In his best-selling book Authentic Happiness, Dr. Martin Seligman discusses the things that actually make us happier. In his discussion, he writes of the positive benefits of religious faith. Seligman notes that religious people are more optimistic than the general populace. He quotes the Christian mystic Julian of Norwich, who wrote out of the experience of enduring Europe’s Black plague:

But we all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well…He said, “Thou shall not be tempested, thou shall not be travailed, thou shall not be diseased,” but he said, “Thou shall not be overcome.”


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About The Author

A third generation preacher, Mike Shannon is Professor of Preaching at Cincinnati Bible Seminary of Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a preaching minister, church planter, and college professor. His most recent preaching ministry was at the historic First Christian Church of Johnson City, Tennessee. In his nearly two decades at Cincinnati Christian University, Mike has served as both professor and Dean of the Seminary. He has also been an adjunct professor at Milligan College and Northern Kentucky University. Mike is the author or co-author of several books.

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Dave Dillon, CEO of the Kroger Company, recently told a story about an employee who inspired him. His name is Steve Martinez. Steve is the store manager at one of the company’s stores in Wichita. Several months before Dillon met him, Steve experienced a serious illness. The life-threatening illness eventually took Steve’s legs and fingers. Steve kept his optimism and still works on artificial legs. Steve joined Dillon on a tour of the store, and Steve only had to use a cane. Doctors were concerned and worried about depression. Steve responded, “How can I be depressed when I have been given the gift of life—to wake up each morning, to see the sun rise and my family, and the associates I work with.”


View more sermon illustrations for inspiration for your next message.

About The Author

A third generation preacher, Mike Shannon is Professor of Preaching at Cincinnati Bible Seminary of Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a preaching minister, church planter, and college professor. His most recent preaching ministry was at the historic First Christian Church of Johnson City, Tennessee. In his nearly two decades at Cincinnati Christian University, Mike has served as both professor and Dean of the Seminary. He has also been an adjunct professor at Milligan College and Northern Kentucky University. Mike is the author or co-author of several books.

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