Meeting a Christian Hero!!!

Friday, March 6, 2009, I had the great privilege of meeting Mr. S. Truett Cathy the founder of Chick-Fil-A. Most restaurants in the industry normally report 20% of their sales on Sunday. Mr. Cathy has been wildly successful and done it all steadfastly held to being closed on the Lord's Day.

Mr. Cathy spoke to the 2009 National Sunday School Conference in Atlanta. I met him backstage before he went out to speak. I walked up and stood while he was engaged in a conversation with a Chick-Fil-A employee who accompanied him. He immediately stopped his conversation, turned to face me squarely and put out his hand to me.... "Hello, I am Truett." Suddenly, I couldn't remember my name.
I stammered it out as I reached to shake his hand. I quickly told him "Thank you Mr. Cathy for always keeping the Lord so prominently in your business. It means so much to me and my family." He was so gracious and just said "You certainly are kind. Yes. You are too kind to me. Thank you."

My Cathy, age 87, in addition to his business pursuits, has taught Sunday School for 51 years to 13 year old boys. He said he always like to tell people they can always choose the "3-M's" You can choose who will be your master in life, what will be your mission in life and who will be your mate in life. What a servant hearted leader. He spoke for about 15 minutes and received two standing ovations.

Another one of the things I hope I never forget from his presentation..."Do you know how you know someone needs encouragement?" He paused for a moment and then answered "Only if they are breathing!" Everyone needs encouragement he believes and I saw that he gives encouragement to everyone he meets.

He closed his discussion with a question..."When I consider what the Lord has done for us. I ask - Why not be at our best at ALL TIMES? Why Not?......WHY NOT!!.........WHY NOT???"
and he quietly left the podium.

I met this gracious man again at his book signing table. I purchased his latest book, autographed by Mr. Cathy..... it was a great day to meet such a Godly man!!!