Chapter 11 of Hebrews - a letter whose author and original audience are both unknown - is famous for its references to the oldest of the Old Testament forefathers.  The author inspires the readers - who are presumably Jewish converts to the faith of Jesus - with the courage and the durability of the ancients.  People like Noah and Abraham survived so much more than any of us will ever have to face for the sake of our faith.  Regardless of whether we accept these stories as literal history or simply as powerful faith stories, they without a doubt lift us up spiritually.