We All Have a Story…
Sue’s Note: Today’s post is a slightly edited version of one published last summer. I ran across it recently, liked it, and thought it was worth sharing once again.
My photographer husband was looking for a good sunset photo. I was hoping to add a few steps to my Fitbit number when we headed to one of our favorite spots along Lake Coeur d’Alene.
The weather was unpleasant, and I added under 2000 steps. The sunset was less than spectacular, and Ron didn’t bother taking pictures. We did, however, have a blessed encounter.
Ron spoke with a homeless couple while I waited in our nice warm car. They told him they were waiting on a check to arrive, but until then, they couldn’t afford a place to live. They’d walked over 20 miles on this chilly, rainy day. The man pushed a loaded shopping cart, and the woman pulled a wagon containing their earthly possessions.
Ron shared the biggest part of the contents of his wallet with the couple. He asked permission to take their picture, and the man replied gently, “That would be real nice.” Afterward, he thanked Ron.
I watched this scene unfold from the comfort of our car and felt a soul-nudge to get out, visit, and ask them about their story. Experience has taught me most people like to share their stories with a willing listener.
But I did not. Insecurity and fatigue were greater than the nudge in my soul. Opening my heart to listen to someone’s story requires emotional energy, which was in short supply that evening. Fear, created by insecurity, also crept in. By the way, the persistent low growl of the dog walking with them didn’t alleviate my fear!
Insecurity, weariness, and fear often keep us from listening to another’s story.
This couple reminds me we all have a story. I have a story. My husband has a story. Every person reading this post has a story. And every story matters. Every story is important. God cares about every story.
Every person seen on television, encountered in the supermarket, driving on the freeway, all have a story.
Our stories are filled with chapters: some joyful, some hopeful, some sad, some right-down brutal.
Prayer:
God With Us,
You know our stories.
You came into a dark world to bring the good story of good love
To the poor, the disenfranchised, the abused, the lonely, the prisoner,
To those who cannot or will not see.
You came to bring freedom to all who would step into Your freedom[i].
I lift up the broken pieces of my own heart, the gaps in my own understanding
To You, the Only One who loves and understands perfectly.
I request a tomorrow different than today;
A tomorrow when grace will be written into stories
Whose chapters have been filled with suffering, sorrow, and sadness.
Bring healing, wholeness, and wellness to
Bodies, minds, emotions, relationships, and spirits
Throughout all the earth.
Re-form broken minds, broken hearts, a broken world with Your Divine Love!
Amen
Blessings of your journey, and may you experience God’s love in your story today…
[i] See Luke 4:14-21