As I sit on a couch swing in the backyard, I listen to the birds singing. They always sound a little more cheerful during this time of year. Looking around me, I see nothing but flecks of color amidst a forest of green. The gentle breeze blows, and I know I have found the perfect place to do what I like to do best—read.

The stories written by the 21 finalists have been amazing. There were a couple with which I could relate; there were some that amazed me of the strength and fortitude of my fellow man; there were some that after reading I had to stop, take a breath and offer up a prayer for those who have faced such difficulties and sorrows. Precious stories, every last one, told by those who lived them, experienced them, and found the courage to write them to inspire us all. It always takes courage to share personal experiences, to show those we’ve never even met a part of our hearts, experiences, lives.

I truly hope that each of you have enjoyed the stories as much as I have. Thank you for taking time to read, to comment, to absorb, and maybe even to open your heart and let your life begin to change through the experiences of others. “No man is an island” and through these stories, perhaps new bridges have been built, new friendships made, and new encouragement given to those who have struggled with the telling of their tales.

We would like to give honorable mention to a few stories. By the comments from others, we know these stories were great!

143, by Dina Schroeder

“What a beautiful story! Your love for God is awesome and your obedience to Him is amazing. You are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your story and revealing that God does love each and everyone of us and truly tells us so!”

June 16, 2009, by Cody Hopkinson

“There is nothing as beautiful as giving birth. And to hear it from a father’s perspective is in a way even more beautiful. I love the way he writes because it’s factual, emotional, humorous, tender, and full of love. It also makes me cry every time I read it and I love the way it brings back memories of my own children’s births.”

Falling in Love, by Jessica Jones

“I can relate in many ways. I love the emotion you put into this. It is very real and honest… Thank you so much for sharing this. I hope to see more of your stories soon!”

Assault on An Angel: A Rape Victim’s Story, by Donna Carbone

“I am one of the finalists in the writing contest myself, but I have to say that your story touched me and I found myself tearing up. Jessica is a very strong person and she is indeed quite the survivor…She is so lucky to have you and the support of her family behind her. There is very little times that I am at lost for words but in this moment I was made speechless at your daughter’s strength….God bless you and her!”

The contest winners, those who received the most “likes” on Facebook:

Third place:

The Mind of a Runner, by Dawson Vorderbruegge

“Dawson, that was awesome. That run is an awesome example of the pain cave. You enter by choice and you decide how long you are in there by choice… Not going in, and or leaving early are so detrimental to success.”

Second Place:

Life, The Way It Never Was, by Keshav Pratap

“I read it…..stopped for a while and thought what had I been doing all my life…..lost and busy I have wasted my life for so many days….showed me another way to live this life… Loved it.”

First place:

Mutual Induction, by Anant Utkarsh

“Way to go!! One of the best short story I have come across so far!”

Photo by Left-Hand