October 14

On October 14, 1912 former President Theodore Roosevelt, running to become President again, was shot, and continues speaking. The bullet first hit his metal eyeglass case, then a copy of his 50 page speech, before hitting the muscle in his chest. Realizing from his expertise with firearms, that he was not coughing up blood, he knew it had not hit his lung, and refused immediate medical attention.

The President went on to speak for 84 minutes, explaining it would take more than that to kill a Bull Moose, the name of his new party. At the end of his speech, he accepted medical attention. The doctors determined it would be safer to leave it in his chest, and he carried it with him for the rest of his life.

On October 14, 1964 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. On October 14, 1982, President Reagan declares a war on drugs. People born on this date include the founder of Pennsylvania William Penn in 1644, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower born in 1890. Coach John Wooden was born on October 14 in 1910, and actor Roger Moore in 1927.

Today could be just another day for you, or a landmark day. Something big may happen that defines this day as one you’ll never forget. Either way, I can tell you this. What you do today is having an impact. The lives of those you care about, that you pour into, will be better because of what you do today.

Whether that’s the steady faithful commitment you bring to your family, friends, and coworkers, or some major event, or both, please know this. You are making a difference. You are making an impact, and someone’s October 14th will be better because of you.