Author: Gregory Zuckerman
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 069818937X
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 258
Book Description
Discover inspirational real-life stories of superstar athletes in this collection of sports biographies featuring LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Tim Howard, and more! Team USA goalkeeper Tim Howard was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome in 6th grade. He went on to become a national treasure after single-handedly keeping America competitive in the 2014 World Cup. Stephen Curry was told he was too small, too weak, and too slow to even receive a scholarship to play college basketball. He outworked everyone and went on to become MVP of the National Basketball Association. Jim Abbott was born without his right hand, yet he refused to be defined by what he lacked. He went on to pitch a no-hitter in the Major Leagues. Athlete after athlete in this book found discipline, hope, and inspiration on the playing field, rising above their circumstances. Filled with first-hand accounts from stars who exemplify the idea of enduring at all costs, this collection of sports biographies will serve as a must-read source of inspiration for kids and sports fans of all ages. Praise for Rising Above A Scholastic Teacher magazine Summer Reading List selection A Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Summer Reading List selection "An easy pitch for middle school sports lovers."--School Library Journal “This collection of mini-bios about athletes who overcame major obstacles packs a powerful message—perseverance and passion pay off. Even non-sports fans will cheer for superstars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry.”--Scholastic Teacher "So many of the obstacles that these athletes share are retold using personal interviews and primary source material that young readers will find very relatable. [T]heir stories have morals that are easily transferred to life off the court or the field. The highly relevant message is that no situation is too dire or insurmountable with the right attitude and that young people shouldn't allow setbacks to define them."--Booklist "[O]ften inspiring . . . The underdog stories reveal that dedication and perseverance pay off, as well as that sports can serve as needed outlets and refuges."--Publishers Weekly "I would rate this a 9 1/2 . . . it touch[es] your heart very often with the ways these athletes turn[ed] their lives around."--Colorado Kids
Rising Above
Author: Gregory Zuckerman
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 069818937X
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 258
Book Description
Discover inspirational real-life stories of superstar athletes in this collection of sports biographies featuring LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Tim Howard, and more! Team USA goalkeeper Tim Howard was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome in 6th grade. He went on to become a national treasure after single-handedly keeping America competitive in the 2014 World Cup. Stephen Curry was told he was too small, too weak, and too slow to even receive a scholarship to play college basketball. He outworked everyone and went on to become MVP of the National Basketball Association. Jim Abbott was born without his right hand, yet he refused to be defined by what he lacked. He went on to pitch a no-hitter in the Major Leagues. Athlete after athlete in this book found discipline, hope, and inspiration on the playing field, rising above their circumstances. Filled with first-hand accounts from stars who exemplify the idea of enduring at all costs, this collection of sports biographies will serve as a must-read source of inspiration for kids and sports fans of all ages. Praise for Rising Above A Scholastic Teacher magazine Summer Reading List selection A Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Summer Reading List selection "An easy pitch for middle school sports lovers."--School Library Journal “This collection of mini-bios about athletes who overcame major obstacles packs a powerful message—perseverance and passion pay off. Even non-sports fans will cheer for superstars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry.”--Scholastic Teacher "So many of the obstacles that these athletes share are retold using personal interviews and primary source material that young readers will find very relatable. [T]heir stories have morals that are easily transferred to life off the court or the field. The highly relevant message is that no situation is too dire or insurmountable with the right attitude and that young people shouldn't allow setbacks to define them."--Booklist "[O]ften inspiring . . . The underdog stories reveal that dedication and perseverance pay off, as well as that sports can serve as needed outlets and refuges."--Publishers Weekly "I would rate this a 9 1/2 . . . it touch[es] your heart very often with the ways these athletes turn[ed] their lives around."--Colorado Kids
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 069818937X
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 258
Book Description
Discover inspirational real-life stories of superstar athletes in this collection of sports biographies featuring LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Tim Howard, and more! Team USA goalkeeper Tim Howard was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome in 6th grade. He went on to become a national treasure after single-handedly keeping America competitive in the 2014 World Cup. Stephen Curry was told he was too small, too weak, and too slow to even receive a scholarship to play college basketball. He outworked everyone and went on to become MVP of the National Basketball Association. Jim Abbott was born without his right hand, yet he refused to be defined by what he lacked. He went on to pitch a no-hitter in the Major Leagues. Athlete after athlete in this book found discipline, hope, and inspiration on the playing field, rising above their circumstances. Filled with first-hand accounts from stars who exemplify the idea of enduring at all costs, this collection of sports biographies will serve as a must-read source of inspiration for kids and sports fans of all ages. Praise for Rising Above A Scholastic Teacher magazine Summer Reading List selection A Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Summer Reading List selection "An easy pitch for middle school sports lovers."--School Library Journal “This collection of mini-bios about athletes who overcame major obstacles packs a powerful message—perseverance and passion pay off. Even non-sports fans will cheer for superstars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry.”--Scholastic Teacher "So many of the obstacles that these athletes share are retold using personal interviews and primary source material that young readers will find very relatable. [T]heir stories have morals that are easily transferred to life off the court or the field. The highly relevant message is that no situation is too dire or insurmountable with the right attitude and that young people shouldn't allow setbacks to define them."--Booklist "[O]ften inspiring . . . The underdog stories reveal that dedication and perseverance pay off, as well as that sports can serve as needed outlets and refuges."--Publishers Weekly "I would rate this a 9 1/2 . . . it touch[es] your heart very often with the ways these athletes turn[ed] their lives around."--Colorado Kids
Reclaiming My Life
Author: Tammy Lofink
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780578646855
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :
Book Description
Tammy Lofink, a wife and mother of two children, experienced a parent's worst nightmare. At the tender age of 18, her son, Robert Mason Lofink, died of a drug overdose. The grief, suffering and turmoil which followed were almost too much to bear. Tammy decided that she had to change the direction of her life after her son was gone. She co-founded Rising Above Addiction, which raises funds for urgently-needed treatment for addiction. Her son's legacy lives on through her vision to help other people, so that they never have to go through the pain she and her family have experienced and continue to endure.Reclaiming My Life is a poignant and triumphant journey through the loss of a child. It is also an introduction to the world of addiction through the eyes of people who have overcome the battle. The book is a testament to the ability to survive, cope and rise above even the most difficult circumstances in life.Tammy openly tells the story of her other life experiences, which shaped her along the way. Her wisdom, her courage and her bravery are sure to provide the hope which can help others who seek inner peace after a tragedy.Young people who are using drugs, adults whose pain medication has led to addiction, parents of youth who are worried, as well as family, friends and loved ones, will be riveted by Tammy's personal storytelling style. With each turn of the page, Tammy surprises, engages and comforts the reader through his or her journey.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780578646855
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :
Book Description
Tammy Lofink, a wife and mother of two children, experienced a parent's worst nightmare. At the tender age of 18, her son, Robert Mason Lofink, died of a drug overdose. The grief, suffering and turmoil which followed were almost too much to bear. Tammy decided that she had to change the direction of her life after her son was gone. She co-founded Rising Above Addiction, which raises funds for urgently-needed treatment for addiction. Her son's legacy lives on through her vision to help other people, so that they never have to go through the pain she and her family have experienced and continue to endure.Reclaiming My Life is a poignant and triumphant journey through the loss of a child. It is also an introduction to the world of addiction through the eyes of people who have overcome the battle. The book is a testament to the ability to survive, cope and rise above even the most difficult circumstances in life.Tammy openly tells the story of her other life experiences, which shaped her along the way. Her wisdom, her courage and her bravery are sure to provide the hope which can help others who seek inner peace after a tragedy.Young people who are using drugs, adults whose pain medication has led to addiction, parents of youth who are worried, as well as family, friends and loved ones, will be riveted by Tammy's personal storytelling style. With each turn of the page, Tammy surprises, engages and comforts the reader through his or her journey.
Rising Above the Gathering Storm, Revisited
Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309160979
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 102
Book Description
In the face of so many daunting near-term challenges, U.S. government and industry are letting the crucial strategic issues of U.S. competitiveness slip below the surface. Five years ago, the National Academies prepared Rising Above the Gathering Storm, a book that cautioned: "Without a renewed effort to bolster the foundations of our competitiveness, we can expect to lose our privileged position." Since that time we find ourselves in a country where much has changed-and a great deal has not changed. So where does America stand relative to its position of five years ago when the Gathering Storm book was prepared? The unanimous view of the authors is that our nation's outlook has worsened. The present volume, Rising Above the Gathering Storm, Revisited, explores the tipping point America now faces. Addressing America's competitiveness challenge will require many years if not decades; however, the requisite federal funding of much of that effort is about to terminate. Rising Above the Gathering Storm, Revisited provides a snapshot of the work of the government and the private sector in the past five years, analyzing how the original recommendations have or have not been acted upon, what consequences this may have on future competitiveness, and priorities going forward. In addition, readers will find a series of thought- and discussion-provoking factoids-many of them alarming-about the state of science and innovation in America. Rising Above the Gathering Storm, Revisited is a wake-up call. To reverse the foreboding outlook will require a sustained commitment by both individual citizens and government officials-at all levels. This book, together with the original Gathering Storm volume, provides the roadmap to meet that goal. While this book is essential for policy makers, anyone concerned with the future of innovation, competitiveness, and the standard of living in the United States will find this book an ideal tool for engaging their government representatives, peers, and community about this momentous issue.
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309160979
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 102
Book Description
In the face of so many daunting near-term challenges, U.S. government and industry are letting the crucial strategic issues of U.S. competitiveness slip below the surface. Five years ago, the National Academies prepared Rising Above the Gathering Storm, a book that cautioned: "Without a renewed effort to bolster the foundations of our competitiveness, we can expect to lose our privileged position." Since that time we find ourselves in a country where much has changed-and a great deal has not changed. So where does America stand relative to its position of five years ago when the Gathering Storm book was prepared? The unanimous view of the authors is that our nation's outlook has worsened. The present volume, Rising Above the Gathering Storm, Revisited, explores the tipping point America now faces. Addressing America's competitiveness challenge will require many years if not decades; however, the requisite federal funding of much of that effort is about to terminate. Rising Above the Gathering Storm, Revisited provides a snapshot of the work of the government and the private sector in the past five years, analyzing how the original recommendations have or have not been acted upon, what consequences this may have on future competitiveness, and priorities going forward. In addition, readers will find a series of thought- and discussion-provoking factoids-many of them alarming-about the state of science and innovation in America. Rising Above the Gathering Storm, Revisited is a wake-up call. To reverse the foreboding outlook will require a sustained commitment by both individual citizens and government officials-at all levels. This book, together with the original Gathering Storm volume, provides the roadmap to meet that goal. While this book is essential for policy makers, anyone concerned with the future of innovation, competitiveness, and the standard of living in the United States will find this book an ideal tool for engaging their government representatives, peers, and community about this momentous issue.
Rising Above: Inspiring Women in Sports
Author: Gregory Zuckerman
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0399547487
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 226
Book Description
The inspirational real-life stories of superstar athletes Serena and Venus Williams, Simone Biles, Carli Lloyd, and more! For sports fans, aspiring athletes and readers of sports biographies. Some of the most accomplished and famous athletes in the world—tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles, World Cup superstar Carli Lloyd and others—faced earthshaking challenges in their youth. But they refused to give up. Through hard work and determination, they rose above their circumstances and went on to conquer the sports world. This collection of mini biographies, complete with firsthand content drawn from in-depth interviews, is a source of inspiration and self-empowerment for kids and sports fans of all ages. Included in the book: Venus and Serena Wiliams (tennis), Simone Biles (gymnastics), Carli Lloyd (soccer), Wilma Rudolph (track and field), Mo'ne Davis (Little League baseball), Swin Cash (basketball), Elena Delle Donne (basketball), Bethany Hamilton (surfing), Ronda Rousey (mixed martial arts), and Kerri Strug (gymnastics). "An inspiring, empowering collection of true stories of perseverance and resolve." --Kirkus Reviews
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0399547487
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 226
Book Description
The inspirational real-life stories of superstar athletes Serena and Venus Williams, Simone Biles, Carli Lloyd, and more! For sports fans, aspiring athletes and readers of sports biographies. Some of the most accomplished and famous athletes in the world—tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles, World Cup superstar Carli Lloyd and others—faced earthshaking challenges in their youth. But they refused to give up. Through hard work and determination, they rose above their circumstances and went on to conquer the sports world. This collection of mini biographies, complete with firsthand content drawn from in-depth interviews, is a source of inspiration and self-empowerment for kids and sports fans of all ages. Included in the book: Venus and Serena Wiliams (tennis), Simone Biles (gymnastics), Carli Lloyd (soccer), Wilma Rudolph (track and field), Mo'ne Davis (Little League baseball), Swin Cash (basketball), Elena Delle Donne (basketball), Bethany Hamilton (surfing), Ronda Rousey (mixed martial arts), and Kerri Strug (gymnastics). "An inspiring, empowering collection of true stories of perseverance and resolve." --Kirkus Reviews
Rising Above a Toxic Workplace
Author: Gary Chapman
Publisher: Moody Publishers
ISBN: 0802487440
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 156
Book Description
Learn how to thrive in—or escape from—a toxic work environment. Toxic organizations are rife with conflict, fear, and anger. The environment causes people to have physiological responses as if they’re in a fight-or-flight situation. Healthy people become ill. Colds, flu and stress-related illnesses such as heart attacks are more common. By contrast, in resonant organizations, people take fewer sick days and turnover is low. People smile, make jokes, talk openly and help one another." - Annie McKee (author, consultant) Many employees experience the reality of bullying bosses, poisonous people, and soul-crushing cultures on a daily basis. Rising Above a Toxic Workplace tells authentic stories from today's workers who share how they cope, change, or quit. Candidly they open up about what they learned, what they wish they had done, and how to gain resilience. Insightfully illustrating from these accounts, authors Gary Chapman, Paul White, and Harold Myra blend their combined experiences in ministry and business to deliver hope and practical guidance to those who find themselves in an unhealthy work environment. Includes a Survival Guide and Toolkit full of strategies and realistic insights
Publisher: Moody Publishers
ISBN: 0802487440
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 156
Book Description
Learn how to thrive in—or escape from—a toxic work environment. Toxic organizations are rife with conflict, fear, and anger. The environment causes people to have physiological responses as if they’re in a fight-or-flight situation. Healthy people become ill. Colds, flu and stress-related illnesses such as heart attacks are more common. By contrast, in resonant organizations, people take fewer sick days and turnover is low. People smile, make jokes, talk openly and help one another." - Annie McKee (author, consultant) Many employees experience the reality of bullying bosses, poisonous people, and soul-crushing cultures on a daily basis. Rising Above a Toxic Workplace tells authentic stories from today's workers who share how they cope, change, or quit. Candidly they open up about what they learned, what they wish they had done, and how to gain resilience. Insightfully illustrating from these accounts, authors Gary Chapman, Paul White, and Harold Myra blend their combined experiences in ministry and business to deliver hope and practical guidance to those who find themselves in an unhealthy work environment. Includes a Survival Guide and Toolkit full of strategies and realistic insights
Rising Above Shepherdsville
Author: Ann Schoenbohm
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
ISBN: 1481452835
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
In the tradition of The Higher Power of Lucky and Because of Winn Dixie, a young girl deals with her mother’s suicide in this riveting debut novel that explores love, loss, family, friendship, and redemption. In the summer of 1977, twelve-year-old Dulcie Louise Dixon arrives on the doorstep of her Aunt Bernie’s farmhouse in Shepherdsville, Ohio, with no voice, a spelling bee trophy, a Webster’s Dictionary, and a box full of ashes. She tries to adjust to her new situation, but can’t forget the words she left behind or the mother she’s lost to suicide. One day, Dulcie discovers a secret place: a swan’s nest in the woods where at last, her broken world begins to mend. With the help of her surprising new friends—a guitar-playing runaway, a poetry-loving preacher, a one-armed gas station attendant, a singing seamstress, a chained-up hunting dog, and a family of swans—Dulcie is finally able to rise out of her sadness and grief to find her voice once again.
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
ISBN: 1481452835
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
In the tradition of The Higher Power of Lucky and Because of Winn Dixie, a young girl deals with her mother’s suicide in this riveting debut novel that explores love, loss, family, friendship, and redemption. In the summer of 1977, twelve-year-old Dulcie Louise Dixon arrives on the doorstep of her Aunt Bernie’s farmhouse in Shepherdsville, Ohio, with no voice, a spelling bee trophy, a Webster’s Dictionary, and a box full of ashes. She tries to adjust to her new situation, but can’t forget the words she left behind or the mother she’s lost to suicide. One day, Dulcie discovers a secret place: a swan’s nest in the woods where at last, her broken world begins to mend. With the help of her surprising new friends—a guitar-playing runaway, a poetry-loving preacher, a one-armed gas station attendant, a singing seamstress, a chained-up hunting dog, and a family of swans—Dulcie is finally able to rise out of her sadness and grief to find her voice once again.
Rising Above the Scars
Author: Johnnetta McSwain
Publisher: Dreamwright Publications, LLC
ISBN: 9780615453019
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 190
Book Description
"Rising above the scars is the true account of Johnnetta McSwain's triumphant life journey. Born to an alcoholic mother and absent father, the odds were unceremoniously stacked against her even as she drew her first breath, By the innocent age of five, she was viciously raped and incessantly battered by her three uncles while she was in custody of her grandparents. After battling extreme, traumatic experiences of child abuse and neglect and self destruction, Johnnetta McSwain beat all odds and not only narrowly escaped poverty, self destruction, prison, death, but has broken every generational cycle and is a symbol and voice of survival." -- Page 4 of cover.
Publisher: Dreamwright Publications, LLC
ISBN: 9780615453019
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 190
Book Description
"Rising above the scars is the true account of Johnnetta McSwain's triumphant life journey. Born to an alcoholic mother and absent father, the odds were unceremoniously stacked against her even as she drew her first breath, By the innocent age of five, she was viciously raped and incessantly battered by her three uncles while she was in custody of her grandparents. After battling extreme, traumatic experiences of child abuse and neglect and self destruction, Johnnetta McSwain beat all odds and not only narrowly escaped poverty, self destruction, prison, death, but has broken every generational cycle and is a symbol and voice of survival." -- Page 4 of cover.
Rising Above the Crowd
Author: Brian L. Harbour
Publisher: Baptist Sunday School Board
ISBN: 9780805457308
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 140
Book Description
Publisher: Baptist Sunday School Board
ISBN: 9780805457308
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 140
Book Description
Common Man, Extraordinary Call
Author: Jeff Davidson
Publisher: Kregel Publications
ISBN: 0825445450
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 217
Book Description
Challenges, equips, and inspires fathers of children with special needs Becoming the father of a child with special needs can feel like being drafted into the military--and starting duty as a general. Dad is expected to know how to set rules and run drills without any training in leadership. And there are very few resources for men who want to be involved but need guidance and specific ideas. Overwhelmed, many fathers end up going AWOL on their families. As a twenty-year veteran of special-needs parenting, Jeff Davidson wrote a field manual to give fathers the skills required for the day-to-day demands of parenting. Jeff helps men discover God's new mission for their lives in each of five specific roles: warrior, protector, provider, encourager, and equipper. He offers rich, real-life examples from dads in the field and a no-nonsense approach from initial diagnosis onward. This book is filled with practical how-tos for parenting in the special needs world, bullet points for easy reading and quick reference, and a Mission Critical synopsis at the end of each chapter. Informal and task-oriented, Common Man, Extraordinary Call offers growth and hope for men with little free time. And as they process their instructions, they'll be able to mentor other fathers, creating a strong army of men who not only survive but thrive as capable dads to their children with special needs.
Publisher: Kregel Publications
ISBN: 0825445450
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 217
Book Description
Challenges, equips, and inspires fathers of children with special needs Becoming the father of a child with special needs can feel like being drafted into the military--and starting duty as a general. Dad is expected to know how to set rules and run drills without any training in leadership. And there are very few resources for men who want to be involved but need guidance and specific ideas. Overwhelmed, many fathers end up going AWOL on their families. As a twenty-year veteran of special-needs parenting, Jeff Davidson wrote a field manual to give fathers the skills required for the day-to-day demands of parenting. Jeff helps men discover God's new mission for their lives in each of five specific roles: warrior, protector, provider, encourager, and equipper. He offers rich, real-life examples from dads in the field and a no-nonsense approach from initial diagnosis onward. This book is filled with practical how-tos for parenting in the special needs world, bullet points for easy reading and quick reference, and a Mission Critical synopsis at the end of each chapter. Informal and task-oriented, Common Man, Extraordinary Call offers growth and hope for men with little free time. And as they process their instructions, they'll be able to mentor other fathers, creating a strong army of men who not only survive but thrive as capable dads to their children with special needs.
Rise Above It
Author: Ray Silverman
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781724524645
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 312
Book Description
Rise Above It: Spiritual Development for College Students is a textbook for a course in practical spirituality for young adults in general, and specifically for college students. In this course, "rise above it" refers to rising into higher states of consciousness through practicing universal spiritual principles. In these higher states, above ego concerns, students become more self-aware and gain a broader, deeper perspective on the issues that confront them. While this course does not deal directly with the pressing social issues of our day (violence, substance abuse, global warming, gender identity, poverty, etc.), it does encourage students to examine themselves in the light of universal truth. This leads to an awareness in which they can make decisions that are grounded in the highest human values. Using the Ten Commandments as a framework for universal spiritual principles, this book demonstrates how spiritual practice is the core of every major religion-regardless of differences in doctrine or ritual. Students will not only learn how the commandments occur in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, they will also have the opportunity to practice these spiritual principles in their own lives-especially in regard to the college experience. Each chapter has four parts: Part One: Introductory Story An opening story based on world history, famous literature, or current events, intended to introduce the spiritual practice to be discussed in the chapter. Part Two: World Scriptures A survey of the major religions, with a focus on how each religion contributes to a fuller and deeper understanding of the spiritual practice being studied that week. Many perspectives on the same truth reveal multiple facets of the same gem. Part Three: Journal Entries Excerpts from journal entries and weekly reports, selected from over 12,000 journal entries written by students who have taken this course over the past eighteen years. The book contains over 100 of these anonymous journal entries, reproduced with permission. Part Four: Suggestions for further reflection and practice. Many participants in this course have described themselves as "spiritual but not religious," "evangelical," "agnostic" and even "atheist." Regardless of how students initially describe themselves, they find this course tremendously useful in becoming a finer version of themselves. This course has been taught in a variety of formats for both undergraduate and graduate credit at Bryn Athyn College, the Graduate Theological Foundation, Lincoln University, Mercer University, and the Pacific School of Religion. It is recommended for courses in Practical Spirituality, Religious Ethics, Comparative Religion, Professional Ethics, Moral Life, and Ethical Decision-Making. It could also provide the framework for a First-Year Studies program. A 22-page index, along with a bibliography that includes multiple web sources is designed to help students pursue further research interests.
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781724524645
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 312
Book Description
Rise Above It: Spiritual Development for College Students is a textbook for a course in practical spirituality for young adults in general, and specifically for college students. In this course, "rise above it" refers to rising into higher states of consciousness through practicing universal spiritual principles. In these higher states, above ego concerns, students become more self-aware and gain a broader, deeper perspective on the issues that confront them. While this course does not deal directly with the pressing social issues of our day (violence, substance abuse, global warming, gender identity, poverty, etc.), it does encourage students to examine themselves in the light of universal truth. This leads to an awareness in which they can make decisions that are grounded in the highest human values. Using the Ten Commandments as a framework for universal spiritual principles, this book demonstrates how spiritual practice is the core of every major religion-regardless of differences in doctrine or ritual. Students will not only learn how the commandments occur in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, they will also have the opportunity to practice these spiritual principles in their own lives-especially in regard to the college experience. Each chapter has four parts: Part One: Introductory Story An opening story based on world history, famous literature, or current events, intended to introduce the spiritual practice to be discussed in the chapter. Part Two: World Scriptures A survey of the major religions, with a focus on how each religion contributes to a fuller and deeper understanding of the spiritual practice being studied that week. Many perspectives on the same truth reveal multiple facets of the same gem. Part Three: Journal Entries Excerpts from journal entries and weekly reports, selected from over 12,000 journal entries written by students who have taken this course over the past eighteen years. The book contains over 100 of these anonymous journal entries, reproduced with permission. Part Four: Suggestions for further reflection and practice. Many participants in this course have described themselves as "spiritual but not religious," "evangelical," "agnostic" and even "atheist." Regardless of how students initially describe themselves, they find this course tremendously useful in becoming a finer version of themselves. This course has been taught in a variety of formats for both undergraduate and graduate credit at Bryn Athyn College, the Graduate Theological Foundation, Lincoln University, Mercer University, and the Pacific School of Religion. It is recommended for courses in Practical Spirituality, Religious Ethics, Comparative Religion, Professional Ethics, Moral Life, and Ethical Decision-Making. It could also provide the framework for a First-Year Studies program. A 22-page index, along with a bibliography that includes multiple web sources is designed to help students pursue further research interests.