Finding inspiration between the lines
I visited my local library over the weekend and picked up the book, You’ve Got to Read this Book by Jack Canfield and Gay Hendricks. The book consists of 55 individuals from different walks of life and their stories of the one book that changed their lives.
The stories are unique and inspiring as each individual is. I am not even halfway through the book yet and I have a list of a dozen or so books I want to check out. I am always looking for inspiration.
Of course, I am wondering what books have inspired others? If any one would like to share their favorite book or the book that changed your life feel free to comment.
I have been devouring books regularly for several years. About four years ago I was at a low point in my life and I turned to books. I would think of a word that I wanted to read about. Leadership, courage, inspiration to name a few. I would pop the word into the computer search at the library and read through the list.
I found many great books. From Norman Vincent Peale, to Og Mandino, to Rick Warren. I think it was an Og Mandino book (I think it was The Return of the Ragpicker) that I read that really picked me up four years ago. I had to go to court, I didn’t have much money and my parents were going through a really hard time. Og said when you are in a hard spot remember that the tide is at its lowest ebb before the tide turns. I realized what I was going through wouldn’t last forever, things would get better.
I picked up and knew I would make it through court. I could help my parents the best I could and the tide would rise again. Unfortunately, the tide went out again six months later when my dad was burned in a fire and died three weeks later.
I know that the previous low prepared me to get through my dad’s accident. It was not a breeze. It was hard, and still is, but I knew that I could survive and there would me better times ahead. I am learning to live in today, it is all you really have.
I recently read the inspiring story called The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. What an amazing story that takes place in several prison camps during World War II. Corrie, who was in her 50’s at the time, and her sister, several years older, had to find a reason to live through unbelievable living conditions. They not only inspired each other but they, with God’s help, helped many others. They believed that they could make a difference. They believed that God would help them. They looked at terrible conditions and found good things. When I am feeling down I think of Corrie Ten Boom
I am still searching books for inspiration. There are many fantastic books out there. What book changed your life? I would love to add them to my list of must reads.
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