13 because she would always ask me what book I wanted to read, and I would always say, “I want to read that story one more time about the little engine that could.” Even when she would bring out new books to read, after she would read them, I would ask her, “Could we read that book about the little engine that could, too?” That book instilled within me long ago to believe that I should never, never give up. Then, when I went to college, I read a number of books about Winston Churchill. He was my favorite historical figure, and once again, I read about his perseverance, and I was stirred by his quote, “Never, never, never give up.” I was inspired greatly by the speech where Churchill stated, “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.” Another quote of Churchill that greatly challenged me was, “To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.” One of my favorite Biblical characters to study when I was in seminary was Joseph. He had great dreams for the future but then came terrible setbacks, disappointments, and problems. However, after many months and years of struggles, he was able to overcome through the Lord’s intervention in his life. As a result, Joseph saved an entire country, and at the same time he was able to be of support to his own family in their hour of need. When I served as President of DBU, I often thought of The Little Engine That Could, Winston Churchill, and Joseph, and I pleaded with the Lord to intervene to give me the wisdom and courage to do what I needed to do. I also prayed for perseverance. As I faced all the problems and difficulties, I read and meditated on the passage about endurance from Romans 5:3-4, “Knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” A LEADERSHIP CONVERSATION WITH DR. GARY COOK, CHANCELLOR
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