Thursday, July 5, 2012

Story Time

Time for 5 minute Friday where I join with other writers to write purely for the joy of the craft. Unscripted. Unedited. Real. Today's word is one of my favorites....

STORY


I remember when it first clicked, that moment I realized that my story was important. And that it wasn't mine. Three friends sat in my 1998 Honda Accord as we wound up a dusty one-lane road to the Pike's Peak trail head. My friend wanted to know my story. We'd only known one another 6 weeks, after all.

I've always been pretty private, my heart coming out more on paper and with those I love than with total strangers, but on that quiet trail in the dead of night, with nothing but dust in my headlights and the faint red of my friend's brake lights in front of me, it all became so clear.

My story is not mine to tell. It's not mine to withhold. I didn't write it. In fact, I can't take one bit of credit for it. Well, maybe the really flawed parts. But the rest of it, the daring heroic rescues, close calls, happy endings, and beautiful outcomes? Total God-moments.

As a writer, you would think that I would have grasped this concept long ago, but it's funny how life becomes more clear in our darkest moments on a narrow road to somewhere. My hesitation to share my story - every messy, beautiful bit - became an understanding that it is really His story. May every ugly moment that He has made beautiful cut through the dust and shine brighter for His glory.

So this is my story...I'm a wanna be writer, saved by grace, and failing every day. I'm loyal to a fault and a little over protective. I treasure my time to sleep and have a craving for hot chocolate in the fall. I struggle with pride and the need to be affirmed. I struggle to know where and how to spend my time. I worry that I am ineffective and won't live up to my potential or purpose.

But every day, I grow closer to the God who made me, and every day He reminds me of my worth. He holds the pen, and I enjoy the journey of His premeditated scribbles.

Linking up with the Gypsy Mama.

14 comments:

  1. I never really thought about life (our stories) becoming clearer in our darkest moments - so very true. And that paragraph about who you are - you sound a lot like me - the struggles and the positives. Looking forward to reading more of your blog.

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  2. I can take mini snapshots throughout this post. Snapshots I'd like to hold close to my heart and remember when temporary amnesia derails me. Thank you.

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  3. Wow!


    Your story....sounds an awful lot like the story I see unfolding every day....MINE! Can we be friends?? ;)


    "...it's funny how life become more clear in our darkest moments on a narrow road to somewhere." <-- This is just.....wow....brillliant! And so very true!


    Thank you for being so brave to sharing a real, live, true, open glimpse into your story! Loved it!

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  4. I would love to be friends! I read your blog and LOVED it! You sound like a girl after my own heart. Thank you for visiting! Come back any time!

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  5. That temporary amnesia visits me more often than I like. Frustrating, isn't it! I'm holding on tightly with you!

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  6. So glad you visited. It's not easy to lay out my struggles, but the Lord is teaching me more and more that they are very much a part of my story.

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  7. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Sweet friend, God has given you a gift in writing and I pray you will continue to share your story! May God bless you for your authenticity!

    I'd love to invite you to stop by and join my online study of Ephesians! It starts next week! :)

    Blessings,
    Melanie

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  8. I love this and its a lesson I'm learning each day

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  9. Love your story and who you are. Great story to proclaim from the mountain tops! Blessings from 5MF!


    http://positivelyalene.com

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  10. What a beautiful post!!

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  11. Then we will learn together, my friend!

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  12. Thanks, Melanie! Your words are such an encouragement. I'm praying for the courage to continue to share and pray the Lord gives you that courage, as well! Thanks for stopping by!

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