From a young age, Ken Davis knew he had an unusual perspective on life.
As an author, speaker, comedian and broadcast media guest, Davis has made a career out of giving audiences a different take.
"My mind just works in a little different way than most people," he told The Post-Journal. "I see things other people don't see. I have a collection of almost 400 airsick bags from all over the world. It's real hard to find people to trade with. I got in trouble for sitting on the edge of the highway on my motorcycle and pointing my wife's hair dryer at cars as they went by. A lot of people go golfing, but that's what I do on a Saturday morning."
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Ken Davis will return to Jamestown on Saturday, Nov. 10, to finish off the Chautauqua Lake Men of Integrity’s Celebrate Marriage Week. Beginning at 7 p.m., he’ll give the Reg Lenna Civic Center audience a taste of his Christian comedy.
Photo courtesy kendavis.com
Davis discovered people enjoyed his view of life. As speaking and radio opportunities presented themselves, he pounced on them. His daily radio program, "Lighten Up!" is broadcast on 1,800 stations worldwide and spotlights his storytelling abilities.
As president of Dynamic Communications International, he teaches speaking skills to ministry professionals and corporate executives. He has served as the keynote speaker for hundreds of events.
Davis will return to Jamestown on Saturday, Nov. 10, to finish off the Chautauqua Lake Men of Integrity's Celebrate Marriage Week. Beginning at 7 p.m., he'll give the Reg Lenna Civic Center audience a taste of his Christian comedy.
"I have always had a difficult time believing that Christianity is supposed to be some joyless trek through life, dragging a big sack and complaining about every single day," Davis said. "I really believe that if we say there's joy in knowing Christ, then we have to show it. Humor is a gentle way to acknowledge human frailty. Humor points out all the ways in which you and I are a little bit strange, a little bit weird and sometimes just dead wrong. It gives us a chance to look at it from a perspective that will maybe help us get a little bit better."
Beginning tonight with an appearance by Jim and Jill Kelly at Chautauqua Suites, Celebrate Marriage Week is designed to help couples with relationship-related issues. Davis plans to contribute to that cause by pointing couples to honesty.
"I think people are tired of books and presentations that say basically, 'I've got it all together, and you don't. If you do these five things, then your marriage will be perfect.' My message comes from the perspective that perfection isn't a requirement," Davis said. "That's not something that we're capable of, but we can continue to work toward it. In the process, we can look at each other's imperfections and grow to like each other in spite of them. ... I just bring people a lot of encouragement."
Davis enjoys the instant gratification of live performances and tries to connect with audience members on an individual level. At 65, Davis said he's living life more fully now than at 35.
"I climbed a 14,000-foot mountain this year," he said. "I competed in a triathlon. ... I would do (comedy) probably until the day I die if I didn't have to get on airplanes and go through security. That part of it I do not enjoy."
To purchase tickets for Davis' performance, visit reglenna.com. Available for $25, each ticket grants admittance to Davis' show and tonight's event featuring Jim and Jill Kelly.
Davis is confident that audience members won't soon forget his performance.
"I promise them that they will hurt the next morning," he said. "That's my desire: to make their ribs hurt for two or three days afterwards."
Celebrate Marriage Week will also include free events throughout the coming week at several local churches.
On Monday, Bemus Point United Methodist Church will host a presentation on "Conflict Resolution" led by Gerald and Julie Possai, and Pastor Dayle Keefer will speak on "Marriage and Money" at the Fluvanna Community Church.
On Thursday, Pastor Natalie Hanson will discuss "Fighting Fair" at Christ First United Methodist Church in Jamestown. A dessert buffet will be provided.
At First Covenant Church in Jamestown on Thursday, Pastor Adam Rohler will speak on "The Best Sex Now."
On Friday, Nov. 9, Levant Wesleyan Church will offer two seatings for a "Dessert Datenight" led by Pastor Al Meyers. For reservations, call the church at 665-4402.
Also on Nov. 9, Pastor Dan Cook will offer "Building a Lifetime of Love - Overcoming Our Struggles" at Lakewood Baptist Church.
All events begin at 7 p.m. For more information, call 969-6407.