Reading Holding On has been an enjoyable experience. This book has certain profiles that really interest me, such as Moreese Bickham. Each short summary of what makes the people interesting is so different. I enjoy that there are people in this book that aren’t doing anything necessarily amazing, but they all have something unique. For example, Robert Shields writes a diary about his life. He writes the most mundane events that may not serve a large purpose, but it serves a purpose for himself. I have to say that a strength of this book is that each story is pretty short, but in a way that is also a weakness. Some stories leave me wanting to read more. I like to highlight phrases that have meaning to me and I also like to write any comments that I may have at the end of each story. I easily slip into being a passive reader because when I read, I often just get lost in the book so active reading takes a little more thought for me.
Moreese Bickham was a prisoner for many years. The passage about him really invoked some thought from me. I was amazed that he was able to keep his faith in the very toughest of times. Most people would have given up on what they believed in if an awful experience like Mr. Bickham’s happened to them. In my opinion he is a person to look up to. I choose to lead a life of faith and for me that is why this story meant so much. My story isn't a particular experience, but my life in general. I can think of multiple occasions when something bad has gone wrong and I’ve wanted to pull the “poor me” card. It can be easy to forget all the blessings that we have in our lives. Today as I was driving to work, I heard a story on the radio. A man called into the radio station to explain how the uplifting music from the station had inspired him to live a better life. Each person has a chance in their life to inspire those around them. Similar to the man on the radio, I was inspired by this story. After reading the story of Moreese I am reminded of just how blessed I am. Every person faces trials in his or her own life. We can look at what is in front of us and become discouraged or we can continue to hope that there are good things to come. Moreese reminded me to never lose my faith, even in the tough times. He was loving and didn't speak words of hate towards those that had hurt him. I am not sure why bad things happen to people or why Mr. Bickham had to spend the majority of life in prison. I do see, though, that he was blessed with a near impossible release from prison and was able to spend the rest of his days with his family. This story can apply to anyone, because anyone can become an inspiration.
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