Yes, You Can Solve It!

There is Always a Solution!

One of my favorite sayings is that ‘there’s no such thing as a problem that cannot be solved! And it’s true. No matter how thorny the issue, how intractable the problem – or even how dark the moment may seem, there is always a way! But finding the solution requires a calm and positive spirit, perseverance and most of all a faith that ‘yes,’ we can succeed, we can find a way!

So very often, I find myself actually repeating this exact phrase to myself when the going gets a little tough. And it does from time to time. However, I know that with the right spirit, all can be accomplished.

When life delivers one of those big, scary challenges, the kind that shakes your confidence, that’s when faith and attitude make all the difference. Take the example of someone who’s suddenly lost their job after years of dedication to a company. At first, it may feel like the world has caved in. Bills pile up, uncertainty looms, and self-doubt creeps in. Yet, those who refuse to give up—who instead use the time to reimagine their purpose or pursue that dream career they had set aside—often look back and say that the setback was actually a turning point. What began as an ending became a new beginning.

Another powerful example is found in family illness. Many people know the helpless feeling of sitting beside a loved one facing a serious health challenge. The fear can be overwhelming. But I’ve seen families who refused to surrender to despair, choosing instead to hold tightly to faith and positivity. They advocate, research, and hope together—until one day healing comes, often in ways they didn’t expect. Their strength, rooted in belief and steadfast prayer that a solution would come, carried them through the darkest hours and reminded them that attitude truly shapes outcome.

Even in the devastation after natural disasters—when homes are lost, communities shattered, and futures uncertain—people find a way. After floods, fires, or hurricanes, Americans consistently rise to rebuild. I’ve watched towns that were nearly wiped off the map join hands to restore not just buildings, but their sense of purpose and connection. The common thread in each of these stories is a refusal to quit. Where some saw ruin, others saw the chance to start again, carrying forward the unshakable belief that solutions live on the other side of faith.

So yes, life can be hard—sometimes unbearably so. But even in those moments that seem impossible, our response determines the outcome. Challenges don’t have to defeat us; in fact, they can strengthen us in ways we never imagined. The secret lies in believing, deep down, that there is a way forward. Because there always is. With patience, faith, and a positive attitude, solutions don’t just appear—they unfold right before our eyes.

The Power of Perseverance in Small Town Recovery

At the Sunshine Report, we believe in the power of small towns.  We know that when communities come together to solve problems, miraculous things can happen.  That’s why it’s so exciting to share yet another story of small-town resilience.

In the heart of Tyrrell County, North Carolina, residents faced a problem that we see all across our great country.  They were facing a steep economic decline and saw once-busy streets emptied as businesses shuttered. Confronted with what seemed an insurmountable crisis, the community refused to surrender to despair. Local leaders rallied diverse groups—business owners, educators, and municipal officials—to devise a multi-phase plan for revitalization rooted in collaboration. Instead of waiting for outside help, they focused on local strengths and a shared vision for reclaiming their future.

Through countless town meetings and brainstorming sessions, the people of Tyrrell County identified unique assets—including their natural landscapes and local traditions—that could attract tourism and new businesses. They worked tirelessly to restore landmarks, organize seasonal celebrations, and foster entrepreneurship. This united approach, marked by perseverance and faith in one another, gradually attracted investment and visitors. Today, Tyrrell County stands as testament to what confidence and community spirit can achieve.

The journey wasn’t smooth: initial setbacks and funding delays tested everyone’s resolve. Yet, the commitment to persevere kept momentum alive. People learned that facing adversity was easier together, each obstacle becoming an opportunity to strengthen their bonds. The county’s transformation brought renewed pride, economic growth, and hope for generations to come.

If Tyrrell’s story teaches anything, it’s that even the most daunting community challenges can be solved when people believe in the solution and persevere collectively. In the face of hardship, confidence and unity are often the most powerful tools a small town possesses.

Revitalizing Main Street—A Small Town’s Bold Move

Several years ago, I traveled from town to town in Iowa.  And the problems faced in small towns in Iowa were so very similar to those confronting small towns and communities throughout America. The offshoring of jobs, a deserted main street, substance abuse creeping in, and a sense of despair.  Yet, some of those towns are beginning to make progress.  Our goal at the American Sunshine Movement www.americansunshine.org is to help these vital communities forge a path to recovery and in so doing transform the lives of Americans in the next generation - providing hope and opportunity. In essence, helping us all fulfill our full potential.

What has happened in Fairfield, Iowa, provides a wonderful example of what can be achieved when a small town has faith, perseverance and positive energy.  After years of economic downturn left Fairfield’s downtown nearly deserted, threatening the spirit that once defined the town, residents worried about losing their identity as more shops closed. Led by a group of volunteers and local officials, Fairfield launched a grassroots campaign to restore the historic Main Street. Instead of waiting for large grants, they leaned on the power of collaboration and their shared belief in better days.

The initiative included organizing volunteer workdays to clean up sidewalks, repaint facades, and launch local events—a farmers’ market, folk music gatherings, and art walks—to revive foot traffic. These incremental successes boosted morale, showed visible results, and attracted positive attention locally and statewide. The collective effort reminded everyone that no obstacle is insurmountable when a community focuses on innovative problem-solving.

Over time, new businesses moved in, empty storefronts transformed into lively gathering spots, and Fairfield’s downtown became a symbol of resilience. What started as a daunting challenge became a blueprint for neighboring towns seeking similar revitalization. Through faith in their mission and dogged perseverance, Fairfield reclaimed its sense of pride and solidarity.

The lesson from Fairfield is clear: confidence in the vision—combined with a never-give-up attitude—allows even the smallest towns to overcome huge challenges. Community-driven perseverance transforms decline into vibrant renewal.

Aaron Golub—Turning Disability into Strength

Many of us have challenges facing our everyday problems. However, consider the challenge faced by Aaron Golub – and how his steadfast belief and determination gave him the strength to overcome a true ‘lifetime challenge.’  Born legally blind, Aaron dreamed of playing Division I football, a goal that many considered impossible due to his condition. Yet, he refused to accept the limitations others put on him. With confidence in his abilities and unyielding perseverance, he trained intensely throughout high school and college.

Despite setbacks and skepticism, Golub earned a spot as a long snapper for Tulane University, making history as the first legally blind athlete to play in a Division I football game. His journey was filled with challenges: mastering skills, pushing through repeated failures, and facing doubts from coaches and teammates. Through it all, Golub remained focused on his goal and never lost faith in his capacity to succeed.

Aaron’s story continues to inspire as he now speaks nationally about perseverance, reminding audiences that limitations exist only if they are accepted. His life demonstrates that the combination of confidence and commitment can open doors once considered closed.

Golub’s achievements are a powerful example for anyone facing what seems an impossible obstacle. Through faith in himself and tireless work, he not only overcame adversity but redefined what was possible, showing that there is always a solution for those who believe and persist.

Gail Devers—Beating the Odds with Relentless Determination

Gail Devers’ athletic career nearly ended before it truly began. As a young track star, she was struck by a mysterious illness that caused intense pain, swelling, and fatigue, leaving her struggling to even walk. For two and a half years, doctors were baffled, and she faced the terrifying possibility of losing her feet. Despite these dire circumstances and widespread doubts about her recovery, Devers never lost her belief in herself or her desire to run again.

With the support of her coach and an ironclad sense of self-advocacy, Devers began the long road to recovery, setting humble goals and celebrating each small success as she slowly regained her strength. Her story became one of incremental progress—each small step building the foundation for her future success both on and off the track. She shared how important it was to trust one’s instincts, remain proactive, and never accept limitations without question.

Devers’ journey did not end with recovery. She returned to competition, stunning the world with her resilience by winning three Olympic gold medals and being inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame.  In fact, she became one of the greatest and most decorated female sprinters of all time.   Gail was the 1993, 1997 and 2004 world indoor champion in the 60 meters, while in the 60 meters hurdles, she was the 2003 world indoor champion and 2004 silver medalist.

Beyond athletics, she became an inspiring speaker, sharing the lessons of determination, faith, and relentless pursuit of one’s dreams to audiences across the country. Her story remains proof that with perseverance and unwavering confidence, even the most overwhelming challenges can be conquered.

The example of Gail Devers sends a powerful message to anyone facing adversity: never give up, trust in your own resilience, and recognize that it’s never too late to start over or to achieve greatness, no matter the odds.

Profile of the Week:  George Danzig – Applying Reason and Intellect

This week we are delighted to highlight a true ‘problem solver’ – George Dantzig.  

I suspect you’ve probably never heard of George – but he personifies the idea that if you calmly apply your talents and intellect – without feeling totally overwhelmed by the challenge – you can ‘reason your way to a solution.’  In George’s case, he had the benefit of not even fully knowing how difficult the problem was in advance.  As a result of this approach, George famously solved a difficult problem and today is viewed as a mathematics and operations research pioneer. 

George’s key moment came while he was a graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, in the late 1930’s. Arriving late to his statistics class, he found two problems written on the blackboard and assumed they were a standard homework assignment. Unbeknownst to him, these were examples of two unsolved problems in statistical theory that had baffled experts for years. Working intensely, he solved both, only to learn later from his professor that these were not homework but celebrated open challenges in the field.

George Dantzig’s accomplishment made a significant impact in mathematical circles and brought him international recognition. His solutions were so remarkable that his professor, Jerzy Neyman, arranged for them to be published and shared with the mathematical community. Dantzig’s work not only addressed longstanding mathematical riddles but also inspired later generations, even making its way into popular culture as a scene in the movie Good Will Hunting. The story showcases Dantzig’s resourcefulness and resilience—traits that would define his subsequent career.

Beyond this legendary episode, Dantzig became a central figure in industrial engineering and operations research. He is credited with founding and directing the Operations Research Center at Berkeley and is celebrated for inventing the simplex algorithm, which became the foundation of mathematical optimization and linear programming. These innovations enabled industries around the world to solve complex planning and resource allocation issues far more efficiently. For his work, Dantzig was honored with numerous awards, including the National Medal of Science in 1975, and held memberships in several prestigious academies.

George Dantzig’s life was marked by curiosity, humility, and dedication to advancing the capabilities of science and engineering. Despite the tension of that late day in class, his willingness to tackle problems without preconceived limits led him to extraordinary achievements. His story highlights the importance of open-mindedness and persistence, and serves as a reminder that sometimes the most challenging circumstances can produce remarkable solutions and lifelong inspiration.

Quote of the Week:  You Can Solve It!

 “Every problem contains the seeds of its own solution.”

• Dr. Norman Vincent Peale