I love to read.

I am often reading many books.

My Bible in the morning, as well as a couple of devotionals. Something in the non-fiction genre to keep me learning, and something in the fiction genre to help me escape.

I was one of those kids who would read with a flashlight at night, until my parents took my flashlight away. Then I would just read by my window at night.

In high school, I did not enjoy reading the books that were assigned. I never enjoyed being forced to read, especially when we had to write book reports and try to determine why the author wrote the book.

I just wanted to read for the pure pleasure of reading those books filled with words.

As a child on the playground, we often heard, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”

Deep down, I believe each one of us know that words can hurt.

But words can heal also.

I have been encouraged lately by listening to the words of a homeschool mom who is sharing her heart for making a positive difference in our society.