How did 3 Famous Athletes Help Bring This Truth to Life?
“When IT (Purpose) is bigger than I am, anything is possible”
For over 40 years children’s books and true stories about children have played an important part in the “ADULT” trainings and keynotes I have created to inspire the best in us. Fern Silver does not just READ the stories – she brings them to life in your presence. You are there!! You experience your truths. The simple language, with deep messages and illustrations, create vital connections with your hearts and minds for new breakthroughs of what’s possible.
Growing up I remember reading The Little Engine That Could. I discovered at a young age that when IT is bigger than I am, anything is possible. Somehow, when we get out of the way of our fears and messages, we find the courage to take a stand for something bigger than our little selves.
Meet The 3 Athletes that Cared …
I was preparing for my training sessions in Boston when I received a call from The Secretary of State to be part of a team to inspire kids to read and believe in the Chicago Public Schools before I left town. I was thrilled to participate.
When I heard that a few of my favorite baseball stars were appearing at McCormick Place for a fan signing day, I got a brainstorm. I picked up my copy of The Little Engine That Could and ran out the door to my car. I was lucky, the Chicago RUSH HOUR was over with and I knew I could make it in time to ask 3 of my favorite baseball players to sign my book.
I wanted to give all the kids I worked with a message from three great athletes who BELIEVED they could and did. I headed straight to Ferguson Jenkins, who was up on a platform, holding up my book so he could see it before he saw me. He smiled, I told him how much it meant to see him back in the game helping other players. Holding up my book, I said, “Fergie, Jesse White invited me to speak to kids in the Chicago Public Schools to inspire them to read and believe in themselves. Would you kindly sign my book so I can let the kids know you care about them too?” He said, “Of course.” THEN, he said, “Fern, do you want me to ask the other guys to sign your book too?” I said, “Wow, thank you.” He turned to Bob Gibson and Lou Brock and said, “Would you like to sign Fern’s book too so she can inspire kids in school to read and believe?”
If you look carefully, you will see the signatures. I printed out their names and highlighted them so you can easily see them.
Boston Gets A New Tradition – The Little Engine That Could
During the training session in Boston, participants experienced their adventure of High Purpose.
One of the goals of our time together was to get past “selling” and seeing yourself as someone who was going to make a difference for the people you served. I surprised them with the 3 baseball player’s signatures in my book and reinforced that their IT (Purpose) would take them on a trip worth taking. I asked them to create their IT – write it down – and if they chose to – it would be great to have their signatures and comments along with Bob Gibson, Ferguson Jenkins, and Lou Brock in this treasured book. By signing the book, they “got” that they were making a choice to make a difference. Thus, the tradition of signing The Little Engine That Could was created and endured for many years.
We help KIDS OF ALL AGES with simple truths.
Following are some of the comments taken from the pages of The Little Engine That Could:
“Fern – Keep telling all the kids (and kids INSIDE) THEY CAN!!!”
“Fern – LOVE IS THE MESSAGE and YOU ARE THE MESSENGER”
“Fern – Thank you for helping me see what my purpose is and how I will make a difference.”
“Fern – Converting these skeptics wasn’t easy – you are a remarkable lady. Thank You”
“Fern – THANKS! I can’t wait to get home and be the person I know I can be.”
“Fern – You have had the most impact on my character ever.”
“Fern – You will always inspire me to hope and believe. Thanks for your gifts.”
“My dream is to touch the hearts of others the way you have. Thank You Fern.”
“Fern – I thoroughly enjoyed your story. You have a way of touching everyone in such a short period of time. God Bless”
“Keep the passion going Fern”
“I have NO fear now that Mrs. Silver was here!!”
“Fern – Thanks for impacting my MIND. I truly have met my match – except you’ve gone that extra mile. Thanks again.
P.S. You have given the word Commitment a new meaning!”
“Fern – You touched my heart. I will forever be inspired by your speech.”
“Fern – You are the most beautiful person I’ve ever known. Thanks for changing my life.”
“Thank you for letting me see that looking at myself, I see someone special.”
“Fern, God gave you many blessings. Please don’t ever stop sharing them with people.”
“Dear Fern – Thank you for your inspiration and your friendship. You made this one of the best weeks of my life!!”
“Thank you for the wonderful inspiration. You have truly touched my heart forever. I’ll remember you always.”
“Fern – The word in Hebrew for “Messenger” is an angel. You are a good one.”
“Fern, I’m making the commitment and passing it on! You are an inspiration. Thanks”
“Fern – Here and Now will eventually be Yesterday. You will always be remembered.”
“Fern – You bottom lined it!!! We care because we love. Because we love we care.”
“Fern – Thank you for supporting the truth & reminding us of what we already know. Love to you”
“My life has changed for the better. Love you Fern.”
“You are a beautiful person with unmeasurable passion. Thank you for sharing it with us.”
“Thanks for the ATTITUDE Adjustment!”
“Fern – your presentation was unforgettable!”
“You are the silver lining in our morning.”
“Fern – Thanks for your faith in me.”
“Fern – Thank you for making me see that I really can be the best.”
