A rather unsophisticated man endured a medical operation with a 20% chance of survival. When told about his condition and the odds that were against him, he engaged in no calculations and did not consult with another physician. He said simply, “I want to be one of the twenty percent.” One year later, he reduced [...]
Walking the beach one day, Gunilla Norris sees a young child run-determined on very unsteady legs-into the water. The infant’s intensity is palpable. The mother sits some distance away, outwardly comfortable enough about her child’s safety not to interfere with his adventure. With a wet sagging diaper, the young boy runs into the water with [...]
It is coffee hour on a summer Sunday–that time after church service when we sip coffee (or if we’re brave, some unidentifiable fruit juice) and chat about the weather, the week’s news, or if it’s memorable, the sermon. Whatever we’re talking about, there are times when we’re aware of a self-conscious nudge to keep up [...]
In 1914, famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton set out from England on an expedition to cross the continent of Antarctica. He posted this brief notice: “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.” Five thousand men applied. [...]
In the perfume shop show window was a large jar of freckle salve, and beside the jar was a sign, which read: DO YOU SUFFER FROM FRECKLES? “What does the sign say?” ask Pippi Longstocking. She couldn’t read very well because she didn’t want to go to school as other children did. “It says, ‘Do [...]
There is a story about a kind, quiet man who prays in the Ganges River every morning. One day after praying, he sees a poisonous spider struggling in the water and cups his hands to carry it ashore. As he places the spider on the ground, it stings him. Unknowingly, his prayers for the world [...]
