Category : Books-Non-Fiction

Sub Category : Biography

PREFACE

So many things shape our lives. Our upbringing. Our beliefs. Our experiences. No matter how life turns out, be it good or bad, there will always be trials and tribulations along the way. Think of the times when you did whatever it took to get through each test in your life. How you agonized over your problems. How the agony forced you to think through every decision and the possible outcome of every move. How you acted with courage, confidence, strength and even fear. And how you placed your trust in God through it all. Or did you? Did you experience how that trust in your Creator gave you hope to overcome the adversities in your life? How did it end up? 

The 21st century is full of trials and tribulations for people all over the world. Regardless of where we live, in the northern hemisphere or the southern hemisphere, far away or nearby, we continuously receive devastating news of natural disasters and other calamities. Often when we hear such news we are thankful we are not one of the unfortunate people afflicted by the wrath of nature because we live far away. At the same time, we feel sorry for those who are victims of natural disasters or other horrifying events. 

Close to home, we have our fair share of trials and tribulations - people killed in road accidents and construction mishaps, people suffering from natural disasters such as floods and landslides, people facing hardship because of water woes; especially urban dwellers living in high-rise apartments and condominiums, people caught in daily traffic jams; causing anger and frustration, people facing educational and employment challenges leading to increasing social ills; especially among the younger generation. 

I personally know of many people who are going through trials and tribulations in the forms of illness or who have loved ones who have either lost their job or have not been able to find one. Some are facing major challenges with their spouse or children. Although I may not be directly affected, I cannot help but feel enormous sympathy and compassion for those whose lives are affected by adversity. That said, I cannot be complacent and think I will not go through such trials. Trials happen to everyone. What makes the difference is how we deal with them. 

In any state of hardship, disaster or hopelessness, it is important to remember to be steadfast and patient and try to reach out to someone for help or for a shoulder to cry on. If there is no one you can turn to, always remember you are never alone. God is always there for you. Talk to Him and ask Him for His help. God promises He will help those who seek Him and pray for His help. 

There is a story in all of us waiting to be told. Writer's Outlet has provided the platform for me to share a compilation of short stories of true events of trials, tribulations and hope, told to me by people who had crossed my path. Each story is unique; one may be inspiring, another may be thought-provoking. Whatever the impact, each story conveys a message or a purpose. A common thread running through the stories is that, despite trials and tribulations, there is hope to hold onto that will lead to life's better rewards. Simply put, when you get knocked down, you get back up, and you can do this by putting all effort in place and then hope and have faith. 

It is my hope that this collection of stories can help you make a good positive difference when dealing with your own trials and tribulations. Hopefully, you can draw inspiration and hope from these stories, enabling you to rise above your trials, no matter how insurmountable they may appear to be. Hearing these stories from the people who had crossed my path has certainly inspired me to look at situations from a different perspective. I hope these stories will have the same impact on you. 

Thank you. 

Zee Zulu