George Bailey, in the classic film "It's A Wonderful Life," was allowed to have the opportunity to see what the world would have been without him ever being born.

The common ordinary things that George Bailey did as a decent human being...

...as well as the uncommon things he did by stepping up and taking responsibility.

I feel that we who serve in our insurance and financial services business are a lot like good old George Bailey. We tend to let the Mr. Potters of the politicians and regulators drive us to the bridge and want to give up.

You know that feeling... regulation after regulation; bad press; one more form to fill out; compliance and "cover your own bottom" things; and then we have to go prospecting and be told "no", "come back", "my brother-in-law knows a guy!" ... sound about right?

I am not Clarence, the wingless angel, but I would like to encourage you and remind you that our society, your community, your family, and your friends... and even the guy who knows a guy... needs YOU!

If you and I were not in this business... or if the regulators drive us from the business then all we will have is Potterville. Over regulations, no freedom for consumers, no one to give common ordinary sense to protecting a family or business with life insurance, or protect an income with disability insurance, or help to advise on guaranteed income at retirement, or reasonable asset allocation strategies that can survive little things like China devaluing it's money.

If you were not around or had never been born to our industry then what would it look like where you live and work?

As for me... by God's grace... I know of one business that would have closed if I had not written a $1,200,000 life policy. I know of quite a few families that would have not been able to keep their homes at the death of a spouse. I know of dozens of folks who would have sold out their holding in a down market and not recovered if I had not held their hand through some tough times.

And, hey, I am just a common, ordinary, God-fearing U.S. citizen who was given an opportunity in 1973 to experience a wonderful life in our business.

You are a valuable asset to the social and economic life of your community. Stay off the bridge. Let the Mr. Potters of Washington know where you stand.

It is a wonderful life. Not perfect, I cannot promise you that... because brother-in-laws are out there... but it is a powerful thing to get a case closed and know you did your best for a fellow George Bailey.

I do not want to even imagine what our industry or our state would be like without you.

Best to you in your daily calls. Your call to our business is vital.