OK, So the Story Goes Like This...

~~ 1 Chronicles 16:8-12 (NIV1984) ~~  Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.  Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.  Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.  Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.  Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,



by Carley Cooper

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Have you ever stopped long enough to look around and pay attention to how often you see it happening?  People are doing it in books, in the movies, at parties, at the office, on blogs, in the newspaper, magazines, on Facebook, Twitter, on the bus.  Some might even venture to say that you even see it on “reality TV”.  Of course, that last one depends on one’s definition of “reality”, but that’s another topic for another blog.  What am I talking about?  I’m talking about people telling their own stories.  They are true stories; talking about what happened at some point in the past in their lives.

Have you ever wondered why?  That is, why do people want so much to talk about their own lives; to relive and share the past?  It’s gone, over, done!  The credits have rolled and you can’t go back and change any scenes.  So, why talk about it so much?  Wouldn’t just accepting it and moving on from here make more sense?  Well, there are a list of reasons, and I’m sure this list is just a fraction of the complete list of reasons.  First, some people just feel the need to express themselves; whether it be pain, happiness, or just the need to clobber someone.  Others just like to talk about their favorite subject; ME!  Eh, well, not me, Carley; you know; themselves.  Others hope to gain something from sharing their story; fame, fortune, sex, material items, and the list goes on. 

From a Christian perspective does the picture change?  Does it become a different story?  Is it a good thing for Christians to be telling our stories?  After all; boasting, gossip and the like are sins.  James 4:16 (NIV1984) tells us "As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil".  We certainly don’t want to intentionally do that.  We also know that once we truly surrender all to God and allow Him to shape us, mold our hearts to be like that of Jesus, and to help the fruit of the Holy Spirit become who we are; then some awesome things will start happening in our lives.  Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV1984) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."  Once your heart truly belongs to Jesus you will start to see some supernatural things happening in your life; and at a rate that you could never hope to write them all down or share every incident.  There will be just way too many.  Sometimes Christians are afraid to share their stories because of fear of judgement from others.  Other times, Christians are afraid to lay everything down at the foot of the cross.  Thoughts of fear fill their minds about not having any input or control over their own lives if God is in the driver’s seat.  I mean “what if He wants me to do stuff that I don’t want to do?”.  Well Worshiper’s; guess what?  That’s a given.  Even though you may not be able to see it now, He will insist on you stepping out of your comfort zone.  But, in the end you will be blessed and thankful for it. 

This kind of supernatural activity can only happen because of the sacrifice that Jesus made when He willingly died for us on the cross.  Once you let Him in to your heart and life, you are allowing Him to do His best miracles that He has in store for you.  Until then, you won’t see the miracles, blessings, or supernatural events.  The Word won’t be as clear in your mind.  2 Corinthians 3:16 (AMP) tells us “But whenever a person turns [in repentance] to the Lord, the veil is stripped off and taken away”. 

This event of Jesus dying for us is the single most amazing and wondrous thing that has ever happened in history; or ever will happen.  Nothing else even comes close.  For that matter, everything else combined still doesn’t come close.  The story of Jesus deserves to be told to every single person on earth.  God wants us to tell our stories because  it is evidence of His amazing love for us, and what He has done for us.  He wants our stories to be told and remembered.  Psalm 111:4 (ESV) says “He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful.”.  It is our responsibility to tell our stories to others. 

So, is it scary sometimes?  Absolutely!  As a matter of fact we are even warned about who we share with.  Matthew 7:6 (NIV1984)Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.  If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces".  I think “dogs” is a adjective to describe not only non-Christian’s, but also Christian’s who do not have a true relationship with Christ.  Those that don’t stop to pay attention, or have some fear of preventing them from allowing or believing in God’s miracles in our daily lives.  The best course of action, when in doubt, is to use your common sense and to listen very closely for God’s voice in your heart leading you.  We are meant to plant a seed.  If there can be any growing inside, it’s up to Jesus to do the watering.  We are not meant to stick around and put ourselves in a situation that could cause temptation, risk our salvation or our safety.

I have started writing a book about my life.  To be completely honest, it is very unnerving for me to be that open to the world; so that all is exposed.  Will I get judgement from others?  Absolutely.  I fully expect it.  It is also possible that there will be people that I love that will walk out of my life.  However, I know that He will be with me every step of the way.  Psalm23:4 (NIV84) says “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”  My story shows how much God loves me.  He loves me enough to go through a lot of trouble to shape me and teach me.  He loves me enough to send His Son to die for me!  My story is just one small example that displays how awesome God can be for each one of us.  So I will tell it, and I won’t be ashamed.  Psalm119:46 (NIV1984) says “I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame”.

Next time you hear someone telling their story, stop and listen... really listen for the true message.  There are as many different ways for you to tell your story as there are people that have stories to tell.  You could write book, a blog or a poem; make a video or go on TV, chat on social networking, make a photo journal, stand on the roof of the tallest building in town and shout, or simply alone with a friend who really needs to hear the lesson you have to teach.  How are you going to tell your story?  You really do have a story worth telling, and there are people waiting to hear it.



~~ Dear God ~~ Thank you the journey you have taken me on, and for giving me a story that shows Your awesome love and mercy.  Please help me tell my story in a way that will touch people’s hearts.  Open their eyes, ears and heart so that  they will see Your peace within me, say “I want what she has”.  Please protect me from the “dogs”, and surround me with people that will love me no matter what my story has to say.  In Jesus name, AMEN.



26 comments :

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you NDERR2 for the feedback & support. I very much appreciate it.

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  2. nice thanks........

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    1. Thank you LITA for the feedback & support. I very much appreciate it.

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  3. EVER-HOPEFULJanuary 20, 2012

    Great!

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    1. Thank you EVER-HOPEFUL for the feedback & support. I very much appreciate it.

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  4. BRENDAJOY CE64January 20, 2012

    I was so happy to read your blog, and can't wait to read your book - it will be great!!

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    1. Thank you BRENDAJOYCE64 for the feedback & support. I very much appreciate it and needed it this morning.

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  5. Great! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thank you PURPLELVR7 for the feedback & support. I very much appreciate it and needed it this morning. I hope you have a blessed day. Hugs.

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  6. In some ways, writing (blogs, essays, fiction, anything) is like exercising: the more you do it, the stronger you become and the better at it. Have you ever taken a look at your early blogs, compared to how you write now? 'cause your writing has become very skilled! (Thinks me.)

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    1. Thank you KASEY for the feedback & support. I very much appreciate it and needed it this morning. I have gone back and reread my old blogs. I've noticed an improvement not only in my writing, but in me. Just by the things I talk about I can see how God has worked in my life. Sometimes when I'm down, I can go back and reread some old stuff and it brings me up again. It gives me inspiration; and I figure if I can inspire myself than hopefully that means I'm inspiring others as well. Unfortunately I've had to remove most off my old stuff from the first few years I was on here, because I talked about EVERYTHING in my life. The person who was abusing me at the time found out and my safety became a factor. Even now, I restrict myself a lot in what I talk about because I'm still nervous about that. But I keep my eye on God, and I never quit. You are a blessing to me KASEY. Thanks. I hope you have a blessed day. Hugs.

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  7. Great blog! Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Thank you SHAWFAN. I'm very happy that you enjoyed it. Hugs.

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  8. LITTLEGUYSMOM1January 20, 2012

    Great blog! It reminds me to stop and listen to another's story, they might have something to say that I need to learn. Looking forward to reading your story!

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    1. Thank you LITTLEGUYSMOM1 for reading and the feedback. I so very much appreciate it. HUGS.

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  9. I would like to think that people share their story to relate to others. That they may be going down the same path weather it be right or wrong. Share the outcome of something not so positive. But it could be that some people just like to talk about them selves =) . That was nice to read. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thank you so very much CHUEYSMOM for sharing. Thank you also for reading my blog and the supportive feedback. It's much appreciated. HUGS.

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  10. YELLOWDAHLIAJanuary 20, 2012

    That was a great blog Carley!

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    1. YELLOWDAHLIA - Thanks so much for reading; and thanks so much for the great feedback. HUGS.

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  11. Replies
    1. Thanks SHOAPIE. BIG HUGZZZZZZZZZZ for you! I hope you have an awesome day.

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  12. Great blog, Carley!

    Learning how to educate in Christ without all the boasting, prideful behavior, or love for one’s own talent, is truly a challenge we are all called to take up here on the SparkPeople website. Research shows that those who more actively participate within the Spark Communities lose the most weight and keep it off for the longest.

    Just this week, my 5% team challenged us to blog daily. For an introvert, this was a bit difficult, but calling upon my gift of photography and love for the Lord, I think I fared okay. I pray I set a good example of good living with my team mates. It would likely be wise if we were to read or re-read our writing/blogs as if we were reading it to Jesus . . . would he approve? Interesting concept!

    I prayed your prayer. Thanks!

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    1. Wow.. EVELYN. That certainly is an interesting concept. I may have to think about that for a while. It could be a whole blog topic on it's own. And, SP! Well, I've learned SO much more than just weight loss and healthy living. One day, I'll post about that too. It's taught me so much about myself that I never knew before. God is awesome how He uses everything for our own good. It gets me excited sometimes when I think about it. Thanks for reading, and thanks for the supportive feedback. HUGZZZZZZZ

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  13. Thank you

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    1. You are so very welcom ALASKASKY. I hope you were blessed by it. Hugs.

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