For the last four years, I've been very focused on attempting to educate my fellow citizens on the financial problems facing our country and on ways that we can all help to bring about solutions.
During that time, I've traveled the country at my own expense, sponsored events to help get the message out, and spoken before tens of thousands of people.
I also created a website, have been interviewed countless times, and have written many articles on the subject of our nation's fiscal problems.
I began this effort because I felt a calling to get in the game and do something, rather than just sitting on the sidelines.
This country has given so much to me and my family, and I believe we should do everything possible to leave it better, not worse, for generations that follow.
Like so many of you, I have children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will have to deal with these problems if we don't come up with some solutions.
Despite my commitment to the endeavor, I will admit there are days when I question how much of a difference we make when considering the time, energy, and money that we put into this effort.
Although I believe we are helping to move the ball forward, progress is difficult to measure. Unlike the game of football, where you know your position on the field, dealing with issues requiring political solutions is different because you don't often know whether or not you are getting close to the goal line unless you actually score.
I recently learned that there is more than one way to track progress, and that lesson came courtesy of a very kind lady.
I received a letter from her that was written on Good Friday this year.
In her correspondence, which was addressed to both my wife and I, she enclosed a print of a painting of the Texas State Capitol that she had been commissioned to create.
She related that she had a photographer capture the painting digitally before it was sent to the owner. She further stated, "I was in prayer, and the Lord told me to give you this print . . . You are making a difference more than you know. As you stand for righteousness, you affect generations yet to be born."
She concluded her letter by writing, "Be encouraged, and know that Heaven rules."
We would have been touched by such a gift and thoughtful letter under any circumstances, but what really made this special was the fact that we had never met this kind woman.
Apart from divine intervention, we have no explanation as to why she chose to bless us with the print and her uplifting words.
What makes this even more compelling is the timing.
One of my columns was published on Newsmax.com the very same day that she wrote the letter. While I typically write about issues related to Social Security and our nation's finances, my Good Friday column was different. It was about lessons I've learned about the joy of giving.
The words I used in my column ran through my head as I read the letter we received.
In that op-ed column, I wrote that God calls ordinary men and women to participate in his purposes — to act with compassion, courage, and conviction.
Our efforts, no matter how small, can become instruments of his grace.
A simple act of service, a word of encouragement, or a moment of intervention can be multiplied by God into something far greater than we could ever accomplish on our own.
One of the main goals we have been seeking to accomplish is to get some movement on a solution that would solidify Social Security, which will run short of funds in 2032.
If Congress doesn't take action on a plan by then, recipients will see an estimated cut in benefits of 28% at that time. (See: "When Will Social Security Run Out?")
I don't have the ability to individually help the over 80 million Social Security recipients and their families, but I do hope that we play some role in finding a solution that will touch every one of them.
It's daunting because it requires dealing with politicians, which is not always easy.
Although many of them are fine people, others are extremely negative and unwilling to commit to anything before their colleagues commit.
Dealing with such a situation can be exhausting and make you question whether you are doing the right thing.
This is the reason that I was not only touched, but literally overwhelmed when my wife and I received the uplifting letter and print.
Given the Good Friday timing, I can't help but believe this was a sign from God that we should double our efforts to achieve a worthy goal.
For more information, please visit www.JoeFromTexas.com.
Joe from Texas is a family man with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He's experienced tremendous success and lived the American Dream. His beliefs are both straightforward and deeply held. He believes in God, his family, and the United States of America. Read more Joe Penland, Sr. Insider articles Click Here Now.
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