This I Believe

As Brenda Holliday approached the age of 50, she began to see another woman in the mirror—her mother. As she started to recognize her mother's physical features in her own face, she came to believe that in more ways than one, she is her mother's daughter.

Inspired by the generosity of his parents, University of Louisville sociology professor Charles H. Parrish believed in the importance of helping others and always looking for the good in people. By doing so, Parrish said we can catch a vision of God. From Edward R. Murrow's original 1950s This I Believe series.

Like any long-term relationship, Cindy Lollar and her partner Greta have had their ups and downs. Now as they grow old together, Lollar believes the love and commitment she and Greta share are as strong and enduring as those found in any marriage.

After 43 years of marriage, native Texan Reg Stark lost his wife, Linda, to cancer. Ever since, he has been finding pennies everywhere he goes. Stark believes each coin he discovers is a sign that Linda is still with him and still looking out for him.

On August 28, 1963, Benita Porter went with her mother to attend the March on Washington. It was during Dr. King’s spellbinding message of hope, love, and the universality of mankind that Ms. Porter was inspired by the belief that words—her own words—could arouse passion, change minds, and bring about social change.

When Cherie Burbach was a young girl, she believed her father's cruel words defined her, and her only escape from his verbal assaults was to write about her emotions. Now, as an adult, she values her words over her father's, and she continues to write to express who she is.

In grieving the death of her daughter, novelist Isabel Allende finds inspiration in the life of service her daughter led, and comfort in the love Allende was able to give her in death.

Holiday gatherings mean long hours for Melinda Shoaf: polishing the silver, hanging the decorations, cooking the big dinner. But the Memphis homemaker believes her family deserves a good celebration.

Do you answer a child’s question honestly, even if it risks shaking their beliefs? Corey Harbaugh struggled with that decision when his son asked who really brings him presents at Christmas. Harbaugh found a reply that honors both his son and the truth.

When Alexxandra Shuman was in eighth grade, she was diagnosed with clinical depression. But it took more than medication for her to feel happy again. Ms. Shuman believes she has to look in the right places on her journey to finding happiness.

Brighton Earley’s mom shops at a gas station because she can no longer afford to buy food at a regular grocery. At first Earley was ashamed to go on these shopping trips, but now the Los Angeles student believes they’ve taught her a valuable lesson.

As a teenager, Seeta Sistla dabbled with perfume but found the floral scents to be overpowering for her. But, after watching her father lovingly care for her ill mother, she has come to see that the perfume he anoints his wife with is a powerful statement of his love.

As a writer, Silas House doesn't like to use the word "love" too much. But, when it comes to his dogs, House knows that they embody love in every sense of the word—the giving and receiving of affection, practicing kindness and patience, and enjoying every single moment.

Many people have a favorite Thanksgiving dish. It’s not turkey or pumpkin pie for Jocelyn Fong, but something that combines American tradition with her father’s Chinese heritage. Fong believes her simple dish helps her connect with her mix of cultures.

Iraq War veteran Michael J. Whitehead shares some of the lessons he learned on the battlefield in Iraq, about the strength of the Iraqi people, and the importance of leaving the country in better shape than he found it.