It's Friday... and a delightful day it is! I'm so thankful for a little bit of sunshine after yesterday's gloomy day! I am madly in love with the #FMFParty. We have soo much fun on Thursday nights--the party gets bigger and bigger and a little bit longer every week! You should really join us sometime!
Today, the prompt is Story
There are two things I hear often in my writing journey!
Everyone has a story.
God is the Author of your story.
In my Bible reading this week, I was reminded of something else. My story does not and will not look like yours. Also, it shouldn't concern you, it shouldn't concern me, if our stories don't look the same. They aren't supposed to.
Back story: after Jesus's death and resurrection, He is talking to Peter (on the shore, when he said "Come and Dine") you know, the whole "Feed my lambs" story and Jesus tells Peter how he is going to die (John 21:18-19). And Peter --man, I am so much like Peter-- looks at John and says, "What about him, Lord? What's he going to do?"
Jesus's response, "What is that to thee? Follow thou me!"
It hit me big! Your story is not going to look like mine and I can't look around worrying about how your story is being written --Because God is the Author.
He calls me to write and blog, but maybe not you. You homeschool, I don't (or private school, or public school, or unschooling). Maybe you work full-time outside the home, or work at home, or labor all day as a wife/mom and don't get paid a dime. Or maybe you are unemployed. Maybe you are married or single. Or your love story doesn't look like Hollywood. And that's okay, Because God is writing your story.
Maybe you have made some mistakes along the way. Remember that God, the Author, is bigger than your mistakes, bigger than my mistakes.
Maybe your story includes attending ALL the awesome conferences--Declare, Allume, IF Gathering, Jumping Tandem, Raising Generations Today, just to name a few ... or maybe it only includes ONE, or maybe God is asking you to sit them all out this year.
Remember, God is the Author of your story.
And when I get jealous of your successful handmade business, or your writing/blogging/guest posting successes, or whatever it is that makes your story look different than mine, I just need to remember,
God is the Author of my story, just as He is the Author of your story.
Are you letting Him write it?
I broke the rules! I totally took more than 5 minutes, but it was on my heart and it fit the prompt so I had to get it out. ... He's writing my story!
Hi: Just discovered this 5 minute Friday from another blog I read...and your post really hit home for me! I have had a tough week for several reasons, and haven't been as successful as I might like in maintaining the attitude I want...actually had a BIG FAIL on that front. BUT, a couple of things happened this morning to strenghten my faith and resolve, not the least of which was your lovely post which reminded me that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. So I just want to say "THANK YOU" for this post which was just what I needed to read. there ARE no accidents, right? Take Care.
ReplyDeleteTruth! There are no accidents, no coincidences when we leave our story writing in the hands of the Master Author!
DeleteThank you for visiting and commenting
This is only the second FMF I've done, and I am so loving it. I don't get there on Thursday, usually mid morning Friday, but I am discovering some very gifted writers that encourage me in so many ways. I love your blog, and rejoice you are using the talents the Lord has given you to reach out to others, and to Him. - Vicki
ReplyDeleteFMF is a wonderful community of writers... and there have been weeks, I don't get there till the weekend!
DeleteI love learning those eye-opening lessons from The Word. Like Peter, I too am learning to mind my own business and be obedient to God's call in my life, my story. To me, it's a great reminder for prayer too. When I find myself getting caught up in someone else's details, I'll pray for them and myself.
ReplyDeleteA great reminder to pray for others instead of getting caught up in their details!!
DeleteAck, that last line. Yes! I need to remember that too. Thanks for this fabulous reminder to keep my story in perspective.
ReplyDeleteYour words here? Amazing. Loved this FMF!!
ReplyDeleteI think this might be my favorite post of yours, friend!!! LOVE it!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Becky this encourages my heart! Thanks for reading!
DeleteForget the 5 minute rule! This was great!! I am so into reading everyone else's story that I have been missing out on my own lately. This was written just for me wasnt it? :))
ReplyDeleteGo live your story, friend!!
DeleteIn some ways you and I were on the same track. The past--the back story--is part of the ongoing story.
ReplyDeleteLaura Hedgecock
http://www.TreasureChestofMemories.com
http://www.twitter.com/LauraLHedgecock
I think what makes life so interesting is that our stories are not the same, yet there are connections... ways our very different stories weave us together in community. I enjoyed reading your entry...thanks for stopping by my blog : )
ReplyDeleteAwesome job sister. Our stories really are unique to us. It's important for us to know and remember that. Thanks for the reminder. You ROCK!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for encouraging me in my story every day! You are amazing, Debi!
DeleteJulie-- Dad had good messages yesterday. am and part 2 was pm... He mentioned the verse- of our lives being as a tale that is told - can be brief or long - i like the parallel of your blog and his messages. Was I listening as well to God, and life, before Julia left us for heaven.. My eyes welled up with tears on the way to wegmans this AM. as the cd played All to Jesus I surrender. I felt like the guy who said Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief.. Lord , I surrender,Help thou my hesitancy... (hope to see you all soon DV... He writes the story)
ReplyDeleteI love that we each have a story and He is writing each one. Thanks for sharing your story. I always love reading it.
ReplyDelete