LOXLEY, Ala. — The Loxley Civic Center was just about filled to capacity for the annual observance of the National Day of Prayer May 7.

First observed in 1952, the NDP was fixed on the first Thursday in May by President Ronald Reagan.

Participants in the Loxley celebration feasted on a breakfast provided by Mama Lous, and then watched as the Robertsdale High Junior Navy ROTC presented the colors. The crowd also heard Maddie Coder sing the National Anthem. The group also recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Christian Pledge, which reads in part, “One Savior, crucified, risen and coming again. With life and liberty to all who believe.”

The Robertsdale High School Women’s Ensemble then entertained the crowd with a medley of songs, which included “Rhythm of Life,” “Spirit of a Child,” and “A New Day.”

The opening prayer was offered by the Rev. George Sedberry of the Robertsdale United Methodist Church.

Ruthie Campbell, chairperson of the committee that planned the event, introduced Drexel Gilbert, the speaker for the day’s program.

“We have had in mind to have her all year,” said Campbell. Campbell explained that Gilbert had been a television new reporter and anchor for more than 25 years, and had launched her own image consulting and motivational program. Her Web site is at drexelgilbert.com.

After telling about her abrupt dismissal from a local television station, Gilbert said that the time immediately after the firing was one of trial for her.

“It was one of those defining moments,” Gilbert said.

She said that she decided to ask “Why not me,” instead of the more common “Why me?” response and decided to find the positive in the situation.

She explained her situation by telling a story of twin boys alike in all but attitude. The boys’ father decided to test the youngsters by filling one boy’s — the eternal pessimist — room with the latest in toys and games and the other boy’s — the eternal optimist — room with a load of manure.

A while later, the father returned to find the first boy crying and complaining about reading all the instruction manuals and having to insert batteries. In contrast, giggling and laughter could be heard from the other twin’s room. When asked why he was so happy, the boy responded that with all the manure, “there just has to be a pony in here somewhere.”

Gilbert explained that the oft-told story demonstrated the “silver bullet of attitude.” She added that research has shown that most people have mostly negative thoughts.

“The good news is that we can do something about this,” said Gilbert. She then told the group of her “Ten Steps to Positive Living.”

The Rev. Slate Moore, the Rev. Rick Powell, the Rev. Aubrey Rowland, the Rev. Jeff Copeland and the Rev. Alan House offered prayers for churches, communities, nation, military and schools.

Marian Mason, the executive director of the CBCC, said after the event, “Our Prayer Breakfast was exceptional this year thanks to Drexel Gilbert’s inspirational talk, the sweet music of the Robertsdale High School Women’s Ensemble, the heartfelt prayers of the pastors who prayed and, of course, the delicious food from Mama Lou’s.  We had our largest crowd ever, and we hope that even more members of the community will attend next year.”