When I saw Lisa-Jo post the five-minute Friday word, I was speechless.
Story. She picked the word story … {Sigh}
How did she know? How could she have known?
On the one-year anniversary of my blogging journey, she picked the word story … The word that holds the meaning behind my blog. The word that is the reason why I began writing a blog called Mercy Found Me in the first place.
Story drives everything. It’s who we are and where we’ve been, and our whole perspective is stained by it. We are our story. And I’m currently working on writing mine out. It’s been on my mind so much lately. I’m groping for the words, somehow, someway, to share my story with you–sometime this year to tell you all of it. So you can know why I feel so passionate about mercy and why I’m an advocate for second chances and grace. And how I’m praying mercy will find you too.
But this story of mine is complicated. It’s not an easy one to share. And I’m certain not an easy one to hear. And I have to mull it over a bit more, process through the details and figure it all out. But I know it’s time … I’ve known it for a long time.
Because it’s our stories that can bring Him glory.
The details of where we’ve been and what we’ve done, and how He has met us in our despair … how He’s transformed and redeemed even that which had seemed unsalvageable.
It’s in all this we’ve been changed. And it’s in sharing with others that their lives can be changed too. They receive hope—a hope that comes from knowing someone’s been where they are, and made it through. And for them to know they can make it through too.
Our story, each one’s unique story, has the power to change the world … one heart at a time.
Have you ever shared your life story with someone?
What happened as a result?
I’m joining Lisa-Jo, over at her site today, to take five minutes and just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. The challenge is to write for 5 minutes flat with no editing, tweaking or self critiquing, with the prompt she gives. And today, her prompt:
Story…
Amy Fortier says
In answer to your question, yes I’ve shared and it can be a risky business… But you’re so right, its in sharing our stories that God’s power and grace is revealed. Blessings to you as you take the journey of sharing your own story!
Jacque Watkins says
Thank you Amy!
Mary Bonner says
Oh Jacque I have been mulling my story over in my mind and trying to figure out where and how to start. It is a scary path to travel.
I look forward to reading your story sometime.
Mary
http://memyselfandmercy.blogspot.com/
Ro elliott says
I look forward to hearing your story…I can tell it is rich by your writings here…again…congrats on your anniversary…have a wonderful weekend:)
Kelly S says
I look forward to reading your story. I have told only one other person my entire story. My husband. I also really want to thank you for stopping by my 5 Minute Friday today. It really warmed my heart to read your words.
Sara xx says
I too found this word hard today because it hits close to home. My story is different but my story is true and unique to me. It may not have been the one i planned but its mine.
Melanie Moore says
praying for you, sweet friend. I can truly relate.
I’d love to invite you to join in my online Bible study of Ephesians — starts next week! 🙂
Blessings,
Melanie
Sharon O says
Yes we all have a story to tell. Of healing and hope and forgiveness and revival of heart.
Then to add in ‘friendships’ who hold us up when we are not so sure we are strong enough.
Our stories are powerful. May we never forget that.
Jacque Watkins says
Oh Mary, it IS so hard…hard to balance because it involves others too! I SO understand!!
Jacque Watkins says
Thank you Ro…have a great weekend too!
Jacque Watkins says
Of course! I loved your post! I have shared my story at a Women’s Bible Study a couple summers ago, but not in printed words. Thank you for stopping in to visit me here!!
Jacque Watkins says
“It may not have been the one i planned but its mine…” Oh Sara…I can SO relate to you on this! Thank you for stopping by today 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
Jacque Watkins says
Thank you Melanie! Can’t wait to meet you in real life at She Speaks and give you a hug of thanks for my word of the year button!
Jacque Watkins says
They are powerful…”of healing and hope and forgiveness…” So, SO true!!!
Nikki says
it’s our stories that bring HIm glory. I never wanted anyone to know…but He led me to write and tell. http://www.gentlerecovery.webs.com
It has totally amazed me how many lives my telling has helped. So many people have written, emailed, sent gifts, cards and messages telling me my book came as a message of hope. Who knew. He did. I wish you His best in writing your story….way to go…..
Jacque Watkins says
The same thing happened to me when I shared at a women’s Bible study…just amazing. Thank you for your encouragement!