The Four Gifts

A Summary

Jack Moxon, Founder of Operation Bright Star, asked a military service veteran to read The Four Gifts and note his impressions.  In response, this veteran summarized the book's message as a series of beliefs.  We believe he captured the essence of The Four Gifts so perfectly that his summary is reproduced for you below.  These are the beliefs that Operation Bright Star seeks to instill in America's youth. (note: you may have seen this summary circulating anonymously through the internet)

I BELIEVE:

• I believe- that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

• I believe- that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

• I believe- that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

• I believe- that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

• I believe- that sometimes when I'm angry, I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

• I believe- that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

• I believe- that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

• I believe- that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

• I believe- that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

• I believe- that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

• I believe- that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

• I believe- that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

• I believe- that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you you will find the strength to help.

• I believe- that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

• I believe- that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.