Discard? Is the B-I-B-L-E Still the Book for Me?

There are four big black letters scribbled on the top of the Bible I retrieved from the “free book bin” at our library.

“D-I-S-C” is written there by a hurried hand, and I’ve come to the sad conclusion that the letters most
likely stand for the word:DISCARD.


Sometimes libraries get rid of items that aren’t being checked out enough, maybe that’s why it was discarded. If so, it’s a stark reminder of our times.

I’m a hopeless collector of old books, especially cookbooks and gardening books. But Bibles, well, they rank pretty high on my list. Who wouldn’t want the message of wisdom and understanding readily available in the palm of their hands?  I know I do.

I had an elderly neighbor once who I enjoyed visiting. When we’d talk, she’d often point to her old blue Bible and tell me about her lengthy quiet times with God. I liked to picture her there in her old velour recliner spending time in her thick Bible. It was a comfort to know that someone close by was studying God’s word too.

After my neighbor passed away, I stopped over at her estate sale anxious to bring home some memories of her. As I rummaged through a cardboard box of sale items, I came across her old blue Bible. What a treasure! I couldn’t believe I found it and that I could actually take it home with me. She had highlighted throughout the book and now I could see firsthand the words that were meaningful to her.

But Bibles don’t always get opened and read do they?

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