On the evening of Jan. 11, 1989, then-President Ronald Reagan addressed the nation from the Oval Office one last time.
As he reflected on his life and presidency, he spoke of a turning point — a fork in the river of his life that led him away from a successful career in entertainment and into public service.
"I never meant to go into politics. It wasn't my intention when I was young," Reagan admitted. "But I was raised to believe you had to pay your way for the blessings bestowed on you."
These words encapsulate the essence of Reagan’s life philosophy: a profound belief that the blessings he received were not for him alone but meant to be used in service of something greater.
Our nation's 40th president viewed his life’s journey as part of God’s plan — a calling that required him to act with faith and conviction, without hesitation or doubt.
This was the spirit in which he led, lived, and inspired a nation.
As Americans, we all hope and pray that our leaders will strive to leave a better and brighter future for our families and children.
But I am convinced that if our leaders — and all of us — lived today and cared for one another as if there were no tomorrow, we could create the future we all yearn for.
This principle was exemplified by President Reagan.
In reading his diaries and reflecting on over 25 years of observing and interacting with him, I was always struck by the centrality of his personal faith.
Reagan’s trust in Jesus Christ, his deep desire for a personal relationship with God, and his commitment to reading the Bible and worshiping were profound.
It was a beautiful thing to witness and remains a powerful testament to who he was.
In Reagan, we see an example of a leader whose faith shaped his worldview and guided his decisions. Although he rarely discussed his relationship with God publicly — out of respect for America’s commitment to religious liberty — his personal convictions were unmistakably genuine.
Or nation's 40th commander in chief believed fervently that God intended America to be a beacon of hope, freedom, and democracy — a "shining city on a hill."
This faith sustained Reagan through personal trials and the immense pressures of the presidency. After surviving an assassination attempt in 1981, he credited his survival to divine providence, believing God had spared him for a purpose.
His conviction that God had a plan for his life gave him a steady confidence and a moral foundation that shaped his leadership.
Perhaps one of the most striking examples of his faith in action was a private letter, discovered by Karen Tumulty, a columnist from The Washington Post, wherein Reagan wrote to his father-in-law, Loyal Davis, a self-proclaimed atheist, as Davis lay on his deathbed in 1982.
In it, Reagan pleaded with Davis to accept Jesus Christ, expressing his deepest hopes for his salvation. Nancy Reagan later recalled that her father prayed with a chaplain before passing — a moment of grace reflecting her husband’s influence.
As we approach what would have been Ronald Reagan’s 114th birthday on Feb. 6, 2025, it's fitting to reflect on the legacy of a man who lived his life as if there were no tomorrow.
Reagan embodied the belief that faith and service to others are not political strategies but deeply personal commitments.
His presidency reminds us that leadership rooted in humility, faith, and love for others can leave an indelible mark globally.
For those of us fortunate enough to live through Reagan’s presidency, he was a father figure to the nation — a leader who inspired trust, hope, and optimism.
For those too young to remember, his legacy is a reminder that faith can guide us through uncertain times and anchor us to values that transcend partisanship.
If we are to realize the brighter future we all desire, we must follow his example.
We can't simply hope for better leaders; we must all choose to live today, care for others, and approach every moment as if there will be no tomorrow.
By doing so, we honor Reagan’s legacy and take steps toward building the "shining city on a hill" he so often envisioned.
Let's live with that faith, hope, and commitment in our hearts — not just for our leaders but for ourselves and the generations to come.
Dennis C. Revell is a noted political strategist and public affairs consultant. He is the son-in-law of the late President Ronald Reagan, witnessing dramatic episodes and quiet moments of Reagan’s life, both during and after the White House years. These experiences gave him unique insights into the president’s leadership and personal perspectives.