I truly believe that God blesses us for a purpose so that we can share and be a blessing to others. Whether it is financially or with our talents or abilities, when we encourage and lift others up, we can’t help but feel joy ourselves.”Tanya Shearer, Cullman Author
CULLMAN – “Chicken Soup for the Soul” is a series of books that usually feature a collection of inspirational short stories and motivational essays. There have been over 100 million of these books sold in the U.S. and Canada to date. With more than 250 titles, the books have been translated into more than 40 languages. “Chicken Soup for the Soul” is now one of the world’s best-known phrases and is often referenced in pop culture. Cullman County now has a direct connection to the book series.
Cullman resident Tanya Shearer has written her third story for the popular series. ‘No Strings Attached” is featured in the newest book, “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Volunteering & Giving Back.” The book is filled with stories about passion and purpose – from people who are passionate about their volunteer work and their charitable giving, passionate about the new purpose they have found in their lives and passionate about what volunteering has done for them.
In Shearer’s story, “No Strings Attached” she tells about her struggle with the loss of her job while at the same time organizing Cullman’s Empty Bowls program 12 years ago. Empty Bowls has continued to grow each year and many hungry children in the Cullman area have gone to bed with full stomachs as a result.
“The concept for an ‘Empty Bowls’ fundraiser was not new, though it was new to our community,” Shearer said.
“The fundraiser provided much-needed revenue for the food bank and involved students of all ages, businesses, churches, artists, and musicians in our community. The plan consisted of local potters and students making keepsake clay bowls to serve soup and chili to the people attending the dinner. Afterward, the bowls would be a daily reminder of the hungry people in our community.”
“I truly believe that God blesses us for a purpose so that we can share and be a blessing to others,” Shearer explained. “Whether it is financially or with our talents or abilities, when we encourage and lift others up, we can’t help but feel joy ourselves. Ronald Reagan said, ‘We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone.’” she smiled warmly.
“Chicken Soup for the Soul: Volunteering & Giving Back” is Shearer’s third book to be a part of. Her stories have also been in the books, “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Parenthood” and “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Here Comes the Bride”.
“Being published in the Chicken Soup books feels great,” Shearer giggled. “It is very encouraging and makes me want to write more. My last story was published in 2013, and so there has been a little bit of a lull. I am so grateful for this blessing that God has given me.”
Shearer credits her grandmother, Hazel Meyer Anderson for her love of writing. She spoke of her grandmother’s love for the written word and her beautiful poetry. Her grandmother was an incredible storyteller, just like herself.
Tanya Shearer is just one more example of the wealth of talent that Cullman holds. Her stories in the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books mentioned are available at chickensoup.com and wherever books are sold.
