Danny Gokey - Hope in Front of Me: Find Purpose in Your Darkest Moments

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2013 by Daniel J. Gokey

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ISBN-13: 978-1-61291-475-6 (hardback)
ISBN-13: 978-1-61291-613-2 (paperback)

Cover design by Faceout Studio, Charles Brock
Cover photo by Kristin Barlowe

Some of the anecdotal illustrations in this book are true to life and are included with the permission of the persons involved. All other illustrations are composites of real situations, and any resemblance to people living or dead is coincidental. Names have been changed to protect the people involved.

All Scripture quotations in this publication are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV). Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

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This book is dedicated to everyone who knows they have more deep down inside of them but are broken, disappointed, and wounded. I hope that through my story you find encouragement, greater resolve, and the inner fight to push forward.

E very person on this planet has a calling on their life. There is something so special and unique for every person, something that defines them. The world has been built by the dreams and aspirations of ordinary people. Oftentimes, people look upon the success of others and view it as an exclusive privilege open to just a select few. The truth is, not only is it possible to do what you love and thrive but it is your God-given calling.

For as long as I have known Danny Gokey, he has been a man of integrity who understands his identity. He possesses great character and a powerful drive to succeed. He knows what he is passionate about, and he is unafraid to pursue his dreams no matter how hard or demanding that may be. Danny does not compromise his values when the world tries to change him. He is constantly focused on Gods calling, and this is what drives his thoughts and actions.

Everybody has something great that they were destined to do with their life. To be truly satisfying, this cause must involve serving others. Many times, people gain all the things they dream of but still feel empty and unfulfilled. This is because if our dreams do not involve serving others, we will never feel complete. An amazing joy is released when helping someone; it is ingrained into our altruistic nature as human beings. To take advantage of our God-given calling, we must understand what we are passionate about and learn how to use that passion outwardly in service of others.

When people look back on Dannys life, they will see a legacy of compassion and generosity. Through his charity, Sophias Heart, Danny has helped so many people get back on their feet and rebuild their lives. He has worked tirelessly to help the less fortunate, providing them with temporary housing, job training, life skills, and food. Danny has been running this organization for only a short time, but the impact it has had on his community is undeniable, and he will reach even more people in the future. He has found a purpose that is bigger than himself something that gives him a whole new outlook on life. This is the mentality of serving. When you live with a servants mind-set, you will constantly be searching for new ways to help and thinking of more efficient ways to do so. When you live with outstretched arms, you will always find greater opportunities and more abundant resources.

Life is a wonderful mystery that takes many unexpected turns. Even the greatest saint will have times of heartache and pain. In these trying times, pain can either break us down or build us up. Life is what we make it; it is all about perspective. We can choose to see only heartache and misery, or we can be aware that such things are necessary parts of life, but they dont have to control us. Without sorrow, happiness would have no meaning. Without loss, we would not understand what it means to gain something. This doesnt mean we are supposed to be carefree and oblivious all of the time. It is true that there will be difficult situations, but how we face these difficult times, learn their lessons, and move on with greater wisdom is what defines us. Our quality of life is heavily influenced by our attitude; every day we make a decision to either embrace joy or give in to sadness. The choice is up to us.

When I think of Danny, I see a man of great compassion and amazing courage. When he was met with unbelievable tragedy, he continued to persevere. His faith guided him through the darkness and opened up the unlimited possibilities of his future. By trusting in God, Danny found healing and a renewed purpose. It is so easy to give up and wallow in self-pity, but it takes a great deal of courage to move forward and build life anew in the face of tragedy. Life will not always work out the way we plan, and sometimes it feels impossible to let go of the pain. There is total comfort in knowing that God is guiding us every step of the way and is preparing a future of unlimited possibilities and abundant blessing.

Danny is a perfect example of how to succeed by living a life of faith, integrity, and determination. God has blessed him with amazing talent, and he embraces that talent with passion and responsibility. He understands the value of hard work and determination and that no matter how difficult life may be, we must always fight for what we believe in. Danny is guided by his faith; he trusts that God has a plan for his life and that no matter what challenges he may face, there is always hope for a brighter day. He understands the importance of staying true to himself. He never forsakes his values, and he always treats others with respect. He has found the one thing he was called to do, and he uses his talents for the good of the world.

When you do what you love, you will always find renewed inspiration. The only calling that matters is to be the solution to the worlds problems and constantly search for ways to serve others. That is how you find true happiness and live a complete, fulfilled life. The answer is right in front of you, if you would only embrace it.

Pastor Matthew Barnett,
cofounder, The Dream Center

T hankful doesnt begin to describe my appreciation for the people and circumstances over the course of my life that have been a part of writing my story and realizing my hopes and dreams.

God, thank You for taking my brokenness and making something beautiful out of it.

To my beautiful wife, Leyicet, you have always encouraged me. You and my son, Daniel, were the chapter in my book I could not see when my world fell apart.