In the past year or two we've read a number of YWAM publishing's "Christian Heroes: Then and Now" missionary stories. They've been quite a source of inspiration and amazement in seeing how God worked through these "ordinary" people who lived extraordinary lives through their devotion and trust in God. My kids have enjoyed them and been inspired as well.
Lately I've been trying to encourage the kids to be "tough" - to not whine about little things or not cry over little hurts etc... We recently read the story of Gladys Aylward from this series. She was a missionary to China and has an amazing story. Just the story of her getting to China is incredible in itself - she almost ended up stuck in Russia working as a machinist by force. Towards the end of the book she ends up on 15+ day journey on foot over the mountains to get 150 or so orphans ages 4-15 to safety from Japanese soldiers. During this time she was sick with several illnesses - fever, pneumonia to name a few. I can't even fathom how she managed to care for these 150+ children and climb and hike for days on end with almost no food to get them to freedom!
At the end of reading this part, I asked my daughter (who tends to be a little less tough than she should be) how she thought it would be to hike all day for days on end with no shoes over rocks. I encouraged her that maybe she could be a little tougher at times so that if sometime in the future she needs to do something really hard, she is tough enough to do it.
Then I got to practice what I preached this past week. I got sick with a bad fever for 3 days and was exhausted and couldn't do much. I kept thinking while I lay there trying to take care of my little kids about Gladys Aylward and that my sickness was nothing compared with the sickness she had while crossing the mountains and caring for the children. She passed out a couple of times and was in and out of consciousness at a couple of points. Though I don't need to work myself to death in my circumstances, it did help me to be tougher at times. By the 3rd day, though my attitude wasn't as good as possible and I confess I was less than tough at times. But the Lord brought me through and thankfully gives us grace in our weaknesses.
So if you're looking for some good inspiration for yourself or your kids, check out missionary biographies - they're full of practical application and inspiration!
I've borrowed on of the biography books, and we loved it!
What I really enjoyed about your post was the reminder that biographies can be used to teach some basic, core character traits. Thanks for that! I appreciate it. Now, I'll be thinking about our reading with these "glasses" on for a while.
Posted by 
Posted by 
Posted by 
• Sun 17 Feb 2008 - Very inspiring!
Now I have to go tackle my chores without grumbling! I had better thank God I am well! :)
In Christ, Eva