INSPIRATIONAL STORIES
Inspiring stories are popular because of their uplifting content. There is so much negativity in the news these days that it is hard not to get down on life and to feel overwhelmed. If you are struggling with some difficulty in your life it is helpful to focus on the positive, some people choose to read the bible for inspiration others may be inspired by motivational stories or quotes.
Stories come in all shapes and sizes from nursery rhymes to short stories to novels. All relate a series of events that are connected in some way. Children grow up listening to stories that their parents read to them often at bedtime. Many stories aim to send the reader a message, the moral of the story, which teaches them a lesson about life.
Inspirational stories encourage us to be a better person, to care about others and to focus less on ourselves. Hearing and reading these stories can encourage you to make a difference in the world and to realize that what you do is important.
Inspirational Stories
We hope you will find each inspirational story an encouragement today.
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "my son, the battle is between two, 'wolves' inside us all.
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, doubt, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, forgiveness, truth, compassion and faith" The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
This is one story that I absolutely love and it moves & encourages me each time I read it.
The Starfish Story
adapted from the writings of Loren EiseleyOne day a man was strolling along the sea shore. There was a low tide, and the beach was covered with literally hundreds of stranded starfish that the waves had carried in and then left behind. The man began walking very carefully so as not to step on any of the beautiful creatures. Since the animals still seemed to be alive, he considered picking some of them up and putting them back in the water, where they could resume their lives.
The man was sure that the starfish would die if left on the beach's dry sand but he thought that as he could not possibly help them all he would do nothing and carried on walking along. Soon afterward, the man came upon a young child on the beach who was rushing and throwing one starfish after another back into the sea. The man stopped and asked the child, "What are you doing?"
"I'm saving the starfish," the child replied.
"Why bother?... There are so many you can't save them all so what does is matter?" said the man.
Carrying on, the child picked up another starfish and tossed the
starfish back into the water... "It matters to this one," the child said..
I first heard that short story in a Christian context, that although we can get overwhelmed by the numbers of people who don't yet know God, that each encouraging word & conversation with an individual can make a difference. Each of us is SO special to God and loved by Him - we are so much more than mere starfish to Him!
An Inspirational Story for Mothers
Being A Mother
After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, "I love you, but I know this other woman loves you too, and she would love to spend some time with you."
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally. That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.
"What's wrong, are you well?" she asked. My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.
"I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you," I responded. "Just the two of us." She thought about it for a moment, and then said, "I would like that very much."
That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up, I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's.
"I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed," she said, as she got into the car. "They can't wait to hear about our meeting."
We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips.
"It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small," she said.
"Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor," I responded.
During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation - nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie.
As we arrived at her house later, she said, "I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you." I agreed.
"How was your dinner date?" asked my wife when I got home.
"Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined," I answered.
A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: "I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son."
At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: "I LOVE YOU" and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till "some other time.”
Why not email this story to someone to encourage them to show their mom how much they care today?
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