Half Full: 40 Inspiring Stories of Optimism, Hope, and Faith

by Azriela Jaffe

Following the best-selling trend of inspirational stories, this book offers 40 moving, true stories Readers will find inspiration and draw strength Layota Maddox, an impoverished, disabled black girl abandoned by her mother and raised in foster care. Wheelchair bound with no use of any joints in her body except her neck, she writes out her story with a pencil in her mouth poking at a computer keyboard. Rise Kittle, single parent to four boys of her own, agrees to adopt three girls who are suddenly orphaned when their mother shoots and kills their father, and then herself, in front of them. All her life she had wanted to raise girls. This wasn't how she expected it to happen, but she welcomes her new girls with an open heart. Ronda Stump, who watches in horror as her rental home burns to the ground shortly after her wedding. But horror turns to joy when she discovers that through a fluke her wedding gown miraculously survives the fire. Word spreads, and the community outpouring is so tremendous, that Ronda and her beloved are able to build a home of their own. Theresa Blume, a deaf woman whose disability enhances her life, much to the surprise of those around her. She describes how beautiful the world smells to her, how her relationships are more intimate because she has to look at people in the eyes and read their lips, and their hearts, and how she hears when her prayers are answered because she isn't distracted by the noise of the world. Uplifting quotes, sprinkled throughout the book, to infuse readers with a sense of peace and positivism. Writer and editor Azriela Jaffe has written more than a dozen books, including the best- selling Heartwarmers series. A syndicated newspaper advice columnist, Azriela also produces two biweekly e-zines and speaks professionally on an array of "feel good and self improvement" topics. She lives in the Philadelphia area.

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2003