Linda Ellis has mastered the art of communicating the Simple Truths of Life. Her beautiful poem, The Dash, has only 239 words, but truly captures why we’re here on this earth in an unforgettable way. Simple Truths has sold over 300,000 copies of The Dash, and it has made its way around the world as over 30 million people have watched our three-minute movie version of the “Dash movie” on the internet.
That’s why we’re proud to bring Linda’s talent back with her second book titled, Simple Truths of Life. It’s a wonderful collection of stories, great quotes and of course, Linda’s original poems that present the simple truths of life in a way that you won’t soon forget! Today I’d like to share one of her stories that I loved called…Dash of Hope. Enjoy!
Excerpt from:
Simple Truths of Life,
by Linda EllisDash of Hope
My poem, The Dash, is based on that little line on a tombstone, between the dates of birth and death. Ultimately, that dash is a symbol which represents every day we’ve spent alive on earth. Therefore, how you spend your “dash” is all that really matters. Following is an amazing story about someone whose dash truly made a difference.
Recently I heard about a little girl named Hope Stout. After learning more about her life, I couldn’t help but feel it was not by coincidence, nor happenstance, that she had been named “Hope.” It had to be attributed to fate. The compassion and generosity housed in her young heart made a lasting impression on me and countless others, and her legacy of love continues to bless lives every day. Though I never had the opportunity to meet her, I wish I had. It seems as though she was wise beyond her tender years and very, very special. When I tell people her story, I always say, “if this doesn’t inspire you, I don’t think there’s much that could…”
Hope was a twelve-year old girl who was offered a “wish” in early December 2003 by the “Make-A-Wish” Foundation after being informed that she had a rare type of bone cancer. However, when she found out that more than 150 children in her area were waiting for their wishes to be granted, she unselfishly used her wish to ask that those children have their wishes granted. She also asked that it be done by January 16, 2004. Unfortunately, however, the organization informed her that her noble request could not be granted as the funds were simply unavailable. They calculated that they would need to raise more than one million dollars in thirty days in order to grant her wish. Disappointed, but not discouraged, she turned her dismay into an enthusiasm that inspired caring individuals to spearhead fundraising to help grant the wishes of the other children, and eventually hers as well. Newspaper columnists and reporters for radio and TV stations shared the story of this caring young girl who had touched the hearts of so many and as word spread, the community was challenged. Committees were formed and schools, corporations and various organizations assisted in raising money to help bring Hope’s dream to fruition.
Though she lost her battle in 2004, knowing that her wish was going to come true, Hope lives on. Her heartfelt efforts were not in vain as they continue to help others, not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally as well. At the initial fundraiser and gathering to celebrate her life, “A Celebration of Hope” on January 16, 2004, the announcement was made that they had indeed received donations totaling more than one million dollars on behalf of Hope Stout. Her wish had been granted!
Simple Truths of Life is a beautiful book that will make an inspiring gift for anyone you know. It’ll be a gift that keeps on giving for years to come!
Today, I’m pleased to offer a special price of $10.00 per book. Our regular price is $15.95, a savings of 37%! Also as an added bonus, we are offering free shipping on all domestic orders of $50 or more (USD).
For more information or to watch our wonderful movie, just click here
All the Best,
JC
Whether you’re 6 years old or 60, I’m sure you remember a teacher or two whom have inspired you.
I remember when I was a sophomore, I was asked to fill in for another actor in the Spring high school musical, Cole Porter’s Anything Goes. The practices were long and hard: I was quite shy as a teenager, so it unnerved me to speak on stage. After the last performance of the musical I went up to my director and said, “I never thought I would have enough courage to speak on stage!” Mr. Ruelas encouraged me with a phrase I’ll never forget: “Don’t you ever limit yourself!” Since then, whenever I think, “I can’t do this!” I remember him telling me that phrase.
Which teachers have inspired you? How have they inspired you? What quotes from them remind you to persevere?
A Parent’s Note to a Teacher
AnonymousI’m the voice of a grateful parent
whose child was in your class…
the one who needed help to find his wayYou’ve been a special blessing
as you helped my child succeed
and I’m thankful for the part you had to playYou gave him so much more
than just the lessons in the books
you gave him wings… so he could learn to flyYou ignited a flame within his soul
a passion to learn and grow…
to never give up and always be willing to tryYour encouragement inspired him
and your kindness was so real
but the thing that thrills my heart the most is this…By building his self-confidence
you changed his life this year
he believes in himself… and a brighter future is his!
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