“I Was in God's Plan”

In 1977, writer, humorist, and public speaker Art Fettig paid a visit to Jackson Prison in Michigan. He was hoping to lift the spirits of those who were incarcerated but recalls feeling as though he couldn't do enough. He says, "I felt so inadequate. Some were murderers we visited who were there for the rest of their lives." Returning home with a sense of wanting to give more to these prisoners who struggled daily to see purpose in their lives, Fettig began to compose what came to be known as the Self Esteem Credo.

It begins with these lines: "God made me - I was no accident, no happenstance. I was in God's plan and He doesn't make junk, ever." The Credo goes on to remind those reciting it that they are special and can accomplish amazing things if they work hard and stay committed to loving God. When he began to share this Credo with prisoners, he says, "It took on a life of its own and spread from Jackson prison to as far away as Australia, where a counselor used it with prisoners there for many years. I visited a women's prison in Coldwater, Michigan, speaking for the prisoners and was informed that our Credo had quite an impact on some of the women when they recited it daily."

The Christophers printed Fettig's Self Esteem Credo in our News Note "I Am Somebody," which was written for teens and enjoyed great success. Fettig had participated in some of our leadership activities and once was given the Firestarter Award for his ability to ignite a spirit of positivity among those he encounters, a quality that gave him great success as a public speaker.

Today, Fettig is 90-years-old and still going strong. The Christophers were delighted to hear from him recently, and we're heartened to learn that he still feels called to inspire others with his writing and speaking. Lately, he's been speaking once a month at a senior center, and he's also been sharing two of his favorite pieces with people who take a poets' walk near where he lives. Those pieces are his Credo as well as a poem he wrote entitled Growth, which is a beautiful meditation on always seeking to become a better person. That poem was recited by both Paul Harvey and Art Linkletter in their nationwide broadcasts. Fettig has written over 30 books, but his Credo and his Growth poem seem most important to him because they capture the philosophy underpinning his exuberant approach to life.

In his recent communication with The Christophers, Fettig shared that he has actually composed many songs in collaboration with his friend Greg Brayton, a blind gospel singer who passed away in 2014. One of their songs puts the Prayer of Saint Francis to music, and their version is so beautiful and unique that it deserves attention. It has a wonderful country music sound that makes it feel like a real piece of Americana.

In many ways, Art Fettig's approach to life represents the best of the American spirit. He constantly strives to achieve great things and never forgets to give glory to God for the gifts bestowed upon him. This is a good model for us all to follow. So remember, no matter where you find yourself in life, always aim for the stars and strive to contribute to the world around you. Then you will become a Firestarter and ignite those you encounter with a spirit of positivity.

This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column, written by Fr. Ed Dougherty, M.M, of The Christophers' Board of Directors; it is one of a series of weekly columns that deal with a variety of topics and current events.)

Background information:

The Christophers