Sometime in 2006, I had the pleasure of meeting a talented copywriter at Armand Morin\’s Big Seminar. I, like many others, spotted the talent in this man. But beyond his gift for crafting a captivating headline and his mastery of phraseology, he was just a genuinely nice guy. It was hard to not like him, and we became friends.
As we got to know each other better, I became even more impressed with the work he was doing. I asked him to be a special guest teacher on my reality show, The Next Internet Millionaire, in 2007.
Over the years, I\’ve watched Ray Edwards become an in-demand copywriter and prolific marketer. And while I celebrate and applaud his success in business, I celebrate his friendship even more.
Always ready to listen without judgment and prepared to provide wise counsel when asked, Ray is a sincere man of faith whose walk with God and love for his family takes precedence over everything else.
And if you know Ray, you\’d know that he is never one to complain about his own trials and tribulations, in spite of how challenging the circumstances of life can be.
Today Ray Edwards revealed to the world that he has Parkinson\’s Disease, something he became aware of in 2011.
I share this with you today for two reasons.
1) Ray is a dear friend and it is my hope that many of you will surround him and his family with your love and prayers.
2) Ray\’s transparency is a living, breathing example of what authenticity looks like.
We all have struggles of varying levels. Certainly, discovering that you have a degenerative disease and having the courage to share this with the world overshadows any struggle I have experienced in my life. But everything is relative, and our stuff feels heavy regardless of what others are going through.
What impresses me most is the way that Ray has handled the release of this information in an honorable and healthy manner. He took the time necessary to process his diagnosis on an emotional and spiritual level before letting on to others outside his close circle of family and friends.
And during this time, Ray has continued to pour himself out for those who have come to him both professionally and personally. I know, because I am one of the people he has supported as I\’ve walked through struggles of my own.
His attitude towards this terrible disease and the faith in which he finds strength to move forward is an inspiration to me. There is no stopping or slowing down for Ray Edwards.
I, and many others, continue to pray for Ray\’s health. But regardless of what happens next, Ray Edwards has demonstrated what true authenticity looks.
In an era where so many attempt to be something they are not, Ray walks out what he believes, and is an inspiration and an example for all of us.
Ray shared a lot about the disease and his outlook on his blog today. I would encourage you to read click here to read Ray\’s story.