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If we are alive, we are engaged in story "writing." We may not be doing it intentionally, but each new day adds another chapter to our story that is unique from all others. Every experience shapes how we view the world, and in turn, how we relate to it.

To a large extent, we get to decide how our stories will end. The choices we make set us on courses that affect us and the lives of those around us. No matter what happens, ultimately, we each decide whether the theme of our life story is positive or negative. It is not so much what happens to us, but how we relate to it that spells the difference.

To effect positive change in our world we must become dynamic story-tellers who commit to telling the truth about ourselves, the world around us, and ultimately about God!

It's not always easy being truthful. When I was a young boy, on more than one occasion I compromised truth to try and avoid unpleasant consequences. It never turned out good!

If God has touched your life, you have something to tell. Your description of it may be less than positive. In fact, you may feel that God has afflicted you, or left you to twist in the wind. Shakespear's McBeth described life as "a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." Hopefully, you have found life to be more meaningful than this.

We each have unique journeys with stories that need to be told and heard. Why not start sharing yours today!

Story Telling Resources

Story Harvest, stories about people and God

Telling of God's Love, by Lynn Dyer

Wikipedia Storytelling, a brief history of storytelling

Everywhere I go I hear people sharing joys, heartaches, or regrets. Usually these are shared in bits and pieces, so they aren’t normally thought of as stories. Instead of, "once upon a time," I hear things like, "I got stopped yesterday for speeding and now I’m worried my insurance will go up." This little line is part of an unfinished story whose ending is yet unknown. Even though it is personal, the plot isn’t theirs to direct. Things happen, circumstances change, people make decisions that affect us all. Stories can be pretty messy and confusing while they are unfolding.

Our lives are made up of bits and pieces of story that are eventually tied together by time and place. Looking back over longer periods, story lines and themes become easier to discern and understand. That’s why it is often said, "hindsight is better than foresight."

Recently, before her baptism, Barbara Izzo shared how God brought her to the point of baptism. She has an amazing story of courage and faith. Just hearing it will strengthened your desire to be more like Jesus. Read Barbra's story