Where’s the Book Inside You?

We ran into each other again at Manna House on a Wednesday afternoon. It’s where we usually see each other.

Cowboy and I first met in his homeless camp. From first glance and first conversation, I knew Cowboy was rich in life stories.

When I couldn’t believe he was as old as he said—he didn’t look his age—he volunteered his ID to prove it. But as the stories added up, I knew he had lived many years. How else can you squeeze so much living into one lifetime?

For several months he’d been promising me a book. One that he’s been writing. It’s about his life.

I definitely want to read Cowboy’s book.

But Cowboy doesn’t always get to the library to type up his tales on the computers there. His health isn’t as great as it used to be. And his years continue to add up.

Will I ever get to read his book?

I’ve read a lot of books in my life. But I haven’t read enough. There are more books I still want to—need to—read.

There are more encounters with love I have yet to experience.

Each life tells a story. Each life shows a unique way to be a human. Cowboy’s life shows a side I didn’t grow up with. Perhaps more struggles. Rougher around the edges. Yet protective and gentle in its own way.

If Cowboy never gets his book finished, I hope I’ll continue running into him at Manna House or the library or occasionally at a mutual friend’s funeral.

I can hear his story, even if I never get to read it. He can talk about it, even when he doesn’t get a chance to write it out.

On the last Wednesday we talked, Cowboy and Susan needed a ride back to their homeless camp (they later moved into an apartment of their own again for a time before Susan passed away). We dropped them off at the edge of their woods.

As they walked deeper into the trees, farther than we could see, I thought again about Cowboy’s future book full of his past stories.

Even if I never get to read them, Cowboy’s stories have already enriched my stories. His life has enriched mine.

But I still hope he’ll finish his book.

You might want to read it, too.

* * *

Whose life story would you like to read? Have you written your own story? Please share in the comments.

revised from the archives

Read more:

  • His Bread in My Car?
    The homeless boys know the forecast. Cold and stormy. I’ll have to turn up my electric blanket tonight. Life is so unfair.
  • A Year from Homeless
    I asked the once-homeless wife, “Is there anything you miss about living outside, anything at all?” I thought the open air? Birds? People? But what she said surprised me…
  • Whose World Is Real? Theirs or Ours?
    The world of the homeless camp feels brutally real. He tells me he knows who the survivors are. I think he’s right.

39 thoughts on “Where’s the Book Inside You?

  1. Michele Morin

    Thanks for this great insight, Lisa. And I see this too whenever I’m teaching a grup of women. I look into their faces and see one story after another. I don’t know the details, but I know God has been at work, and whenever he’s working there’s a story.

  2. Pam Ecrement

    What a great story and SO TRUE!! We all need to be encouraged to tell the stories that are ours. As I was reading this I wondered if you could transcribe the stories for him to save them in some way.

  3. Lesley

    I agree, people’s stories are fascinating, and all of them have things to teach us about God. I can think of quite a few people whose stories I would like to read/ learn more about!

  4. Laurie

    I hope Cowboy gets to write his book. I have found that the misfits, the outcasts, and the dreamers usually have something to teach me. These were the people Jesus hung out with. I love your concept of each person showing you a different face of God. everyone has something to teach us if we let them. Great post!

  5. bill (cycleguy)

    I think you inadvertently brought up a good point Lisa. many people think of homeless as living under a bridge or in a “camp.” Around here we have people who live in the woods but don’t want you to know it or know where it is. We don’t have a “city bridge” someone can live under. that being said, i would love to read his story if it is ever published.

  6. Kathleen Burkinshaw

    Dear Lisa, I would definitely love to read his story! I wrote about my Mom’s story of surviving the atomic bombing of Hiroshima at 12 yrs old. Someday, I may do mine. I enjoy your blog posts. I’m visiting from Let’s Have Coffee Link up 🙂

  7. Karen Friday

    Lisa, such sweet reflections about Cowboy and the story…book inside of each of us. Love this thought, “Each life tells a story. Each life shows a different side of God.” I’m glad you are hearing Cowboy’s stories, reading chapters of his life each time you see him. I hope he does get to finish his book one day. And if not, maybe the Lord will call you to share some of what you know about his life in a book or a series of blog posts!

  8. Rebecca Hastings

    This challenge to listen is so good. Sometimes I’m tempted to rush through and skip over the listening, but there is so much value in that place. Not all the words or stories end up on the page.

  9. Beth

    You sure do meet a lot of interesting people along the way in your mission and ministry efforts, Lisa! You inspire me to reach out and help others, who in turn, help us so much more than we could ever help them! Hugs to you!

  10. Mother of 3

    I am finding I just love reading about people’s lives there are so many interesting stories out there. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Encouraging Hearts and Home. Pinned.

  11. floyd samons

    I love those colorful characters that add to ours!

    I appreciate your attitude, Lisa. I too believe that every person is a walking story book that just needs to be recorded.

    I’ve written five manuscripts to date, working on the sixth. One of them, Fried Bologna Sandwiches and Tears, that I’m still agent hunting for, is a memoir that is essentially a tribute to my late dad.

    I’ll look forward to reading Cowboy’s book too!

  12. Crystal Twaddell

    I appreciate this perspective of taking the time to hear and read other people’s stories because in them, we experience different aspects of God. And in this, I know he builds unity and relationship with him and others. I hope you do get to read his book one day!

  13. Juanita Deloris

    I have not written my story…yet, but it is something I would like to accomplish one day soon. I think it is such a wonderful gift God has given us, this ability to learn and be encouraged by one another’s story. When God opens the door for us to speak of His greatness in our lives, we should definitely not let the opportunity pass us by. God bless you!

  14. Betty Jo

    I would love to read Cowboy’s story. I once began to write my life story, but after several chapters I was overcome with conviction that I was doing so from a place of pain and rejection, trying to have the last word, to get back at those who had hurt so deeply. So, I stopped. Only recently have I had a desire to write again, but think I’ll stick to blog posts for now. ♥

  15. Dianna

    Lisa, I love the reminder that you have given us here…the reminder that everyone has a story to tell. It makes me wonder how many times I have missed the mark in hearing the story someone was telling me.

    We have a friend…a pastor…who loves to tell stories of different experiences in his life. Stories from when he traveled to South America helping those in need…I do wish he would write a book!

  16. Patti Gardner

    I am in the process of writing my dad’s life story. I have interviewed him on my last several visits, and I will do so again when I go visit in May (to celebrate his and mom’s 65th anniversary!). At almost-87, he’s still in very good health, but that could change anytime, so I want to capture his story while I still can. Honestly, I urge everyone to learn their parents’ stories!!

  17. Lory @ Entering the Enchanted Castle

    When are we going to get your book, Lisa? I’d love to see that, you are such a good writer. Maybe you would share others’ stories along with your own, in a way they could not craft for themselves. In the meantime, we are blessed that you share your thoughtfully crafted words with us so generously.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      You’re kind, Lory. I actually did start writing a book last year, but I’ve put it on the back burner this year due to time constraints for writing, and also because the hurdles of publishing seem too great. When things slow down, maybe I’ll pick your brain about how you moved past those roadblocks with your book. Thanks for the encouragement!

      1. Lory @ Entering the Enchanted Castle

        I would be your biggest cheerleader. What helped me move past my own roadblocks was actually taking part in a writing community during November (NaNoWriMo month) where I connected with an “accountability partner”. Making a plan for the month that was reasonable for my available time, and keeping in touch with her about what I accomplished each day, motivated me to get a big chunk of my project done. I imagine something like that could be helpful.

  18. Joanne

    I love reading memoirs and listening to life stories because they are all pretty unique and interesting. My husband’s aunt is one of the best story tellers I know– she’s so fun and engaging and entertaining. I don’t feel like I tell stories nearly as well as she does; or else my life has been a lot more boring than hers. I’m not sure which.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      lol. Sometimes I think the best storytellers can make anything sound interesting, no matter how mundane it is. My mil has always been a good storyteller. I appreciate those who have that skill like your husband’s aunt, Joanne!

  19. Trudy

    I love your gift of drawing out the stories of others, Lisa. And of making them feel they and their stories are special and important. I hope Cowboy’s story is written someday for others to be enriched by. But what a blessing already that you have his story in your memories. Thank you for sharing this and for encouraging us that our stories matter. Love and blessings to you!

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Thank you, Trudy. I’m glad there are so many ways to tell stories. I often hear stories on your blog posts through the photos you share! Hope you’re doing well, friend!

  20. Jean Wise

    Every life is a story – God’s story within our story. This is such a great illustration, Lisa. I have to agree with Lory’s comment about YOU writing a book if that is within you to. don’t let publishing be the obstacle – just write, the rest will fall into place if it is meant to be. I decided a long time ago I don’t write to be publish = I write because I cannot not write.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      I appreciate your encouraging words too to keep writing without worrying about the obstacle of publishing. I got a good start on a book in 2023, but haven’t touched it this year for various reasons, including the publishing roadblocks in my head. So I’ll keep your words in mind, Jean, and maybe find a way to prioritize writing again soon!

  21. Tea With Jennifer

    What an enriched encounter Lisa! Everyone has a story to tell but some have many stories to share.

    To answer your question, yes I’ve written two books, one about Grief from a personal & professional perspective.

    And the second is sharing my Heaven experience which can be read freely at; https://teawithjennifer.blog/chapter-one/

    I hope your friend gets to publish his book & that you do too. ☺️
    blessings, Jennifer

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      I’m so glad that you’ve put your experiences into print, Jennifer. I have so enjoyed reading the pieces of your story that you share on your blog. It does enrich my life to learn more about the lives of others!

  22. Joanne Viola

    Lisa, I so appreciate how you always remind us to listen attentively to the stories of those around us. Every life, every story has value and enriches our lives. Thank you for telling your stories!

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Thank you, Joanne. I’m always amazed at how unique and rich each life is, if we can just find the time to listen and draw out the stories from those around us!

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