I am always on the lookout for stories that bring something more to listeners than a clever twist of plot. Something that the listener can relate to. Maybe there is a message. Perhaps it gives a hint of direction. There could even be an outright moral. It doesnt really matter what name you give to this elusive quality; it is more important that the stories I tell possess it.
Even when I was growing up, I found myself deeply touched by inspirational stories. I heard similar stories from my mother and my grandfather. Once in a while, a teacher would tell a story that held profound meaning to me. I noticed that stories with a message stuck in my memory. The messages stuck in the memory, too. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Honesty is the best policy. Slow down and notice the things around you. Give back to your community. I am who I am because of those messages.
Today I tell many of the stories I heard as a child. They have an ageless quality. The messages are as relevant now as they were long ago.
Why seek out inspirational stories? For one thing, we experience a deluge of information and news on a daily basis. Second, the lives we live give us no breathing space to reflect. And without time to reflect, how can we develop insight into the affairs of the day? This is where inspirational stories serve us well. A listener can mull over inspirational stories. They give us something to consider. Something that points us a bit closer to our "true north." Something that gives us perspective.
Looking for inspiration? At www.jaystetzer.com you can find memorable inspirational stories. On the "Listen" page of my website, click any one of the story samples and you are likely to find a message worth your time. "The Egg Seller" and "Herschel and the Wedding" from the World Full of Stories CD are good examples of inspirational stories. From the CD Parking in Manhattan, "Service with a Smile" brings a great message to the listener. I find that inspirational stories stick in the memory long after they are told. In fact, the inspirational stories I tell even inspire me!
We live in a complex, fast moving world. As we head on down the highway of life, we can all use a little direction to guide us. Inspirational stories can help us in our travels. Like having your own spiritual GPS! My recordings contain a wealth of inspirational stories. Check them out!