Inspirational Stories Archives

Gridiron Inspiration

By Edward Grinnan4 min read

5 inspirational storylines that could emerge from the NFL playoffs this weekend.

Inspiration from Guideposts Readers: 1/5/11

By what-inspires-you3 min read

We’re kicking off our new blog with four inspiring comments from our Facebook fans.

The Top 10 Inspirational Stories of 2010

By Edward Grinnan3 min read

Do you have a favorite among these Guideposts stories?

Thanks for the Inspiration

By Edward Grinnan1 min read

I just wanted to wish all my wonderful Guideposts friends a very blessed Christmas, and thank you for another year of loyalty and support and inspiration.

I know you don't know me, but my name is Lael, also...AND I'M FROM CHARLESTON! Now, how weird is that? It's not like you see or hear our name very often. Just curious how you got your name? Are you from here? Lael Kershaw Byrd . Hello, nice to hear from another 'Lael'. I was born and raised in Moncks Corner, SC where I still reside. I was actually named after a Citadel Cheerleader. In 1972, my father attended a Citadel basketball game and saw the name on a cheerleaders uniform. He loved the name so much he went home and told my mom he had found the perfect name. So that is how I got the name. When I was a little girl, my family and I were having dinner at The Trawler in Mt. Pleasant and we actually meet the mother of the cheerleader. Have you ever met another Lael? Lael Bodiford Ford . Guess who the Citadel cheerleader was/is????!!! IT'S ME! And the person who was working in the gift shop of the Trawler was my mom, Ruth Clinkscales (who passed away unexpectedly March 14th of this year). OMG...I was feeling so depressed trying to decorate for Christmas, and I think she just sent you as a gift to me. No kidding! I remember when this happened. She called me when she got home that night and said, "There was a little girl running around in the gift shop, and I heard someone call out her name, "Lael." Mama said, wait a minute....there's only one Lael and that's my daughter. The young man, told my mom the story about seeing the name on the sleeve of the cheerleader at The Citadel. This is UNBELIEVEABLE! I still have that sweater, but I'm sure it's probably dry-rotted by now! LOL So, Miss Lael...not sure if you know, but the name Lael means "gift from God." You, my dear, just made that more true than you know. You were just sent to me as a gift from God. My faith has just grown 10-fold. If you can see my photos, you can also see pictures of my precious mom. So, from one Lael to another, thank you for answering that crazy message to you. Wow...I still canNOT believe this. And, yes, I have met - and talked with - a couple of Lael's. My name was the name of an author that my dad found in a book he was reading. Boy, wish my mom was here right now so I could give you the author's last name. But she actually mailed my parents a letter; which I'm certainly going to have to search for now. Evidently my dad wrote to her after naming me after her. Strange how this is coming full circle just when I need it. I'm sitting here shaking my head. I live in Mt. Pleasant and have some very good friends who live in Moncks Corner. Maybe one day we can me meet. Thank you, Lael. (That felt weird to type!) But, truly, thank you. My heart is bursting...a true Christmas gift. (Sorry, I can get a tad mushy!) Tell your dad, and tell him thank you!! Lael Clinkscales (Kershaw) Byrd.

Facebook Strangers Share More Than a Name

By Adam Hunter2 min read

We’ve all done it—looked up our name on Facebook to find our “name twins.” One woman found a whole lot more. Did God’s grace play a role?

Alison Sweeney shares positive thinking tips

Be a Better You!

By Alison Sweeney8 min read

Want to start the New Year off right? The host of The Biggest Loser shares her tips. (Hint: they don’t all have to do with losing weight.)

Christmas Inspiration from Edward Grinnan

By Edward Grinnan3 min read

The Christmas spirit has struck. Me, at least.

The Puck Stopped Here

By Edward Grinnan2 min read

You meet the nicest people in this job. Do you meet interesting and inspiring people in your job?

Amy Molinero’s Trip to Israel: Day 7

By amy-molinero2 min read

We spent our final day in Jerusalem.

Amy Molinero’s Trip to Israel: Day 6

By amy-molinero2 min read

We are on our way to the Salt Sea. I can’t wait to see it!

First Responder

By Mary Phillips6 min read

She wasn't a dog person. But this little dog changed her life.

Christmas Angel Tree

Enjoy this tour of the angels gracing the Christmas tree at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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