The Lost and Found Collection: The Treasure of Hope

By C.B. Wallis

Sprinkled with humor, the vignettes of The Lost and Found Collection will open minds and hearts to remarkable possibilities for conquering lifes simple stressors or major struggles.

Witness the proof that its never too late to be who you might have been. Just dont try to go it alone. Learn how support may come from the kindness of a stranger or helpful coincidences that just might be God acting anonymously.

The Lost and Found Collection will clarify the difference between happiness and joy, as well as disclose the mystery of paradoxical joy from adversity.

Aspects of the often surprising essays in The Lost and Found Collection are easily identifiable, but the metamorphosis from agnostic to believer will be a personalized, individual experience. Along the way, discover The Treasure of Hope that comes from only one source. Each candidly poignant vignette from The Lost and Found Collection reaches a memorably uplifting finale that will leave significant messages to ponder.

Highly recommended!

The Editorial Board of The Columbia Review

The Lost and Found Collection: The Treasure of Hope by C.B. Wallis is an inspiring non-fiction work with a strong literary tone and a high spiritual message. Part memoir, part inspirational advice, the book combines deep human insights, rich Christian wisdom, and an authentic voice that shares personal experiences in stories and contemplative memories, poetic and scriptural nuggets, and faith-based witnessing.

Much of the book is told in the first person, recounting the authors experiences that carry relevant messages of overcoming challenges, recovering from calamities, and sustaining hopes for the future. In an eerily appropriate scene, the author recounts the beginning of her spiritual journey as she picked up a new Bible on New Years Day and opened it to see the words: Let there be light! (Genesis 1:3). Indeed, this book sheds light not only on the authors eventful lifes journey, but also on life itself and the ways in which the modern world challenges ones sensibilities and sensitivities.

Perhaps the most valuable thread in The Lost and Found Collection: The Treasure of Hope is its message of optimism in the face of hardship. The authors personal journey mirror that of the scriptures advice she appropriately quotes: [] when troubles comes your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For [] when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (James 1:24.)

Drawing on her own lifes trials and tribulations, as well as joys and gifts, the author discusses a wide spectrum of subjects of great relevance to allfears and worries, love and care, generosity and dignity, mental health and physical illness, adoption and family, friendship and enmity, life and death, and even war and peace, as they apply to survivors and veterans.

In summary, The Lost and Found Collection: The Treasure of Hope by C.B. Wallis is an uplifting, spiritual memoir, sprinkled with gems of wisdom and faith. Readers will enjoy this book and benefit from it on several levels: It is a fascinating journey of personal growth and empowerment, a series of well-told, memorable stories, intriguing insights into lifes most trying moments, and invaluable guidance when confronted with an unexpected crisis. Highly recommended!

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9781490841915

C.B. Wallis

An astonishing encounter one blustery night enabled Ms. Wallis to move past obstacles. New beginnings involved work in healthcare fields, including mental health occupational therapy. She was also a member of a global outreach team to Namibia, Africa. Recently, Ms. Wallis became a transplant from New England to western Pennsylvania.

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Copyright © 2014 C.B. Wallis.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission. NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks of Biblica, Inc. Use of either trademark for the offering of goods or services requires the prior written consent of Biblica US, Inc.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4908-4192-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-4193-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-4191-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014911286

WestBow Press rev. date: 12/8/2014

Contents

Preface

Applause for the Supporting Cast

A Fishy Plan

Out Fishin’

The Power of Three Times Three

Strangers

One Blustery Night

The Greatest of These

And Now I Know

Dignity

Cold Hands, Warm Heart

Come Back, Norman

Right Place, Right Time

An Answered Prayer

The Amazing Trip

The Call, the Coward, and the Holy Spirit

Invisible Love

For Rebecca and George Wilson, who demonstrated the beautiful simplicity of love many years ago.

And for three darling little girls who impart that same pure sentiment today —

Katie, Sonia, and Elizabeth.

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Preface

The vignettes of The Lost and Found Collection are candid accounts of actual experiences, although there may be in some cases compositing of events. A few names have been changed or intentionally omitted to protect anonymity. Exact locations are not specified in order to ensure complete privacy. A few minor literary liberties have been taken for the sake of continuity. The essays are randomly presented; therefore, they are not in any chronological order of events. Each shared life lesson, although serious in nature, still finds humor and evolves into a positive, uplifting finale.

All writings are original works other than the Emily Dickenson poem and Out Fishin’. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scriptures are from The New International Version Bible.

That specific Bible was serendipitously found on New Year’s Eve at a crowded grocery store, where sensory overload was at a peak. I was not shopping in preparation for a celebration or a party. The upcoming year was looking quite dismal. The goal was to escape the store as quickly as possible. Rushing past the bookrack on the way to the checkout line, one particular book grabbed my attention. The cover depicted a serene, beautiful, blue sky over smoothly rolling green hills. The book was entitled The Bible in 90 Days.

I was drawn to the book that would greatly influence my life. Additionally, it was one bestseller that I had never read.

Studying the Bible revealed answers to many curious mysteries, including how there can be paradoxical joy from adversity. The Bible also clarified the difference between happiness and joy. I can now appreciate the distinctive qualities of each. Achieving joy requires cultivation. However, once anchored, it is there for all of eternity. Joy is a constant spiritual feeling, regardless of circumstances. Happiness is simply the fleeting moments in earthly time. To phrase it simply, joy is internal and eternal.

The extraordinary book from the supermarket shelf was an unexpected treasure found at an unexpected time and place. It brought hope, a wondrous blessing for the New Year!

Limiting the pertinent Scriptures for each vignette was one of the more difficult tasks of compiling The Lost and Found Collection. However, two Scriptures from Colossians easily identify a significant thread throughout the pages of the book.

The faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel.

—Colossians 1:5

And for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

—Colossians 2:2–3

If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain;

If I can ease one life the aching,

Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin

Unto his nest again,

I shall not live in vain.

Emily Dickenson

1830–1866

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Applause for the Supporting Cast

The quality of some hearts has the ability to make a distinct difference in the lives of others. I applaud and extend gratitude to the individuals who contributed to making a positive impact in my life. They play an integral part in the inspiring messages of The Lost and Found Collection: The Treasure of Hope.

Initially, self-reinvention was a smoother task because of the encouragement and support from significant people. My champions then and now are Donna and Tom, Shirley and Don, Jane, Janice, Diane M., and Betty R. All nine of my beautiful, freckle-faced sisters-in-law hold a special place in my heart, as well. The perpetual rays of sunshine are my own dear children and grandchildren.

Appreciation for Sandy S. will never end, even though she left this world much too soon. She reached out to me, as she did for countless others. She was a confidante and encourager. Sandy left a legacy of inspiration. Throughout my many obstacles and excuses, she pushed me to never give up. Sandy firmly said, Either climb over or go around the brick walls that stand in your way.

During our friendship and before her passing, I asked, What can I do for you? How can I repay your kindness, Sandy? Her reply was always the same. There’s nothing that you can do for me. Give it to someone else.

I try to pass along Sandy’s many inspirational messages and loving attitude, especially after entering the health-care fields. She nudged me into the initial reinvention, a journey that otherwise would never have happened. Sandy’s demonstration of courage strengthened all of her spiritual protégés to continuously move forward in their lives.

Another huge heart full of gratitude goes out to a remarkable young woman, literally a long-lost cousin. Her mission and accomplishment were epic and heroic from my vantage point. After years of research, she located my siblings and me. As young children, we were separated by different adoptive families and from all biological relatives. What an incredible gift it was to be found and united with relatives that I never knew existed! It was a dream that came true.

The determined cousin sought out the answers for many difficult questions. For my own children and me, the empty branches on the hereditary family tree became complete. Our heritage was made known to us. Now I can guess where my stubbornness came from and the emerald-green (as in Ireland) eyes. What an incredible mission accomplished.

One of my most challenging missions was reentering college at middle age. Yet it burst open a wonderful new world. The demanding work and experiences from the occupational therapy program at North Shore was more rewarding than I could have ever imagined.

Classmates Maureen and Shari rallied me through with their kindness, allowing me a sense of acceptance and worthiness. They demonstrated that fun and friendship have no age boundaries.

Lynn M. gave encouragement and a crash course in assertive training. The extraordinary psychology instructor, Anne J., and outstanding program director, Maureen N., provided confidence in communication skills. That was remarkable growth for me after having been silent for so many years. They gave me a voice!

Pat B. allowed the wonderful opportunity to be a clinical instructor in a field that I wholeheartedly embrace, occupational therapy.

It was a blessing and a privilege to work with a truly remarkable group of social-service professionals in the mental-health field. Directors V.B. and S.T. taught many valuable lessons. Supervisors S.M. and K.H.C. had endless enthusiastic vitality, which created such an enjoyably pleasant atmosphere. Their smiles alone could win the day.

The entire incredible team of coworkers brought much wisdom, love, and happiness into my life. Their camaraderie, thoughtful concerns, and laughter keep them all close to my heart. These professionals also keep me on my toes to dance through new experiences. They actually did teach me how to dance! A long-standing idiom claims that life begins at forty. I can attest to that.

Coworkers D.M. and B.B. taught me how to make gourmet meals from any old thing found in the fridge. They knew firsthand about hunger and starvation in their respective countries. Food was something to appreciate.

Music, dancing, and good food—what could be better? Joe provides the music and endless jokes. Fate introduced us, while our parallel lives bonded us together in friendship. I know that he will always have my back, as I will for him, my brother at heart.

The Queen Moms, my neighbors on King Street, are most definitely Barb and Mary who provide stimulating discussions from politics to petunias, along with coffee, cookies, and a generous sprinkling of laughter.

Rose is such an appropriate name for a woman who illuminates others with her radiant smile and inner beauty. Her family is a role model for strength in adversity. Sarah, her daughter, has been patiently helpful as an editor to a rusty old writer.

In addition, the honorary red pencil award goes to (drum roll, please) Sister Donna and my husband, Dave! I love you both. So much of their input was immeasurably valuable as they read and reread.

Katherine Montgomery at WestBow Press has been unwearied and kindly professional in the completion of publishing this God-directed endeavor.

A forward leap in my spiritual journey began with Reverend Ray, a remarkable man with a remarkable story.

Hats off to Pastor Darin with his great sense of humor. He brought the Scriptures to life in a relatable, understandable manner. Pastor Darin also provided the opportunity and blessing to be part of