How Will You Measure Life? Inspirational Talks & Prayers

In the spring of 2008, Sofia and Bill Starnes needed to hunt for a letter in one of their cedar chests. They have three such chests, two having been in the Starnes household for decades. Ready to sort through layers of cloth, paper, trinkets . . . the material of mementos and of a life, they found at the bottom of one chest a packet of manuscript pages tied together with a red ribbon. The importance of the letter they initially set out to find faded in comparison to the treasure they found instead.

Time stood still as Sofia and Bill sat beside the open chest, carefully unfolding the sheets, and reading for the first time a series of "talks." They had been written by Bill's father, William H. Starnes, Sr., of Lee County, Virginia, more than 50 years ago. As Sofia and Bill took turns reading, they could hear the echoes of William Sr.'s voice . . . as clearly as if from a vinyl record. Through that voice, they entered into a society steeped in religious faith--a vision of a fruitful life in a commitment to Church and community--values tragically in meager supply in today's society: kindness, generosity, commitment to the well-being of others, selflessness, and a supportive work ethic, to name a few.

The man behind that voice was indeed, "a man beyond measure," who embodied and faithfully built the world he envisioned--just, caring, joyous, and creative. To extend the fruits of that life, Sofia and Bill have set out to share "The Work" of William H. Starnes, Sr., by illuminating his life story and the treasure of his inspirational talks and prayers in How Will You Measure Life?