Books That Influenced Me

I'm not what you would consider, by any stretch of the imagination, the religious type.  So it's surprising to most, when I list the Bible as one of, if not the most influential book that I've ever read.  Growing up in my house, my parents did not emphasize religion, or going to church every Sunday.  I often opted to go to church with my neighborhood friends and their families.  Even then, it was mainly to hang out with my friends and kill time.  Plus, Sunday's were not known for having kid friendly television.

Soon before you know it, I was actually starting to learn passages and scriptures from the bible.  I still didn't fully understand all of the words, but I grew confidence in remembering them.  I guess indirectly, I became a Christian.  I was 10 years old, and my salvation was the last thing on my mind.  Still every Sunday, there I was in Sunday school with my neighborhood friends, subliminally becoming a Christian.  I finally made sense of it all when I got older.  After years of turmoil at home, and going through some growing pains, I started to rely on the bible for spiritual guidance and encouragement.  I realized that the bible for me, was a motivational tool that allowed to accept my life and it's conditions, for what they were.  I read somewhere in the bible, " The last shall be first." To this day, when I feel down about my status or position in life, these words give me a sense of hope an optimism.  Though I've grown to look at the bible, and other religious books with some sort of skepticism, I still agree with the overall intent of the scriptures.  My believes, have been shaped by my experiences, and my knowledge is still in progress.  I don't believe that there is one true religion, but I do believe in the human spirit.  Sometimes the right set of words can lift your spirits and change your perception.  For that reason alone, the bible was the first and the most influential book  in my lifetime.