An evening with Dany E. Davis

Retired Colonel and McCreary County native, Danny E. Davis, visited his hometown during Thanksgiving and spoke at the McCreary County Public Library. Davis, a 24-year-veteran of the Air Force and author of multiple God-based books, is currently Chief of International Engagements for the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA.) Davis, who graduated from McCreary Central in 1989 is a first generation honors graduate from the University of Kentucky. Additionally, he holds multiple degrees from Norwich University and recently attended Harvard. Despite having traveled to more than forty countries, Davis continues to maintain close ties to Appalachia and southeastern Kentucky by being an active member of the Kentucky non-profit community. During his visit home, Davis spoke to residents gathered at the public library about finding meaning and purpose in life. Acknowledging his secular success, Davis also admitted to reaching a point when, upon examining his spiritual life, he discovered something was missing. Although at that time, Davis had already a Christian for over twenty years, the discovery changed his life, leading him to become totally dependent on God. “I believe everybody wants to live a life that matters,” Davis said to those gathered at the library. Referencing Ecclesiastes, Davis discussed King Solomon’s search for purpose and joy in life. Noting the wisest man who ever lived discovered wisdom, wine, wealth, work, and wants (pleasure) do not give meaning or joy to life, Davis went on to explain how true joy and purpose come from worship (God) and the realization that wisdom, wealth, work, and wants are merely gifts from God. “There was no joy from having wisdom in my life,” Davis explained. “Wisdom simply leads to wealth, wealth leads to wanting (more), and wanting leads to more work. Suddenly, I realized worship is what gives joy and purpose to life and that all of these other things are simply gifts given to me by God. These things are gifts from God that give me more opportunities to share my passion for God with others.” Davis is proud of his upbringing in McCreary County, KY, and he gladly tells everyone he is “a proud Appalachian, Southeastern Kentuckian.” “You are my people,” Davis told his audience. “I’m proud of you, and I try to make you proud of me. My family was poor; however, I never went to bed hungry, and I had a lot of love. My character was formed here. I spent the first part of my life trying to get away, and I’ve spent the last part of my life trying to get back.” Davis emphasized common themes during his talk. “Don’t be a quitter,” he stressed. “Earn your way. The world is a mess, but God is in control. If you make more money, share it with those don’t have. Learn to think. Don’t dwell on past achievements. Look forward, what can I do today? Fear God, and keep His Commandments.” When asked if his hometown has changed, Davis described his mood whenever he returns home. “Yes, it has changed, because I have changed from all the experiences I’ve had,” he observed. “Many of the people who made it special have passed on-like my mother. When I’m here, all those good memories from childhood come rushing back. But in the end, I’m just a kid from Smithtown representing America, someone who wants to be remembered as a God-fearing person.” Davis’s latest book is, “True Worship: Knowing God by Developing a Closer Relationship with Him.” Another of his works is, “Closer to God: A Roadmap for Diligent Seekers.”