Autobiographical Essay # II

Krystal Robinson
Professor Boland
English 329
27 January 2009
Autobiographical Essay # II
The first book that left an indelible imprint on me was the bible. When I was a small child, about seven, my mother purchased a large family bible. It was gold and full of colorful pictures. I vividly recall constantly reading the pages of this epic book. There were four children in our house at that time with the capability of reading. More than them all, I was the one who seemed to keep possession of this book. The stories in it intrigued me to no end. The pictures stunned me as well. There was a picture of a prophet named Obadiah. Underneath his picture, there was a scripture: All it said was, “O’ Lord, how long must I wait?” Although I was a very young child at that time, my heart went out to this prophet. I can’t really explain what I felt at that time, but I think it was compassion for a suffering man.
Unfortunately, other than the bible, I don’t recall any other books being in our home. Perhaps that’s why I became so enamored with this book. Later in years, my godmother gave me two books for my birthday. The title of one of the books was Pinocchio. I loved Pinocchio and his long nose. Again, I was impressed with the colorful pictures that seemed to bring joy and happiness in my little world. I regretted that Pinocchio was a pathogenic liar, but I was still compassionate towards Pinocchio’s father when Pinocchio ran away from him. The other book I was given was titled Hansel and Gretel. I cherished these two books greatly. As for as books having a status in our home, honestly; I must say that they didn’t have a status. My parents never encouraged us to read, I just somehow discovered that I enjoyed reading on my own.
I am not being fanatical. But honestly, the last book I read in its entirety and thoroughly enjoyed it was the bible. It is difficult to describe this book, but I will try. It was the King James Version of the bible. I started reading it from the New Testament, as I had already read it before from the beginning of Genesis. It appealed to me because I believe that it is the infallible word of God, our creator. I enjoy the parables that Jesus told his disciples in the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. I’m intrigued with the stories of creation, the bondage and deliverance of the children of Israel, Moses’ calling to ministry, and the parting of the Red Sea, all of which are in the first five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. In the Psalms, I’m able to reflect on the goodness and mercy of our creator, while in Proverbs, I can receive a host of instructions, guidance and wisdom. In the latter part of this great book, from I Corinthians to Revelations, I can glory in the future that God has planned for me and those who believe and trust in him.