We all have our own stories.
We are all a part of each other's stories.
Our day to day,
moment by moment lives,
make up one story.
Yesterday I was a part of a focus group in which we learned how to share our stories with others. My palms started to itch as I listened to the "how tos" and my heart raced as new friend began to share his story. As I listened I could hear how God had worked in his life. I could hear how God is continuing to work in his life. I could hear his pain, see the struggle in his face and even see the hope in his body language as he shared God's redemptive story.
I have shared my testimony in years past. It is easy to share the "before I was saved" version of your story. It is pretty surface stuff. (because who would put their "real self" out there for the world to see?!?!) It is usually tied up with a pretty bow of "after Jesus came into my heart, life has been smooth."
But what about the ugly parts? the sin? the jealousy?
the pain of broken relationships? addictions?
What about those nights when you feel so dark and deep that you wonder if morning will come?
Do people really want to hear that stuff? (Do I really want to air that dirty laundry?!?!)
I think people go either way when sharing... super spiritual with extra pink fluff or dark and gloomy despair. As I began to think about my own story, I realized that most people have a life filled with both fluff and despair. But its how the Savior moves in those places... thats what makes a story.
Sharing my life story is scary. The past two years have forever altered "who I thought I was." But in preparing to write my own story to share, I realize that His story hasn't been altered. He knew from before time began what my role would be in His story. Wow.
We will see how it feels to write out my story and then we will see if I am brave enough to actually share my story with others.
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