I am linking up for the Five Minute Friday. This is also Day 6 of the Write 31 Days challenge. The FMF is hosted by Kate Motaung over at our Five Minute Friday website. Today’s word prompt is “story.” We would love to have you join us.
A good story has a true beginning, middle and end. It’s plots twist and turn as you try to figure out where the writer is headed. Sometimes tears are shed. Other times you may find yourself rolling on the floor in laughter. The words find a way to seep into our heart as we find ourselves falling in love or even hate with one of the characters.
And like a good book, life often unfolds in ways we never imagined either. Sometimes life paralyzes us with our own grief. Or we find ourselves enamored with joy. This week has been a week where the story of life had unfolded unexpectedly. Two young pastors taken way too soon–leaving behind their beloved spouses and children. As I read the words of their deaths, it seemed as if they were words unfolding out of a fiction book. But instead they were real. They were autobiographical for their families, friends and all who knew them.
Sometimes there are parts of our story that we want to run from. We don’t want to live into our own reality. But God calls us to trust in him. To live out these words. that we hear from Brene Brown, “The bravest thing you’ll ever do is tell your story.” In telling our stories and clinging to resurrection hope, we trust in the promises of grace; jagged grace for each of us. It is in the telling of our stories that we can loudly proclaim, “This is my story. This is my song.” A story that God authors and writes.
Great post, Tara. And my heart aches for the loss, two pastors gone far too young.
I’m not sure that I’m ‘brave’ in telling my story. It just has to be done, is all.
You are indeed brave in telling your story, my friend!
Oh Tara I remember last week you were grieving one pastor gone. I did not know there were two. Praying for the families and for your heavy heart now for Our Lord is close to the broken hearted. Your post ends with such encouragement, thank you. I respect Brene Brown, and I believe God can equip all of us with the courage needed to do our part in His story. Bless you, Your Friday neighbor
It’s so sad. In fact, in like a month, there have been at least 3 young pastors who have died. Thanks for the prayers. They are so greatly appreciated! I respect Brene Brown too. Bless you too!
Amen to not wanting to live in our own reality some days!
Those sudden plot twists are the most heart wrenching. May God comfort your pain and the pain of those families. #!8 today
Right? And thank you!
Oh gosh – those pastors. I know what you mean about it seeming so unreal it must be fiction.
I’m also a writer, finding a way to tell my story. My first full-length book is being published in 10 days’ time! Hope you keep writing and telling yours. (Visiting from FMF)
Congrats on your first book being published.
My dad and I always laugh about beginning, middle, and end stories. He loves a neat and clear ending! I love French and Italian movies that just kind of …. end. And you’re left wondering. I guess that’s how life is a lot of times, right?
I am with your dad, I like a good ending too.
So sorry to hear about these losses, they are definitely an interruption to the story of life! May you always look forward to the next chapter, this is not the end.
Thinking of you this weekend. xx
Thank You Katha!
I’m sorry to hear about the losses in your life Tara. My comfort in all of this is that I am a character in God’s story, and he’s a better author than I could ever hope to be!
amen to Anita – grateful we can trust the main Author
Ditto!!
Amen!!!
Yes, there is need to tell our story. All stories have great loss and great joy with a sprinkling of ordinary in-between.
Indeed!!!
So good, friend! You have been on my heart and in prayers this week! xoxo
Thank You!!! xoxo
“And like a good book, life often unfolds in ways we never imagined…” Amen to that sister. Love your post today. #fmf xx
Thank You! xoxo
so sad to hear of the losses in your life this week tara:( great post today! i’m #42 today.
Thanks!
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Praying for those families and the communities they pastor. thanks for sharing with us! Happy Friday and weekend to you!
Thank You! The prayers are so greatly appreciated!
It does some courage to share our story…but it really can be one of the greatest gifts we give.
Exactly!
It’s not always easy to tell our stories but I’m glad God can use them.
Me too!!!
Great post. I love how you remind us how important it is to live our story. 🙂
Thank You!
Great post, friend. Thank you encouraging me to be brave to continue sharing my story. Love your words, as always! 🙂
You’re welcome and thank you!
That is so sad about the two pastors’ deaths. “Jagged grace” is a very good way to describe these terrible times of loss even in the midst of knowing God is present and at work. Life can be “brutiful,” as Glennon Doyle puts it. But God is still the Author and Finisher of our faith and our stories.
It truly is, isnt it?!?! Brutiful…I like that term! God is indeed the Author and Finisher of our faith and our stories.