MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 20, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- As people travel through life, they follow a guiding light that is reflected in all that they do, writes Dr. Mary C. McDonald in her new book, A Light Reflected (now available through AuthorHouse). In this powerful collection, she offers profound wisdom through simple yet provoking stories.
McDonald's essays offer a glimpse into the major issues of life: death, change, purpose and love. The book also provides beneficial advice for living each day. Her warm writing style and the strong lessons she teaches, which often involve Christian references, make each page a joy to read.
McDonald begins the book by writing about the light reflected in a parent's heart. She discusses what it means to be a grandparent. Although her grandchildren know that Grandma's house is a place of freedom where they can have dessert before dinner and stay up late, McDonald knows the best lesson grandparents can teach their grandchildren is to respect the wisdom of their parents.
As the book continues, McDonald offers dozens of insightful and funny stories from her own life. In one story, she shares advice her father gave her: "Never teach a pig to sing. It will just frustrate you and annoy the pig." The lesson? Attempting to change someone is fruitless.
Her witty commentary continues in "Original Excuse." If the first sin was the eating of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, then the "Original Excuse" was the common phrase, "It's not my fault."
From McDonald's story about lawn furniture in her living room to her inspirational account of how her prayers for sun on her daughter's snowy wedding day were answered, A Light Reflected is an empowering and heartwarming book filled with lifelong lessons.
McDonald is the secretary of education and superintendent for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis. Since beginning her teaching career in 1966, she has taught at the elementary, high school and university levels, served as a principal and worked as superintendent since 1998. She earned her bachelor's degree from Immaculate College in Pennsylvania, her master's degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., and her doctorate from the University of Memphis. McDonald writes a column for The West Tennessee Catholic newspaper and has been the recipient of many awards, such as the University of Notre Dame's Exemplar Award for her contributions to education.
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