We find ourselves in an age where the marketplace is our mind and voices of every kind vie for our attention and affection from the palm of our hands. As a result, our young people are particularly vulnerable to ceaseless waves of false narratives: you are no more than a consumer; do what feels good, no matter what; there is little hope for the future; you are on your own. Children and teens are in desperate need for their souls to be stirred and nurtured with beauty, goodness, and truth.

This deeply engaging book of captivating stories serves as a clear invitation for young readers to replace these false narratives with true ones of belonging, wholeness, and hope. It is an invitation to awaken to the enchanted reality all around them and to open their hearts to the possibilities of their place within it. It is a call to pioneers who will one day rise to lead through the increasingly complex challenges of our shared future with wisdom and courage.

As a pastor, I hope with all my heart that this book will be treasured and shared by young people with their families, friends, churches, and schools. As a father, I hope with all my heart that my own children will read and reread these pages, allowing the ancient wisdom and timeless truth within to be deeply woven into the tapestry of their becoming.

Benjamin NeSmith, Pastor, Element Church Tampa