Please read THIS…
The increasing news of countless teens committing suicide or mass homicide as a result of bullying is everywhere and on everyone’s minds. Why are children so intentionally cruel to one another? Why do so many behave like savage animals when it comes to their peers? How can we identify and fix this seemingly insurmountable problem?
It wasn’t always this way but it seems to be on the rise. Why? Many (like me) would argue that it is the natural consequence of having abandoned moral teachings based upon the Bible in our schools. Since the Bible and God are considered persona non grata in the public square, how can we, as authors who have faith, share the concepts of compassion, mercy, honesty, perseverance in a way that communicates these values to our young people without coming off sounding “preachy”?
I think Bill Bennett, the former Education Czar had it right when he compiled and produced The Book of Virtues. It contained stories that exemplified all of the above listed virtues in such a way as to compel the reader to feel compassion for the poor Little Match Girl and The Little Mermaid. Who hasn’t watched the film “Rudy” starring Sean Astin, and not found themselves cheering him on when he finally achieved his ultimate dream of playing for Notre Dame after years of persevering?
These are all wonderful stories that have much to teach us. They have a way of winding into our hearts and planting a seed there that when mature, can blossom and grow a young person into someone who has compassion, who can persevere through trials, be courageous in the face of danger, and do what is right when no one is looking.
This is where inspirational fiction authors can play an important role; especially in our nation’s schools. Schools are looking for ways to stem the tide of viscious and mindless cruelty of its students (with its’ often violent aftermath) and to redirect their minds and energies into something that is positive and uplifting.
A brand new program called Creativity Counts is being launched in my area with the cooperation of American Christian Fiction Writers. It will bring inspirational books into the classroom and give actual “face time” between authors and students. Authors who can provide living examples that hopefully will encourage and inspire students to explore their own creativity in positive and healthy ways. A rising tide lifts all boats, or so the saying goes. There is much inspiration to be had and inspirational authors are answering the call to see what they can do to reach out and connect with the next generation; hopefully it’s not too late turn this boat around and right its course.
I am also trying to do my own small part in this regard. In addition to my novel, The Victor, I also write “Wish Fulfillment” stories for people where they are the “star” of their own story. Some have been deeply inspirational and have brought the person (and family members) to tears; while others have just been fun (such as a young teenaged girl meeting her “literal” knight in shining armor in her local mall). All are written upon request as my gift in the hopes that it will comfort a hurting heart and or spur one on to wait for her prince to come. These stories can be found both on my book website and my blog at: http://wishfulfillmentstories.blogspot.com/