I was recently asked this question and had to think long and hard about my answer. Do I really want you to read my story? Well, that depends. I guess it would be OK if I was the one controlling the content by candy-coating or omitting the ugly parts. But letting anyone read the bold honest nasty truth about my life? I’m not so sure.
Then I saw a quote on Pinterest that said, “Every single moment, you are writing the story of your life.” So I guess that means everyone in my circle already knows my story because I am living it out loud. And in plain view of the world!
Yikes!
So here’s a challenge for all of us…
Let’s think back over the last week and try to recall the conversations we had with friends, family and strangers. Were they all loving? Was there an ugly tone used a time or two? What details can you remember about your random acts of kindness? Or was the week’s schedule packed with commitments, leaving no time to lend a hand or write a note of encouragement to a loved one?
Did you betray a confidence? Or tell a little white lie because you didn’t want to hurt someone’s feelings? Did you gossip about a pesky co-worker? How about that nasty Facebook or Instagram post? Was that really necessary? Did you tell a friend you’d pray for them, just because you thought that’s what she wanted to hear? Did you pray at all?
Anyhoooo, it really is true that we are writing our story for all the world to read. No edits or candy-coating, just the facts.
So here’s the big question….
Are either of us proud of the story we have written this past week? Would either of us be excited to see the last seven days of our lives written in black and white and delivered to the doorstep of everyone we know?
I had some snarky moments this week so no, I don’t want you to read my story. But there is good news…today is a brand new day and the new chapter begins!
Thank You Lord! Your mercies are new every morning!
This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use for His glory. I can waste it or use it for Him. What I do today is very important, because I am exhchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving something I have traded for it. I want today to be gain for God, not loss; good, not evil; success, no failure…in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it.
~Author Unknown
Every. Single. Day. Yup, we’re livin’ out loud! But some aren’t, actually, and that’s unfortunate because the risk is what makes us real. I hope my friends are not so critical of themselves that they itemize their offenses, rehearse them and call it humble. Every day is not a screw up, it’s an opportunity to love the unloveable – including US – because that’s what Jesus did. And He adores you. We can laugh at our dysfunction, can’t we? I don’t intend to whitewash my life. I’ve attempted that. I’ve decided not to tidy it up so it reads nice for church ladies, my story is for the broken – who understand broken and shrink from little ‘life lessons’ because they don’t need to feel like they can’t measure up anymore. You and me, we won’t make sense to everybody. That’s OK. We’re not here for everybody. Live it, write it, talk it – gritty details in poor order that leave the overly cautious puzzled but engage those who wish they didn’t ‘get it.’ THOSE are our people, Jeanann, and they need the grace of imperfection understand the love of God. Our authenticity will draw the connections He’s preordained for us to serve … if we’re not too ‘perfect.’ <3
That is so true, Susan! The stories may not be pretty, but they are ours. Happy to claim my redemption. Unworthy, no doubt, but it is a redemption full of grace, truth and love just the same! Love you, Sister!