In these pages you will find inspiring, true stories of people who didn't have hope―until they had a home. Stories of children who gained identity and confidence for their future. Of families made stronger and healthier and prison inmates who are now giving back to their communities. Of entire communities bonding together around an ethic of hard work and mutual respect. Of denominational, political, and racial barriers falling with every swing of the hammer. Of a growing host of young people engaged in the quest to end poverty housing. And even some wonderful love stories.

The end result is nothing less than the transformation of lives, communities, and families―one person, one home at a time. Which, of course, has always been the dream―to build more than houses.

"Habitat for Humanity is building much more than houses. By building hope it is building relationships, strengthening communities, and nurturing families." ―Actor Paul Newman, Habitat supporter

"Rosalynn and I believe in Habitat's integrity, effectiveness, and tremendous vision. With Habitat, we build more than houses. We build families, communities, and hope." ―Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

"I could have gone through my whole life bouncing back and forth on welfare. Habitat makes a difference, and allows people to be what God intended them to be instead of what their circumstances dictate." ―Missouri homeowner Terrie Robinson

Building a fulfilling and productive life- much like building a solid, durable house-requires the right materials on a solid foundation. Building Materials for Life, a collection of 40 inspiring essays, will motivate you to gather the resources you need to succeed in life. Learning from Failure, Overcoming Doubt, Forgiveness and Peace Within are just a few of the raw materials that will ensure the success of your life's building project.

This collection of forty essays is a continuation of those in Building Materials for Life, Vol. I of this series. Volume II continues the series with essays on topics like direction in life, hope, urgency, sorrow, true worth, and simple pleasures. As in the first volume, the topics deal with matters, both religious and secular, that arise in the lives of people everywhere. This second volume provides new building materials that are relevant to issues people face, regardless of station in life, on a regular basis.

This collection of 40 essays completes the series Building Materials for Life, which includes three volumes and a total of 120 essays. In volumes I and II, Millard Fuller writes about topics such as learning from failure, staying healthy, prayer, worship, humble pride, hope, commitment, sorrow, and passion. Volume III includes essays on habits, inspiration, anger, trouble, humor, and thirty-five additional topics. As in the first two volumes, the essays deal with both religious and secular subjects, and everything is relevant to daily living. Fuller's fervent hope is that this volume and the entire series will be helpful to people in dealing with questions and issues that arise in life.