I hated to read growing up.  In high school I maybe read one book for all four years.  I thought reading was for those who had no life.  However, after I graduated I picked up a book that a friend recommended to me, “The God Chasers” by Tommy Tenney.  I thought I would give it a chance since he was raving about how it changed his life.  I couldn’t put the book down after the first few chapters.  I grew more by reading that book than I had the previous 4 years combined on my own.  I couldn’t believe the insight and inspiration I was getting from reading.  I then picked up another book…”A Heart Ablaze” by John Bevere and it forever changed me.  I literally went from 2mph – 80mph by reading.  Ever since that time I have devoted my life to reading and personal growth.  I am who I am today because of the books I have read.  If there was one practical element that has shaped me into who I am today it would be..BOOKS.  I read over a hundred books a year.  I do not read fiction though I am not against it, I just spend most of my time reading books that will challenge me to grow.  I usually read one fictional book a year around Christmas time, but devote all the rest to books that will give me insight.  I have 4 categories that I read in (excluding the Bible, since that is a given)…

1. Leadership

2. Christian Living

3. Business

4. Skills (song writing, art, photography, how to type books)

I believe reading books is the fastest way to grow in your wisdom and knowledge.  What you put into yourself is what will come out.  If you are pumping your life full of insight and inspiration then you will overflow with those messages.  We cannot give what we don’t have.  Reading is a way of inputting, so we can output.  Leaders are readers.  You will not become everything you have the potential to be without reading books from those who have gone before you.  If we think we will get “everything” we need in life just automatically we will miss out on so much.  The best that is out there for us has to come through intentional growth.  Growth happens when we pursue wisdom and knowledge.  We don’t stumble upon wisdom and knowledge, it can only be mined from the depths of great books and experiences.  Experiences are a great part of growth, no doubt, but they are not exclusive to wisdom and knowledge.  We must have a reference for our experiences and that comes through great books that give insight to our experiences.  Books help shape our view and attitude towards life.  They give us the right perspective in what we go through.  They are commentaries to life to help make sense of all that life has to offer.

Many people give many reasons as to why they don’t read.  They are not reasons though they are excuses.  The most popular ones are…

1. Don’t have enough time = I really don’t want to / I’d rather do something else 

2. Don’t know what to read = I haven’t taken the time to pick topics to read about

3. Books don’t hold my attention = I am not focusing on learning

4. I am not a reader = I am not committed to growing 

It has been said that who you will become 5 years from now will be the result of the people you meet and the books you read.  So what books are you reading that are shaping who you will become? Get reading!!!

“A man only learns in two ways, one by reading, and the other by association with smarter people.”
~ Will Rogers ~

“A capacity and taste for reading gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others.”

~ Abraham Lincoln ~

“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

~ Dr. Seuss ~ 

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors,

and the most patient of teachers.”  

~ Charles W. Eliot ~