Some Great Books

On a Sunday, late last year, I found myself tuning into announcements in Relief Society part way through an invitation.  It was something about a special guest, who had grown up in Palestine, coming to talk at the church building the following Tuesday.  It caught my interest, so I showed up on Tuesday evening, still not really knowing who it was or what it was about.

Sahar Qumsiyeh spoke.  She had dark hair, was slight of build, and had a great smile.  She spoke very humbly.  She spoke of what life was like growing up as a Palestinian.  She started with showing a progression of maps, which was a good thing. 

Honestly, I wasn’t even clear on where or what Palestine is.  I mean, I knew it was in the middle east.  I had heard of the Palestinian Liberation Organization.  Wasn’t it right next to Israel?  But could I point to it on a map?
 
It turns out there is a good reason for my confusion, and I am not alone.  Her story was fascinating, horrifying, eye opening and inspiring.  It made me really think; challenged my perspectives.

I was intrigued by her story.  I wanted to know more.  She had written a book (Peace for a Palestinian
by Sahar Qumsiyeh).  I downloaded it and read it.  I also read another book she recommended (Blood Brothers: The Dramatic Story of a Palestinian Christian Working for Peace in Israel by Elias Chacour).

I loved both books!  I felt like they filled in pieces of understanding to my knowledge of the world, making it more complete, like adding missing color pieces to a kaleidoscope.  

They allowed me to be more compassionate of people I had known very little about.  As far as I am concerned, anything that brings more compassion and understanding into this world is a good thing.  

I also love hearing people’s stories.  Particularly if they are about good people that find ways to do good things for others, even in difficult circumstances.  But there was something more than that too.
 
These books filled me with an excitement about learning something new.  They inspired me.  They lighted a fire for more learning.  I don’t even know if that’s all of what the feeling was, but it is at least some parts I can identify.

I overheard some of the ladies who had invited Sahar Qumsiyeh to speak, talking about another book they were reading for their book club.  I went home and ordered that one too and read it.  It was Unshattered: Overcoming Tragedy and Choosing a Beautiful Life by Carol Decker; Stacey L. Nash.

I used a whole box of Kleenex during the first half of the book.  Motherhood, illness, no control over some circumstances in your life.  It hits a tender spot.
 
I ended the book feeling so incredibly inspired!  Her example made me feel like I could do anything important  in my life regardless of the difficulties.  It left me feeling like I have no excuses! 

It may be part of the reason I’m trying to do this blog/website.  It’s not the easiest thing for a total introvert with significant social anxiety to do.  But I do love to write, and I have a genuine desire to help other people.  Here’s hoping I can figure out how to do that!

These stories also got me thinking again about how much I love people’s real-life inspirational stories.  It doesn’t need to be someone whose done out of the ordinary things.  I like average people’s stories.  I especially love stories of faith and overcoming difficulties.  We all have them.  I really like it when they are real and not idealized.  I have been thinking a lot about how to collect more of these.