fountain of illustrations

[TanyaSue]

I feel a little bit like a cheater asking this, but ... anyone know of a search engine for word illustrations? Like if I need an anecdote about perseverance, where can I find a great story to illustrate my point? This is just an example. I don't have anything specific I need right now; I'm just curious if there's a database somewhere for stuff like this.

[Tarin]

Don't know of a web-site, but there are tons of books like that. For instance. (http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Zingers-Tyndale-House-Publishers/dp/0842304673/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206833354&sr=1-1)

[TanyaSue]

Hmmm ... not exactly what I'm looking for. I want little stories or examples rather than one-liners.

George Mueller's life offers plentiful illustrations about prayer and faith. Elisabeth Elliot's life speaks of purity and tragedy; faith and obedience. Hudson Taylor's life exemplifies sacrifice, perseverence and vision. But I wouldn't know these without first having read books about their lives. How can I find examples like these without having to read every book in existence?

Like I said, I feel like I'm cheating, but there has to be a categorical collection somewhere - right?

[lynnmosher]

I don't know if this will work or not, TanyaSue. Have you ever read Streams in the Desert? It is bits and pieces of the sayings or writings of many different people and each day's devotion is a theme. I think it's a great resource. You might want to take a look at it.