Humor is one of the SHARP Principles, and most of us don't even get to it in our speeches, much less use it in all of our communications. Dan Miller is one who lives it, and it shows. Yet he's not a humorist, but - in his own words - a 'dreammaker.'.
"If you're going through hell, keep going."
He was an all star basketball player and athlete in high school, and got polio three weeks before the Salk vaccine became available. Dan told his story at the Million Dollar Round Table last week, driving on stage in a motorized cart. He told how for the first year he was depressed and helpless, but then he chose to like himself, and chose laughter over heartache. And slowly he came back from no mobility to the use of one arm and a bit of leg power.
And the real inspiration came as he described his goals, and what he did to achieve them. He majored in PE, when they said it was impossible. Learned to fly a plane. Became a one armed golfer with a 13 handicap! (Now that is hard to comprehend - when I can't get below a 16.) And when they said he couldn't play the guitar because he couldn't use one of his hands, he proved them wrong - and sang to 8,000 people at MDRT - to a standing ovation.
Dan and Judy Miller have raised three kids and have eight grandkids (here's a glimpse), and have led a pretty normal life because they chose to. An award winning Principal in Washington State for two decades, he now speaks around the country, inspiring others. In the phrase of his mentor which he repeated many, many times: "Let's see what you can do."
If you see and hear him, you'll be motivated to do more. For that's what a great motivational speaker does.
His message was clear, funny and worthwhile - and it will last:
"Pain is inevitable.
Suffering is optional.
Joy is a choice."
Dear Bert,
Thank you so much for your positive remarks about Dan Miller. I first met Dan in 1986 when he was a conference speaker. Over the years I have heard his talk 5 times – – it’s always the same story, with updated anecdotes and photos of the kids!
I’ve beeen blessed to be one of his intercessors, receiving announcements of speaking engagements and prayer requests. Dan left being a school principal 1 year prior to retiring, thereby giving up the security of his retirement wages. He’s had to believe God for enough speaking invitations to support them financially, as well as the strength to travel and make the presentations.
Dan gets a standing ovation EVERY TIME – – people are so moved by his triumph over unbelieveable odds to become the nationwide success that he is.
I’ve visited Dan in his home several times and I am happy to report that Dan is consistently the same Dan you see on and off the stage.
Much prayer covered Dan’s MDRT talk – – he was very concerned about being able to tell his story within the 20-minute time frame.
Dan never fails to talk of the goodness of God – – even in the midst of overwhelming adversity. And he is always able to find humor in every situation and make people laugh.
Your positive comments meant a lot to Dan – – he forwarded your blog onto his supporters.
Yeah, Bert!
Tamara Lee
leetamara2005@yahoo.com
Although I was stationed in the Air Force near where Dan grew up and was there about the time he contracted Polio, I have come to know him only recently through watching one of his video presentations and communicating with him through cyberspace. I am blessed to have him call me his East Coast friend. His inspir-ational message has come at a difficult time of my life, and has changed my goals and perspec-tive by erasing “pessimism” from my vocabulary.
I have shown his video tapes and DVD’s to dozens of friends and all of my family. In my retirement, I have taken on a joyful mission of bringing his message to as many people, young and old, as I can because I truly believe everyone should see and hear this National Treasure we know as “Dan Miller”.
Thanks Tamara and Paul –
It is obvious that Dan has had a great impact on so many – he really deserves his praise. What an example of faith lived out and communicated.
Bert
I have had the opportunity to sit down in a living room atmosphere with Dan. What you witnessed is the real deal. He will inspire you without you knowing it.
Thanks for the article.