In my last semester of college, I went to visit a good friend of mine who had been my mentor though a good portion of my time at school. I made my way down an uneven sidewalk, across a small courtyard, and into the main campus building. It was a gloomy day, but I knew he would be expecting me.

“Come on in,” he said warmly, after hearing my knock on a his half-opened office door.

“I came to return the book I borrowed,” I said, pulling a book out of my backpack to hand to him.

“Thank you,” he smiled, taking the book and heading back toward his desk. “And, how did you like it?”

“I think I need to order my own copy,” I replied, trying to think of how much I should say, “But I don’t know if it is really worth me going into all the reasons why. I thought it was a fantastic book.”

“I have an hour, if you want to tell me a good story,” my mentor sat himself at his desk, leaning himself back in his chair slightly, and looked at me with interest. “I do believe that stories are some of the most important things that we can share with each other. That’s why I became a counselor. I love a good story.”

Although I did not realize at the time, this small conversation with my friend would later become the foundation of a philosophy I hold about stories. After many years, I have come to realize that some of the most resilient people are those who have wrestled through great trials in their lives. Particularly women, who have struggled in their faith and looked for answers, have some of the most powerful stories. And, I believe the books we have read say a lot about our lives. What I have read shows my pathway of growth and learning.

Continue reading “Homemaker’s Bookshelf | Inspiring Stories”