You have a story. It’s your story and you are the one who’s lived it. It has high moments and low moments, happy moments and bitter moments. You may have lived through terror or peace, through many years or few. You may have moved and seen the world or perhaps just stayed where you were born. Whatever your experience, your story is yours and God can be found within it. Own your story. Share your story. Connect with others and learn their stories for it’s the only way we can truly understand and invest in each other which is what we need to do, are called to do as Christians. This message was the heart of the book I read this week, Speak by Nish Weiseth.
This book was a quick engaging read that I think others would enjoy. We often forget that each person has a story, a history that defines them and brings them to the place where they stand before us. The author reminded me of the importance of personal stories and their impact on how we discuss, debate and engage with one another. She also inspired me to tell more of my story. I’ve been asked through the years what I think about certain things and am for the most part happy to engage in discussion. After reading this book I can see now how those discussions would have benefited from more story telling. We all come to the table with histories and if we don’t address them we can never truly understand one another.
I think I read this book at a time when I really needed to hear this message. On a Facebook page connecting members of the PCC (Presbyterian Church in Canada – my denomination) we’ve been discussing overtures towards the inclusion of LGTB within our church at large. I’ve found the discussions to be heated and at times filled with judgement on all sides. The idea that we all need to sit down and listen to each others stories really resonated with me because of these discussions. I wonder what would happen if instead of taking a side and drawing lines in the sand, we explained our perspective, our story and really discussed why it mattered to us. I think we need to engage each other more instead of just the issue. The issue is important but there are people behind it. Until we understand and communicate with each other at a deeper level I just don’t see a healthy resolution. Stories need to be heard. Stories need to be shared. We need to talk, really talk. Not at one another but with one another. I hope we are able to do that as we move forward towards a resolution.
The book was great. I really believe we need to share who we are and connect with one another. I was really glad to hear a voice declaring the need for engagement. If you’re looking for a different way to connect with others in faith and are interested in finding new ways to share the story then give this book a try.
Great news, I’m still on track with my 52/52 challenge! Percy Jackson did not derail me. I am however saddened to announce that The Blood of Olympus is still not completed as Thanksgiving got in the way. Maybe this week I’ll have a little free time after I’ve read Found: A Story of Questions, Grace and Everyday Prayer by Micha Boyett.
