A lack of humility and a lack of courage hinder one from being a realistic optimist. I would never start or join a company or even a challenging change initiative with a team of pessimists. It is very difficult to innovate with a team led by a pessimist. If you don’t know if you are an optimist or a pessimist just ask your spouse or a close friend. If they indicate you’re a pessimist or delay in their response you should pray about becoming more optimistic. Jesus knew the heart of man but was never cynical. His optimism was based on knowing the Father. Being a realistic optimist is a further characteristic required of a leader worth following.

Hear Richard share how the shifting patterns of your life reveal God's purposes for you.

Will DeSanto talks about how he and his wife Ginny have been able to bring Christ to people through their life insurance business. Gail Cardwell reflects upon the life of a missionary who gave up everything to serve God in Russia.