Of Truth and Tales: Celebrating National Bible Week & High-Five a Librarian Day

Stories have power — to shape us, to teach us, and to tether our hearts to truth.

This week, we celebrate two observances that remind us why words matter: National Bible Week and High-Five a Librarian Day (November 18).

One reflects the divine story of God’s unending love. The other honors the everyday heroes who guard and share the stories that shape our human experience.

Together, they form a beautiful picture — the Author of all Truth and the keepers of every tale that follows.

Every November, National Bible Week invites us to remember just how transformative this 66-book library really is.

It’s not just history. It’s not myth. It’s a love letter — written across centuries, wrapped in prophecy and poetry, brimming with grace and redemption.

For me, the Bible influences every corner of my life. But I didn’t always feel that way. I used to think following Jesus meant giving up the things that made me…me.

Like writing.

But when I rededicated my life to God, He showed me that He redeems not only people but also their callings. He told me, “I created you to be a writer.”

So now I write across genres — spicy romance, sweet romance, historical fiction, and children’s fantasy — but every story I tell is threaded with His fingerprints.

The Bible doesn’t just inform my faith; it inspires my imagination.

If you’ve ever described someone as “a Good Samaritan,” mentioned a “prodigal son,” or spoken of “reaping what you sow,” you’ve quoted the Bible without even realizing it.

Its influence runs deep — shaping the way we tell stories, craft characters, and even understand moral tension.

From the Psalms’ lyrical poetry to the narrative arcs of the Gospels, Scripture teaches pacing, voice, and structure in ways most writing manuals could only dream of.

The Bible isn’t just the greatest story ever told — it’s the foundation of storytelling itself.

Reading the Bible isn’t always easy. Parts of it move slowly. Other parts seem complicated.

But when you remember that the whole thing is a love story — 66 books written by the Author of Life to guide, comfort, and redeem His creation — it changes everything.

Some people think the Bible is full of restrictions, but I see it as a roadmap. Life is a jungle filled with pitfalls and traps. God, the key bearer, hands us His Word — the map to navigate safely through the chaos.

Sure, we can ignore the map, but the crocodiles don’t disappear just because we close the book.

So this week, maybe start a reading plan, journal your reflections, or read about people who found God by trying to disprove Him (spoiler: they didn’t succeed).

You’ll find that the Bible isn’t a relic of the past — it’s the pulse of the present.

November 18 marks High-Five a Librarian Day — and if you’re tempted to celebrate, please give them fair warning first! Nobody likes to be surprised by an enthusiastic reader mid-shelving.

But in all seriousness, librarians are the quiet guardians of our collective imagination. They guide us through adventures, mysteries, and worlds unseen.

As a child, I’d often go to the library unsure of what I wanted to read. The librarian would smile, tilt her head in thought, and return moments later with something perfect.

They’ve helped me research novels, chase obscure facts, and rediscover long-lost authors. Their patience and curiosity make them modern-day storytellers in their own right — helping others find the words that will change their lives.

If you’d like to show your gratitude to your local librarian, here are some ideas that go beyond your basic spoken “thanks.”

Libraries remain sanctuaries of learning, imagination, and discovery. In a digital world, librarians remind us that the best search engines still have hearts.

It’s no coincidence that these two observances fall in the same week. The Bible is the story of ultimate truth; libraries are the keepers of humanity’s tales.

One reveals God’s heart, the other reflects ours. Together, they remind us that every story worth telling points us back to the One Who wrote the first word.

So whether you’re reading Scripture or shelving a favorite novel, take a moment to thank the divine Author and the human caretakers who keep His gift alive.

Because truth and tales belong together — always.