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I have been invited several times over the past few years to write my story. Some of those invitations have been through counselors, some by other authors through the written word, some by mentors and friends. John and I are seeking ways to tell our story.  We believe that our story/history is "His"story.  Recently we started reading a book by Dan B. Allender titled To Be Told: Know Your Story, Shape Your Future. Dan Allender says "So take seriously the story that God has given you to live. It's time to read your own life, because your story is the one that could set us all ablaze." We have also been invited to write our story for a National Recognized Organization that would reach a larger audience than we have ever reached. We sat down with friends a couple of weeks ago and shared with them about our invitations and our concern about disclosure. We wanted their input. We invited them to pray with us and seek discernment. To help us identify the "why" and "how" of opening one's life story to this new group of people. Some who would no doubt be encouraged, but also some who would misunderstand or misinterpret our hearts. One of our friends looked John in the face with such emotion, I was struck by his countenance and his words. He said "Your situation sounds a lot like a story about a man and a big fish". He was referring to Jonah and the Whale. You see the dilemma is that our story is so much more than words on a page, it is full of both heart ache and utter joy.

The writing of one's story can be full of revelation for the writer and the reader.  As I have begun to put words on a page, it has allowed me to identify and name some of the emotions. We facilitate Marriage Enrichment Weekends as part of our marriage ministry and one of our presentations is titled "Our Story", we share the pain of our past and brokenness and the enjoyment of redemption. It is a short one hour look into our life. We chronicle the years that have brought us to our current adventure. We share in hopes of creating an atmosphere of vulnerability and authenticity, and to invite others into an understanding of God's Mercy and Grace. An invitation to MORE.
 
If no-one has every encouraged you to write your story, let me invite you into the amazing story of your life. Put words to your thoughts and life to your feelings. Interestingly enough, two of our children are writing their stories. It must be a family invitation. I have had the privilege of reading and gaining understanding in the heart of one of these stories.

Father God, as we seek to understand the story of our life, give us revelation and tenderness as we see our life story through Your eyes. Let us learn from our past and seek to understand Your constant presence even in the midst of great pain and experience Your comfort and love as we learn to "live in" the great love story you have given us. Amen