One of the greatest stories that could ever be told is your story. All of us have some unique and interesting stories we should share with families and friends. Imagine being the author of your own little book. Too often we overlook this very important means of sharing and passing on good information to generations to follow. Each generation’s story is probably different and that is what makes it so exciting and unique. Most of us would think that our story is boring and old fashioned, but try telling it to your children or grandchildren and listen to them gasp as you tell them about some of the challenges and good times experienced in your life. Some of our sharing with the present generation will probably sound too difficult to believe. Let them know how life has thrown you a curve ball every now and then.
In telling your story, don’t try to make everything sound rosy and perfect, for we know that none of us are perfect. Sugar coating your story may cause you to continue living a lie. However, in telling your story, there are some things that you should carry to your grave rather than sharing. Folk love to hear gossipy stories, but some things are sacred and personal and should remain that way, especially if it is not going to be beneficial or helpful. Stories can, in some instances, create a divide or disconnect in families. If you know that, simply keep it to yourself. It is already difficult enough to keep families operating in unity and harmony. There are so many good things that have happened in our lives that I believe we should share them with others. The intent is to share in such a way that it will strengthen the bonds within the family.
I can remember my aunts and uncles from the city, Washington, D.C. and New York coming to the country, Potecasi, NC, and how they would sit around the table or in the swings on the porch and tell their stories. Some were so intriguing that it was difficult to determine if they were fact or fiction. Some of their stories were filled with drama to the point that we were afraid to go to sleep at night. Other stories were told about the hardships in life, but also how families were able to prevail and overcome those difficulties and succeed. It is evident that our forefathers and foremothers were conquerors and trusted totally in God. They could survive with a little to almost nothing. I personally love to tell stories about my mom, dad and the early years of my life. Grandchildren need to hear from us about these inspirational and important people in our past who were phenomenal role models.
Tell the story about your humble beginnings and how God has brought you this far. It is amazing how life has so many twists and turns, but somehow, with God’s help, we have been able to become productive citizens. If your story is one of fame and fortune, tell it. If all of your life has been one of smooth sailing, tell it.
Children love to hear stories about how their parents met and where they hailed from. They also love to hear stories about mistakes we have made. Think about it, for most of us do not wish for our children to make some of the same mistakes that we made. Therefore, tell them how you put your complete trust in God and overcame physical and spiritual obstacles.
Tell stories about how God saved you from your iniquities. Let others know that God is not through with you yet.
What I admired about the Israelites in the Bible is that they made sure that their history would be told from generation to generation. They even built altars and monuments as reminders to generations to follow.
In Acts 26, Paul tells Agrippa about his Damascus Road experience, hoping that he along with others listening, “may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Some of the greatest stories ever told were done so by Jesus. In Matthew 13:34 we find Jesus making reference to telling his stories in parables. “All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Men and women in the Bible were inspired by God to write their stories. Open your mouths or pick up a pen and paper and start telling and recording your stories, for they are too interesting to keep within.
Not a sermon, just my thoughts!
Robert Earl Slade, Pastor
