^{by Rob Kerby, Senior Editor}  

We don’t always learn life’s most important lessons in class or in church – or any of the other traditional venues, says Jay Lowder, author of Midnight in Aisle 7. “Through more than 20 years of evangelistic ministry, I have learned that life’s greatest mysteries are often illuminated in the most unexpected places through the most unlikely encounters at the most unforeseen times. The individuals I meet who have overcome adversity and struggles with God’s help continually amaze me. I believe we can all learn something from those around us if we only look. What follows are stories of those who have inspired me to see God’s purpose in life, love and pain, and taught me to have a new outlook.” For example, says Lowder: