I tend to reference often that each of us have a story.
Stories are powerful. They are impactful, and the story of your life is significant. You many not think yours is worth anything, but truly, it’s priceless. The experiences, lessons, and circumstances you’ve walked through have influenced and shaped who you are today. Your life story may be nothing like mine, but I imagine yours also has high spots and low spots. Times of when tiny trinkets were replaced by God’s treasure. Times of garbage and times of goodness. All are telling parts of our stories and are worthy to be shared.
Some day I’d love to listen to your story over a cup of coffee or tea.
Along with our stories, our journeys of life are probably quite different. Our past, our struggles, our joys, and our sorrows. The bumps in the road, the intersections of decision, the twists and turns. These are a part of our stories.
But something happened to cause our paths to intersect. (I believe that’s all God’s doing.) Whether we cross paths here for a moment, or we journey together for a lifetime, I’m thankful we can share life together, and be real and transparent.
And as we do,
We can share our stories with each other.
Our stories draw us closer to one another and help us see we aren’t alone on this journey. Through our stories we encourage one another to keep on keeping on. We learn from each other, and strengthen one another when the path becomes wearisome. Our stories draw us closer to stand up and fight for each other when we can’t fight alone.
What’s that scripture about two are better than one?
Two are better than one because a good return comes when two work together. If one of them falls, the other can help him up. But who will help the pitiful person who falls down alone? In the same way, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm. But how will the one who sleeps alone stay warm against the night? And if one person is vulnerable to attack, two can drive the attacker away.As the saying goes, “A rope made of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 VOICE
I had the gift of sharing a piece of my story last Sunday at church. This part of my story isn’t the most pleasant to talk about because it’s full of trinkets and garbage. But, because it’s also of God’s treasure and goodness, it’s an honor to share it. It might surprise you. Maybe you’ll be able to relate. Hopefully it’ll spur you on to share your story. The link is here if you’d like to take a listen.
I’d love to learn more about you. Let’s pretend we’re meeting over coffee. What part of your story can you share? You’d bless me by sharing it.
Praying for us all in our stories today.
Julie
Linking this post with Suzie, Crystal, Crystal, and Deb.
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Julie, You did a wonderful job with your sermon. I loved finally hearing your voice put to your always encouraging words. Being vulnerable and real is not easy and I am proud of you.
Few people know my honest and painful story. But, not quite 3 yrs ago, when I felt like I was beginning to completely unravel, I reached out to a trusted friend (and simultaneously my priest) and began an almost year long healing journey. I could no longer stand strong on my own. I had to unpack years worth of emotions, experiences, life… that I had set aside to “deal with later”, and never did. I had to learn to trust, even Jesus, and allow community in. I can now share my story when God presents an open door. It is never easy, but very much worth it.
One of these days, we’re either going to share coffee and stories, or enjoy a long ride with our hubbies. Love to you!
Oh Kim, I’m blessed to learn a little more of your story. It’s powerful, and I’m thankful God doesn’t leave us where we once were. Thank you for sharing some of it with me. Thank you also for your kind and encouraging words. I can’t wait till we catch up over coffee or take that ride with our hubbies. You’re a blessing in my life, Kim. I thank God for you today!
One more thing, Kim… keep sharing your story. Many need to hear it. Much love!
Brene brown says “The bravest thing you’ll ever do is tell your story!”
Brave, indeed! Thanks, Tara. Cheering you on in the final days of #write31days!
Thanks Julie, I listened to your message and was reminded that in this time of fear, mistrust and uncertainty in our nation, Jesus is still on the throne. He is faithful to bring us back to Him to remind us of the love He has for us. Just maybe your message was part of the bigger work He is doing in all of us, “who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 I pray all of our stories of redemption will be used for His glory, today! Thank you!
Ginny Sulya
Hi Ginny! I thank you for listening, and for stopping over and sharing. I’m praying the same with you… for all our stories to be used for His glory. Thank you for your words, spurring us all on. I cling to that verse too. Many blessings!