James before recording in front of a live audience. I was scheduled for show four as I waited my turn in the Green Room. Four shows had live guests, and the last one was already pre-recorded with footage about their incredible work in digging wells and offering fresh water to villages around the globe. The show guests before me were Dr. Jack Graham with a gentlemen with a global prayer focus, and two shows were slotted for Star Parker. While we all enjoyed dinner together, the studio filled with an excited audience. Ninety five percent of the crowd had come to support me, and they were excited and enthusiastic.

My parents were in the crowd that evening, and Dad laughed as he told me about the marquee outside the building.  It read, “Star Parker” in large letters and under it read “Gail McWilliams.” It looked like the only visually impaired guest on the list was receiving the valet award of the year as a star parker.

At first I thought I was the last guest due to not being well known at the time and not having any book to promote. However, I was told later that I was the last guest due to the draw of the audience.  I enjoyed it all and was excited and very calm as I came to my chair on the studio set.  As I was taking my chair for the interview, James said, “Now don’t be afraid, but you are about to sit in the chair that major leaders, presidents, and top officials have sat in before you.” I smiled as I felt the ease of the moment, knowing that it was His assignment and my destiny. James and Betty provide a comfortable setting and make conversation with ease. The audience was the best with their laughter and loud applause.  My focus was His favor and timing for “such a time as this.”

Later, the producer had told us that Zig had called James and said that he must have me on his show. He also remarked that he had never done that before this time. They promptly took Zig’s advice and now it is history.

I was with James Robison a few years later at an event our governor had hosted. Once more, back in the Green Room with leaders from around the nation, James and I crossed paths. He warmly greeted me and then cradled my` face in his caring hands, saying, “Gail. I am convinced you see better than any of us.”

James your vision for leaders and the needs of people and our nation is admirable.

Thank you for your life and voice that have made a tremendous difference in our land.

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