Contributor: Janet Mantey

Bio Note: Janet works as an early years advisory teacher and particularly enjoys gardening, travelling and being a mother to her two fabulous sons!

Work: The Bible, Psalm 23

Dear Mum,

I mentioned the concept of 'Reading for Life' on the phone to you last night and just wondered if you could send in a short letter or email revealing a piece of literature that means a lot to you and then explaining why. On a personal note, I'm quite intrigued to find out what it is too!! :o)

See you soon,

Love Gareth

From my Mum:

The most life challenging and life changing book I have ever read is the Bible. For me this large book has provided me with refreshment, inspiration, guidance, challenge and comfort when I have needed it. One of the intriguing aspects that has encouraged me to read it so often is that so much has been written about the lives of ordinary people. It has documented the mistakes they have made, their selfishness, questioning and doubting. Yet alongside this has been examples of how their encounters with God have transformed and renewed their lives, how they have found peace, hope, joy and a strength far greater than their own, equipping them to live in the world around and make a significant difference of good. It is almost an impossible task to choose one of the books as my favourite but in trying to do so I find myself returning many times to the book of Psalms which I have often been drawn to at significant times of difficulty and loss in my life. Whether reading Psalms of comfort or praise, they’ve always helped me focus on hope for the future.

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will feel no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff they comfort with me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,
You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows,
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.