David Gentiles was a pastor who brought light to many faces. He lives in the hearts of people.

He lives in the heart of Don Piper whom he encouraged to write “90 Minutes in Heaven.”  It later became a best-seller. He lives in the heart of Donald Miller, the NY Times bestselling author of “Blue like Jazz”, Miller dedicated the book to David without even telling him. He also lives in my heart.

David’s story is the one that needs to be told. It is a story about a man who rose above himself and who saw the light in those who never knew that it existed within them.

We all live. Most of us sleep thinking – I, me, my – my life, my family, my dreams; that is ok. It is good to nurture oneself and care for one’s family and loved ones. David also loved his three daughters.

But we need to realize that there is a world beyond our own self. There are people suffering, in need of love and care. Most importantly they need to be listened to and told that they have something special in them. We all have. It needs to be brought out.

So can you think about WE – and not only YOU? I think we all have this much space in our hearts.

At least we can do our bit; because seeing the light in others like David did is not possible for everyone.

“Being friends with David was an uneven deal,” Miller said. “You could not love him like he loved you.”

Let us make a beginning. Let me see who I can see the light in. I closed my eyes for a moment and saw people who I saw light in. I saw people young and old, friends’ old and new, family. Now, can you do the same? Close your eyes and find people who you see the light in. I am sure you will find somebody. If you do and feel like — share in comments or through email.

Do you think when you tell somebody — genuinely, with hope and love — you can do it? Will it make a difference in their lives? Sure, it will.

This is what Donald Miller said when he delivered the eulogy for David.

“I write today; because when I was a kid, it made David Gentiles proud.”

Gentiles never wrote a best-seller. He was not a sought-after speaker. No one called him the voice of a new generation of evangelicals.

“But if it’s true a person’s life is a sermon, David Gentiles preached the best sermon I’ve ever heard.”

Make your life your message.

We all can make an attempt to do what David Gentiles did for Don Miller, Freddie Laker did for Richard Branson; or Eddy Merckx did for Lance Armstrong. They all held the hand and showed them the path.

There is magic in holding somebody’s hand and see them grow. Do it. Not because somebody may talk good things about you or dedicate a book to you. Do it because you want to do. Let your inner voice drive you.

You need not give millions – love will do more than anything else. Tell somebody that they are cared for and they are loved.

It is a good feeling to have limelight on you and but is it ok to turn the direction of the light on to others for a while.

Who do you see light in?

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