The entertainment industry was booming; churning out movies and television and radio and music that many considered a brazen abandonment of traditional homespun values.

The European peace was fragile. Ancient, historic municipalities still lay in ruins from years of relentless bombing. A weary people, six years later, continued the long process of picking up the pieces from nearly a decade of brutal devastation and carried bitter, fresh memories of bloodshed and loss.

Mr. Sid, as Billy Graham called him, believed that only one candidate could pull the nation together. A Presidential election, just a year away, loomed large over the American landscape in 1952. Political wrangling, positioning, was as intense as ever. Mr. Sid supported the possible candidacy of a reluctant hero of World War II - the Commander at the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Powers, stationed in Paris. His name: General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Mr. Sid asked Mr. Graham to assist him in encouraging Eisenhower to run. Eisenhower's lack of political affiliation was an asset, Mr. Sid theorized. He was neither a Republican nor a Democrat. Support would be non-partisan and broad based.

At first Graham declined to write Eisenhower directly. But in a letter explaining why he felt he should not become involved, Graham developed a strong case for an Eisenhower candidacy. Sid forwarded the letter to Eisenhower. Eisenhower wrote directly to Billy Graham thanking him for the kind words, but reaffirmed his commitment not to run.

Graham found himself on what he called a "far-fetched mission." Here he was, a Christian evangelist in dialogue with a world renowned war hero and discussing of all things the Presidency of the United States. What happened next Graham attributes to youthful exuberance, presumption and audacity.

He wrote once more, this time directly to Ike -

Eisenhower told Sid Richardson, "that was the damnedest letter I ever got. Who is this young fellow?"

Years later, Graham said, "Nobody could accuse me of understatement."

The letter was brash, unblushing, bold; the language appeared excessive, exaggerated, extreme… and right on the money. The evangelist's words probably did play a part in a decision that did indeed shape the destiny of the Western World.

Question - what are you passionate about? Do you ever get so excited that someone says "Hey… tone it down. Lighten up. Who do you think you are, anyway?"

Today you will be asked for advice. You'll be in a meeting where plans are made. You will encounter people who need encouragement. Direction. Are you ready to give it?

Last weekend, Carolyn and I spent time thinking about Thomas Jefferson. Mr. Jefferson was author of the Declaration of Independence. Founder of the University of Virginia. Author of the Virginia Statute on the Right of Religious Freedom. Governor of Virginia… and one more entry on the resume (which, it is said, TJ preferred not to mention), President of the United States.

We walked the wide lawns and gardens of the University grounds in Charlottesville. Toured the two hundred year old rooms of the Monticello estate. Strolled around the imposing statue of the man, the centerpiece of the Jefferson Memorial on the Mall in Washington DC.

We have our theological differences, Jefferson and me. But I was strangely moved by words engraved on the wall of that Memorial. Some might consider these words hyperbolic. Exaggerated. Inflated. Overstated. Irrelevant.

But not me. Read those words… and think:

Hyperbole. Passion. Significant people whose words still ring true. Still hit the target.

Has your passion for the things that matter… The things that are good. The things that are right. Wholesome. Healthy. True.  Has that passion cooled in the lukewarm, colorless, tasteless mediocrity of an aimless world?

Take it from Graham and Jefferson. Your words today will matter. They will shape destinies.