We met at Marilyn Rebal’s home to kick around the story of Louis Zamperini, from the book titled Unbroken by Laura Hillabrand. I used the phrase kick around because that is what we will remember about this WWII prisoner of war survivor, inspirational speaker and famous American Olympic distance runner. Louis as a child gave a new meaning to precocious. He got into trouble in many adventure but his mother and father accepted his adventures and loved him unconditionally. That love carried him through the worst of times. In his teen his brother Pete got him involved in the high school track team and he bagan to put all his energy to good use. Louis set all kinds of records on the track especially in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Germany coming in 8th and being acknowledged by Hitler. He went into the Army and became a bombardier. After being shot down and surviving in a raft for 46 days he became a prisoner of war in several Japanese war camps until 1945. When he came home to resume his former life his insanity from his treatment was how and why he became an alcoholic. The saving grace of this story is the bottom line for many of us who when totally stressed made deals with God. The famous deals go somthing like: “If you just get me through this crisis I will……” Louie’s life, marriage and health were at rock bottom: however, he went to a Billy Graham prayer meeting to appease his wife. Louie had an epiphany at that meeting remembering his promises and realized God was with him all through his terrible nightmare. Louis now in his 90’s is still speaking out about faith and forgiveness. He knows his story makes him a living miracle. What a great book!!