lived you…
Wonderful, quirky, with hang-ups, with secrets, with insecurities, with successes, with failure, with fears….
YOU!
Isn’t it the truth! I began watching some clips on TBN by Paul Young the author of The Shack, and other books. (I loved The Shack – no debate there.) He said something I haven’t been able to set aside.
Everyone doesn’t HAVE a story – everyone IS a story.
My sister and I have undertaken the task of writing our life story for the sake of our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We are both neck deep in notes, photos, old slides, composition books, journals and other sundry historical accounts of our life.
The people, events, and experiences that have made us, uniquely us.
Why do we say the things we say?
Why do we do the things we do?
How is it that I feel this way about that thing?
All of these questions, and more, are finding answers as we go layer-upon-layer of our story.
A scripture, which gives me great comfort and encouragement, is 2 Corinthians 1.3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction [troubles], so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction [trouble], with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (ESV)
THAT, right there, answers a multitude of queries!
Why did that happen?
In my own life I’ve learned to use my experiences for the benefit of others. I cannot tell you how many times I ‘just happen’ to run across a woman who is going through a trial similar to one I’ve lived through! I know exactly what to say – and if she’s willing and open? I can share with her what to do and what not to do.
STORY – you are one.
And, every happenstance, every experience, every tear, every trial, every joy, every elation is a chapter. The story isn’t over until you are! And, like my sister and I are learning and realizing our story is a continuance of those before us.
O! Won’t heaven be grand! When all the Jesus-loving storytellers gather and our story is finally over…
Or, better yet, perhaps it just begins!
Jennifer says
September 11, 2018 at 7:22 pmEvery tear..every joy is a chapter! Isn’t that wonderful!! And what an ambitious task you have taken on – I know it will be a treasure to many and for many!
admin says
September 12, 2018 at 9:09 amJennifer…we are hoping it will be a blessing to the kids!
Connie Rowland says
September 11, 2018 at 7:51 pmYes, everyone is a story. I’ve found myself in similar situations just happening to meet someone who is going through a trial that I have experienced and God is always so good to give the words to say. He’s pretty amazing that way, isn’t He? Thanks for sharing your story with us. Blessings to you!
Visiting from #TellHisStory
admin says
September 12, 2018 at 9:09 amYes, HE IS! Glad you came over!
BettieG says
September 11, 2018 at 8:04 pmWhat a beautiful gift to give to your family, Susan! I love that thought, we ARE the story. And perhaps Heaven is just the beginning? Amen.
admin says
September 12, 2018 at 9:10 amBettie, I think this time in our earth suit? Is just an in-between. We were made for eternity with Him – how sad that so many will refuse to choose it.
Michele Morin says
September 11, 2018 at 9:09 pmI’d never thought of heaven as a story-full gathering before, but I’m sure you are absolutely right. And all the tangled plots will have resolved and the “happily ever after” will be shared like the perfect dessert after a satisfying meal.
admin says
September 12, 2018 at 9:11 amIt will be like Friday night pizza at the Morin’s but it will never, ever end!!!
Peggy says
September 12, 2018 at 5:31 amI needed this today as I focus on you’all in NC and me here in Florida. Writing another chapter with precious Tony and the carpal tunnel “can’t play golf” hands and waiting for doctors’ appointments to correct it. Chapter after chapter gets written and perhaps it is the unknown of the last chapter that sometimes consumes me. Phew…too deep for today. I think I’ll drink my cuppa and pray for all of you in the path of the storm instead — I know you have prayed much when we here in Florida are in the path!
admin says
September 12, 2018 at 9:12 amYes, sestra. Just drink copious amounts of cuppas today! Sufficient for the day. Amen?
Debby says
September 12, 2018 at 6:50 amWe are a story indeed! It’s a treat to hear the stories now, before we get to heaven. Often, it’s the stories we share that give us what we need to press on. Just as this story does for me today. xx
admin says
September 12, 2018 at 9:13 amPRESS ON, DEB. PRESS ON. xoxoxo
Helemarie says
September 12, 2018 at 8:34 amOh how I’ve wanted to write my story, but fear comes in. Would others believe my crazy story, would they still love me? I can’t wait to read y’all story honey
admin says
September 12, 2018 at 9:14 amAre YOU going to read it?
Kathy Walters says
September 12, 2018 at 9:26 amSo true! Each one of us IS a story. I have thought for years of doing an autobiographical type book………but, not sure what section of the books it would end in?!? Might be too graphic…..maybe even considered X rated by some (if it were a totally honest book)….but, I learned LONG ago in a 12 step program (at times I’ve learned things there that somehow the Church didn’t teach me) to share my “experience, strength and hope” and the VALUE of that. I know the book you and Peggy do will be amazing and I can hardly wait to get a copy in my hands. Love you!
admin says
September 12, 2018 at 9:40 amSO MUCH VALUE. So much. xoxoxo
Tammy Mashburn says
September 12, 2018 at 9:38 amBeautiful! I do hope we get to read the story. I love how God gives us our personal stories, prepared in advance, just for us.
We are in the danger zone now-praying on the hour for all in the path of the storm.
XO
admin says
September 12, 2018 at 9:43 amAnd, a house full of kids? Lord-a-mercy, girlfriend.
Diana Rockwell says
September 12, 2018 at 11:46 amI love your post. We are a story, we have a story to tell, thanks for the encouragement. Blessings Diana
admin says
September 12, 2018 at 12:00 pmYes, ma’am – a unique story.
Merry Geary says
September 12, 2018 at 1:21 pmA treat for your families one day for sure. We could tell stories til we are blue in the face but the “real” one will be our eternity into heaven. A story like never before.
admin says
September 12, 2018 at 1:58 pmLike never before.
Pam Ecrement says
September 12, 2018 at 2:35 pmLOVE this! One of the things I think is exciting is that God began the story and He invites us to become a part of that story and add our own stories (really involving Him as well) to the whole of His story (history)!
admin says
September 12, 2018 at 2:44 pmE X A C T L Y ! ! !
~Karrilee~ says
September 12, 2018 at 5:04 pmYou had me at Wm Paul Young! 😉 Loved this! So good, my friend!
admin says
September 13, 2018 at 10:03 amNEVER expected a debate from my Spirit-filled Ms. K!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mary Geisen says
September 12, 2018 at 9:38 pmI love this! The story is YOU! And it won’t be over until we are no more. I know your family story is going to be such a beautiful addition to your legacy.
admin says
September 13, 2018 at 10:04 amMary G, it’s coming along. AND THE PHOTOS!!! Gah (as Karrilee would say!).
Tara says
September 12, 2018 at 11:29 pmEvery tear…
Every laugh…
Every memory…
A piece of the story that makes the full picture!
Love this!
admin says
September 13, 2018 at 10:04 amYou’ve had TOO many tears this year my friend. 2019 is a year of laughter for you. Yes, Lord.
Shelby says
September 13, 2018 at 7:03 amSusan, this is wonderful. We *are* each a story — a story of grace and love and sanctification and more grace and love!
I can’t wait to read yours. And it is a precious, precious gift that your family will cherish generations down the road.
My story — Broken To Blessed — has been in progress for years. I keep saying I’ll finish it when I know how it ends but I guess that’s some stinking thinking!
Stay safe and dry this week, my friend.
Much love.
admin says
September 13, 2018 at 10:05 am“It” ends in Glory – where it really just begins. Won’t it be grand!
Lisa Brittain says
September 13, 2018 at 6:10 pm“Everyone doesn’t HAVE a story – everyone IS a story.”
I love this and will have to borrow from Paul Young… and you, giving credit where credit is due. =) Thank you for the peek you’ve given us through the window of your world. I’m encouraged by the idea of you and your sister doing this activity together.
Also, sounds like we are on a similar pathway at this place in life. Asking questions and allowing the Word of God and Holy Spirit to minister to our hearts with the answers we need for now. =)
Thank you so much. You SHINE!
admin says
September 14, 2018 at 9:31 amShine, Jesus, Shine!!!! Thanks Lisa!
Hannah Leach says
September 14, 2018 at 10:11 amYes, we are all exposed to things for a reason!
admin says
September 14, 2018 at 11:29 amDarn it all…we sure are. xo
Anita Ojeda says
September 14, 2018 at 11:14 amI’ve never thought of myself as a story before! Thank you for sharing this powerful insight. You always make me think, my friend!
admin says
September 14, 2018 at 11:30 amI do?