What Are We?

What are we? Our personal identity may be defined by anything from our culture, family, religion, values, education, and more. Based upon life’s many factors, how do we define ourselves?  Today’s collection of stories examines the what and why of who we are. Storytellers Pam Faro, Anne Shimojima, Charlotte Blake-Alston, Diane Edgecomb, Motoko, Michael Reno Harrell, Kikuchi Yngojo, Robert & Nancy Wang teach us more about our identity, and what we can become.  "Ten Thousand Treasure Cave” by Kikuchi Yngojo, Robert & Nancy Wang (15:38; Treasure Bag of Asian Stories) When a poor brother and sister are gifted with a special reward for their kindness, it soon becomes the object of desire of a wicked empress. The two must counter her designs and protect themselves, for their own sakes and the sake of their village.  “What is Your Deepest Desire?” by Pam Faro (1:41; Andalusian Trilogy: Stories of Jews, Christians, and Muslims of Medieval Spain) The two men in our next story experience something similar; when the two are nearly runover, one responds with surprising compassion, wishing the offender receives whatever is his “deepest desire.” “Wave” by Anne Shimojima (7:41, Sakura Tales; Stories from Japan) A respected village man notices a tsunami looming in the distance, and must choose between his wealth and the safety of his people to send a signal to warn them of the danger.  “Anansi’s Children” by Charlotte Blake-Alston (5:48; Bit 'O This-Bit 'O That) Anansi is an Akan god of storytelling, oftentimes in the form of a spider. In this tale, his sons collaborate to save their father, each using their own unique talents to do so. “Ash Grove” by Diane Edgecomb (2:15; In The Groves) Diane Edgecomb takes us to a peaceful Ash Grove, laced with song,  where we might reflect on our lives. “Heaven and Hell” by Motoko (5:58; Tales of Now & Zen) Motoko tells of a woman who consults with a Buddhist monk on the difference between heaven and hell. He shows her two images of the same scene – with one important difference.