Lessons From Two of My Favorite Autobiographies
How much of what you read do you actually remember?
I’ve read quite a lot, but not all of it sticks with me past the end of the book. If you’re looking for interesting, inspiring, and memorable books, I recommend starting with these two autobiographies. Both have encouraging messages that have stayed with me for years after finishing.
Along with an inside look at the life of a NASA astronaut, Col. Chris Hadfield’s book, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, is full of life lessons. The one that has stuck with me is to live like the person you want to become.
Hadfield decided at a young age to work toward becoming an astronaut. We all know getting to space is not easy, but Hadfield also had the extra barriers of being a Canadian while NASA only accepted American citizen applications at the time — as well as being a nine year old. His solution was to make small decisions every day in the way he imagined an astronaut would, just in case his dream became feasible. What would an astronaut eat? How would an astronaut act? These seemingly small choices eventually culminated in Colonel Hadfield reaching his goal, and traveling past Earth’s atmosphere. Hadfield’s mindset while working toward his dream was not “outer space or bust,” but rather to enjoy and be proud of himself each step of the way. With this mindset, whether he reached space or not, he would still be satisfied.
“If you start thinking that only your biggest and shiniest moments count, you’re setting yourself up to feel like a failure most of the time. Personally, I’d rather feel good most of the time, so to me everything counts: the small moments, the medium ones, the successes that make the papers and also the ones that no one knows about but me.” -Col. Chris Hadfield, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth
After surviving a Nazi concentration camp, Corrie ten Boom traveled the world preaching the gospel. Amazing Love is a collection of stories from her travels. Two stories with a lasting impact both illustrated the power of intercession.
At times, we get trapped in a cycle of only praying for our needs, forgetting the importance of praying for others. Corrie gives an example of the power of intercession while describing a time she was conversing with a woman who was completely closed off to the gospel. At one point in the conversation, Corrie witnessed a breakthrough as the woman’s heart was softened to finally listen to the message. Later, Corrie discovered a man had overheard their conversation, and the minute he started praying for them was the same time the breakthrough occurred. God hears our prayers, and it’s important to come before Him for others as well as ourselves.
During another trip, Corrie found herself overwhelmed by fear, unable to focus on anything else. She finally had the idea to begin praying for those she knew. After a time of interceding for whoever came to mind, she realized she was no longer afraid. Communing with God is powerful, with benefits we sometimes don’t intend or expect.
“The devil often laughs when we work, but he trembles when we pray.” -Corrie ten Boom, Amazing Love
