Southwest
Essays by speakers from the Southwest region of the United States.
Arizona
Morrow, Robert D.
Robert Morrow, Superintendent of the Tucson Public Schools, describes being raised by a single mother and finding happiness in simple things, hard work, creative endeavors, and the goodness and generosity of others, despite the loss of a teenage son.
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New Mexico
Gill, Arthur E.
Physician Arthur Gill describes his belief that children’s dreams are his hope for the creativity, innovation, progress, and peace of the future.
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Texas
Day, J. Warren
Accountant and radio broadcasting company director J. Warren Day recounts how looking at ripples in a lake made him realize that all of his actions and life choices have consequences, and describes his belief that a life of service, especially in helping children learn about God, is the most unselfish and Christian life he can imagine.
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Dobie, J. Frank (James Frank), 1888-1964
Author and folklorist Frank Dobie describes his belief in those things that make him “feel big”: he believes in a supreme Being, the value of questioning to avoid blind faith, and the importance of eliminating prejudice.
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Farley, Cal, 1895-1967
Businessman Cal Farley describes the beliefs that led him to found Boys Ranch: that a boy given a good home with proper meals and clothes will turn into a productive citizen rather than ending up in jail or reform school.
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Harris, E. A. Gene
Newspaper editor, real estate agent, and mortgage broker Gene Harris describes his belief that following “natural laws” in one’s daily life will help build a “storm-proof philosophic anchorage.”
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Jackson, E. W., 1896-1983
Publisher E.W. Jackson describes his belief in the pursuit of unattainable perfection, the importance of sacrifice, and the responsibility that comes with faith.
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McGaha, Charles P.
Banker and petroleum geologist Charles McGaha describes his belief that he is responsible to help make the world a better place, and explains how his belief that circumstances can impact a person’s outcome in life gives him more tolerance of others.
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McNeil, Joe B.
Educator Joe McNeil describes his beliefs in a God who created and watches over the universe, and in the power of preparing youth to impact their communities in tangible ways, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant.
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Whitney, Madge
Social worker Madge Whitney describes how children’s social work brings purpose to her life.
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Wooten, Ben
Ben Wooten, Director of the East Texas Chamber of Commerce, describe his belief that a divine designer rewards the hard work of individuals devoted to a worthy cause, and describes how, despite being the son of poor Texan farmers, he succeeded in his career choice as a banker.
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Utah
Dalley, Frank, 1913-1990
Frank Dalley, Office Manager at the Utah Department of Employment Security, recounts his experiences in the Korean War and how he relied on prayer for guidance and his determination to try to help others and relieve human suffering in whatever way he could.
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