Literacy and Appreciation: A Marriage of Graciousness to Last a Lifetime

One of the greatest gifts we ever receive in our lives comes when we find an author that

we dearly love and rush out to buy or borrow every book the author has ever written. For

me, that moment came in 1996 when I discovered a little book sample in a Doritos bag

by author, R.L. Stine.

R.L. Stine and his Goosebumps series of books did for children of the 1990s what

Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series has done for children of this era. Both authors created

intrigue and excitement that showed children (and adults, alike) an ―appreciation‖ for

reading, often lost in this era of high technology.

Despite the appreciation and enjoyment that the majority of us find in turning on our

Kindle, picking up the newspaper, or relaxing on the couch with a Snuggie and a good

book, nearly 7 million Americans and millions more, worldwide, are functionally

illiterate, missing out on the opportunities and beauty found between the pages of a

good book. Those numbers are rather disturbing and yet, the topic is not widely

discussed in our culture today.

Yesterday, I talked a little bit about the Note Project, what it is, and why it is important.

Today, I will address the ―gracious‖ means that the Note Project plans to bring our

nation and our world, in the form of literacy. The Note Project shares my belief that

education is the key to improving the standard of living for all people, worldwide. The

key to a good education begins with by teaching all people, especially young

children, how to read. With that in mind, it is the Note Project’s goal to donate money to

12 literary projects in 12 countries for 12 months, through the sale of note kits at

http://www.noteproject.com. This project will help citizens of our nation and world to

finally achieve their dream of literacy, something which will better prepare them for

career goals, a better life, and even creativity.

When you are able to read, you are able to achieve. The ability to read leaves an

individual more readily able to appreciate the beauty that is found through the written

word and in the world around us. Indeed, it has been proven over time that reading,

writing, and a public or implied appreciation for the creative process forever binds our

hearts to the beauty of the written word. Together, we can ensure that others will grow,

learn, and never again feel the strain of illiteracy. With your support of the Note Project,

you can help give a gift to another that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

Undoubtedly, the person blessed by your gift may never know you, but they’ll forever

wish you a virtual ―thank you.‖ Isn’t helping someone else — and the feeling that returns

to you – wonderful? I’ll always think so.